W. Roy Grizzard, Ed.D. Opening Remarks and
Introduction of the Secretary 2003 Secretary of Labor's New Freedom
Initiative Awards U. S. Department of Labor October 16, 2003
Welcome to the Second Annual Secretary of Labor's New Freedom
Initiative Awards.
It is my pleasure to recognize the award winners and all our
distinguished guests.
I know many of you came a long distance -- as far away as
California - to be with us today.
I welcome you to the Department of Labor, and hope you will have a
chance to visit with some of the outstanding people who work here, engaged in
the people's business.
In just a short while, you will hear about the work of a special
group of individuals and organizations that will be honored today.
You will hear about the commitment and creativity of people and
organizations whose work has opened countless doors to employment for people
with disabilities.
You will hear about some of the best examples of public-private
cooperation.
You will learn about their effective use of assistive technology
and innovative hiring, training and retention techniques.
Today, we recognize and honor organizations, corporations, and an
individual, whose activities exemplify the employment-related goals of
President George W. Bush's New Freedom Initiative.
You may know that on February 1, 2001, barely a fortnight into his
new term, President Bush announced his New Freedom Initiative.
He recognized that a concerted and coordinated effort was needed
among all Federal agencies to promote the full participation of people with
disabilities in all areas of society.
Such an effort would build upon the promise of the Americans with
Disabilities Act, an act signed into law eleven years earlier, in 1990, by his
father, President George H. W. Bush.
To the different agencies, he assigned tasks that fell within
their mandates. To Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao he entrusted the very
important task of leading the employment-related aspects of the New Freedom
Initiative.
His choice was excellent, for Secretary Chao has placed a
remarkably high priority on making the President's vision a reality. Her
talents, dedication and leadership are ensuring that this Administration is
delivering on the NFI promise.
Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my great pleasure to introduce to you
our Secretary of Labor, Elaine L. Chao.
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