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ODEP News Release: [05/04/2006]
Contact Name: Peggy
Abrahamson or Melinda Thielen
Phone Number: (202) 693-4676 or x4681
Release Number: 06-0804-NAT
"Americans with Disabilities: Ready for the Global Workforce" is 2006 National Disability Employment Awareness Month Theme
WASHINGTON — Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao this week announced that "Americans with Disabilities: Ready for the Global Workforce" will be the official theme for October's National Disability Employment Awareness Month, which is celebrated nationwide.
"The 2006 theme — "Americans with Disabilities: Ready for the Global Workforce" — highlights the fact that workers with disabilities are an underutilized and ambitious group of Americans eager to pursue their career dreams," said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. "This theme echoes the President"s New Freedom Initiative which has been out in front in recognizing the need to promote greater job opportunities for workers with disabilities."
The private sector; federal, state and local governments; and advocacy organizations can now use the theme to plan events and programs that showcase the abilities and skills of employees and job candidates who have disabilities.
"This year"s theme reflects the fact that increasing the opportunities for Americans with disabilities in the workforce can produce far-reaching, positive results for employers," said Roy Grizzard, assistant secretary of labor for the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP).
ODEP is the nation's first assistant secretary-led office that specifically addresses policies that impact the employment of people with disabilities. For example, ODEP has developed methods for the 3,500 One-Stop Career Centers nationwide to serve people with barriers to employment, including people with disabilities. Collaborating with sister DOL agencies — the Employment and Training Administration and the Civil Rights Center -- ODEP developed a disability checklist to assist with implementation of Section 188 of the Workforce Investment Act at the local level.
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