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OPA News Release: [05/09/2002]
Contact Name: Sue Hensley
Phone Number: (202)693-4676

Department of Labor Announces Actions In Support Of
New Freedom Initiative For Americans With Disabilities

WASHINGTON – Secretary Elaine L. Chao today joined other Cabinet officials to affirm the Administration’s commitment to the New Freedom Initiative and release A Progress Report on Fulfilling America’s Promise to Americans with Disabilities.

“The Department of Labor is about employment, creating jobs, ensuring all Americans have the opportunity to work, and working to make certain that every American, including those with significant disabilities, can share in America’s prosperity,” said Secretary Chao. “ We must fully appreciate that the 21^st Century Workforce would be incomplete if it did not include the skills and contributions of all Americans, especially those with disabilities.”

Secretary Chao highlighted several ongoing DOL efforts relating to the President’s New Freedom Initiative:

• The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) and the Employment Training Administration will co-sponsor forums across the country to explore how the Department of Labor can better serve Americans with disabilities through reauthorization of the Workforce Investment Act.

• ODEP and the Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration will co-sponsor a Disability Saving and Asset Development Summit, focused on specific savings issues facing people with disabilities.

• ODEP is preparing to launch its 2002 Pilot Program and Technical Assistance Initiative. ODEP will fund more than $23 million in pilot projects in 2002 that will be used to develop employment best practices and build capacity within workforce systems.

Secretary Chao also announced the Department of Labor’s New Freedom Initiative Award, which she will give annually to individuals, organizations, or corporations that have, through programs or activities, demonstrated exemplary and innovative efforts in furthering the employment objectives of President Bush’s New Freedom Initiative.

“The New Freedom Initiative is helping Americans with disabilities share in the American dream. I’m proud to be a part of this effort,” Chao said.

A Progress Report on Fulfilling America’s Promise to Americans with Disabilities provides an overview of the Administration’s accomplishments through the first year of the New Freedom Initiative and provides some of the next steps, including some at DOL. Information on ODEP’s initiatives is available at http://www.dol.gov/odep/.

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