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ODEP News Release: [07/26/2004]
Contact Name: Michael
Volpe
Phone Number: (202) 693-7909
Labor Secretary
Elaine L. Chao and U.S. Department of Labor Celebrate the 14th
Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act
WASHINGTON—U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao and the
U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) today celebrated the 14th anniversary
of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
“On the 14th anniversary of the Americans with
Disabilities Act, the Labor Department salutes the contributions of people with
disabilities and recognizes the achievements of President Bush’s
New Freedom
Initiative,” said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. “The
Labor Department is proud to take the lead in ensuring that people with
disabilities have full access to the workplace so they can realize their dreams
and our country can benefit from this talented pool of workers.”
Through the New Freedom Initiative, the Department of
Labor works to increase and improve access to employment opportunities for
people with disabilities. The Department has pioneered a number of new
initiatives, including emergency preparedness for people with disabilities, as
well as small businesses and employment service programs to ensure that people
with disabilities have full access to all available opportunities.
In December 2003, DOL hosted the first seminar on emergency preparedness
for federal employees with disabilities and issued comprehensive
recommendations on ensuring a safe and secure environment for people with
disabilities. The Labor Department is also working with the Small Business
Administration to increase self-employment and business ownership among people
with disabilities.
DOL is working with the Department of Housing & Urban Development to
provide people with disabilities new access points to customized employment
services that match the unique strengths, needs and interests of job candidates
with the needs of employers. One of the projects focuses on meeting the needs
of chronically homeless individuals by strengthening customized employment and
permanent housing services.
Another major Labor Department initiative focuses on improving access
for people with disabilities to the nationwide network of One-Stop Career
Centers. More than 200 program navigators are working in 17 states to ensure
the comprehensive and seamless delivery of employment services to people with
disabilities.
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