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ODEP News Release: [12/01/2003]
Contact Name: Michael Volpe
Phone Number: (202) 693-7909

DOL Assistant Secretary Grizzard Addresses Enhanced Transportation Services for People With Disabilities at “United We Ride” News Conference

WASHINGTON—Noting “inadequate transportation can inhibit employment for all people, but is an even greater barrier to people with disabilities,” Dr. Roy Grizzard, Assistant Secretary of Labor for the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) said today, “Government at all levels is working to coordinate transportation policies and programs for those people with disabilities who need it the most.”

Dr. Grizzard made his remarks at a Fairfax, Va., news conference announcing “United We Ride,” an initiative to assist states and communities in coordinating human service transportation. Also attending the news conference were Jennifer Dorn, Administrator, Federal Transit Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, Representative Tom Davis (VA), Fairfax County Board Chairman Kate Hanley, Fairfax County Board Chairman-elect Gerald Connolly, and Patricia Franckewitz, Director, Fairfax County Department of Community and Recreation Services. The event highlighted the Fastran system, which provides rides for employment, health, senior day programs, recreation and other services.

“Reliable transportation services to and from work is a key component of increased employment opportunities for people with disabilities,” Dr. Grizzard said. “Today’s announcement is in keeping with President Bush’s New Freedom Initiative, whose policies seek to test new transportation ideas and develop partnerships to increase access to public transit as well as alternate means of transportation, such as vans with specialty lifts, modified automobiles, and ride-share programs.”

The United We Ride campaign will feature a National Leadership Forum in 2004 to discuss transportation coordination, prepare model transportation programs and share best practices, as well as other transportation initiatives. More information on United We Ride can be found at www.dot.gov. ODEP information can be found at www.dol.gov/odep.

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