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ODEP News Release: [04/27/2006]
Contact Name: Peggy Abrahamson or Melinda Thielen
Phone Number: (202) 693-4676
Release Number: 06-0740-NAT

Labor Secretary Urges Champions of Workplace Accessibility to Apply for 2006 New Freedom Initiative Award

WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today urged corporations, small businesses, non-profit organizations and individuals who have demonstrated exemplary and innovative efforts in enhancing employments opportunities for workers with disabilities to apply for the 2006 New Freedom Initiative award. Nominations must be submitted by May 31.

"The New Freedom Initiative Award recognizes employers who are making a difference in helping people with disabilities access gainful employment in our economy," said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. "Americans with disabilities are a talented and underutilized pool of workers and this award highlights organizations that have demonstrated their commitment to increasing employment opportunities for all Americans. This ceremony also provides a forum for sharing best practices of strategies to bring Americans with disabilities into the workforce."

The award recognizes public-private partnerships and programs that have had a positive impact on the employment of people with disabilities through access to assistive technologies, the use of innovative training, and hiring and retention techniques. It also recognizes organizations, businesses or individuals who develop comprehensive strategies to enhance the ability of Americans with disabilities to enter and advance within the workforce of the 21st century.

Additional information on the award and specific nomination criteria are available at the U.S. Department of Labor's Web site at www.dol.gov/odep under the New Freedom Initiative tab. The information is also available by calling the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) Education and Outreach Division at (202) 693-7880.

President Bush introduced the New Freedom Initiative on Feb. 1, 2001, within a month of taking office. The initiative contains a comprehensive set of proposals designed to ensure that Americans with disabilities have the opportunity to learn and develop skills, engage in productive work, make choices about their daily lives and participate fully in their communities. ODEP has primary responsibility for implementing the employment-related aspects of the New Freedom Initiative.