Jimmy Carter

“ America needs the talents and energies of all her citizens, including the physically and mentally handicapped. But many handicapped people have been kept from full participation in our society. To the handicaps they must overcome have been added the barriers of an environment constructed without them in mind, a lack of equal education, and exclusion from rewarding and useful employment. ”

“ I urge all Governors, Mayors, and other public officials, leaders in business and labor, and private citizens to take affirmative action to ensure equal employment opportunities for handicapped people and to join during this week and afterwards to work toward full equality in all aspects of American life. ”

“ New ideas in education, housing, jobs, and transportation are adding to the opportunities for handicapped people to be independent, to lead fuller lives and to contribute to society. In support of these goals, I have asked the heads of Executive departments and agencies to set an example for fair employment practices by demonstrating what can be done to make the fullest possible use of the abilities of qualified handicapped people. ”