Proclamation 3157—National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week, 1956

Whereas opportunity for employment should not be denied any qualified person because of a physical handicap; and

Whereas there is a community responsibility for developing local understanding and local acceptance of handicapped persons seeking employment; and

Whereas there is a need for sound planning, organization, and concerted action if this responsibility is to be met; and

Whereas there is also a need for increased community efforts to overcome misconceptions among employers and co-workers concerning the handicapped, who, when properly placed, make efficient, reliable, and loyal employees and fellow workers; and

Whereas 1956 marks the twelfth observance of a week wherein Nationwide attention is focused on the problems of rehabilitation and placement of the physically handicapped; and

Whereas the observance of National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week each year, as authorized by the joint resolution of the Congress approved August 11, 1945 (59 Stat. 530), emphasizes the desirability of a year-round program for the utilization and conservation of the abilities of our handicapped citizens:

Now, Therefore, I, Dwight D. Eisenhower, President of the United States of America, do call upon the people of our Nation to observe the week beginning October 7, 1956, as National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week, and to cooperate with the President's Committee on Employment of the Physically Handicapped in carrying out the aforementioned resolution of the Congress.

I also urge the governors of States, mayors of municipalities, other public officials, leaders of industry and labor, and members of religious, civic, veterans', agricultural, women's, handicapped persons', and fraternal organizations to participate actively in this observance.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the United States of America to be affixed.

DONE at the City of Washington this 20th day of September in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and fifty-six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the one hundred and eighty-first.

DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER

By the President:

HERBERT HOOVER, Jr.,

Acting Secretary of State