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Remarks Delivered by
U.S. Secretary of Labor
Elaine L. Chao
New Freedom Initiative Awards Ceremony
Washington,
D.C.
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Thank you, Roy [Grizzard, Assistant Secretary for Disability
Employment Policy]. Good afternoon, everyone!
Let me recognize some of today's very special guests: It's always so
nice to see Yoshiko Dart. And we are pleased to have from the White House,
Olegario Cantos, Associate Director on Disabilities of the Domestic Policy
Council.
As all of you know, October is National Disability Awareness Month. And
this year, the theme for October is very timely "Americans with
Disabilities: Ready for the Global Workforce." As our country becomes part
of the worldwide economy, it is more important than ever before to tap the
skills and talents of our entire workforce.
Today is the fifth anniversary of the Secretary of Labor's New Freedom
Initiative Awards, which I created in 2002. Americans with disabilities are a
valuable part of our workforce. The New Freedom Initiative Award ceremony is a
great opportunity to recognize the employers, organizations and individuals who
have shown exceptional commitment to equal access and opportunity for Americans
with disabilities. Their commitment and leadership are making our country and
our communities stronger.
The New Freedom Initiative was a priority of President George W. Bush
from the very beginning of his presidency, when he announced it on February 1,
2001. It was one of this Administration's very first legislative proposals.
This initiative committed the federal government to dismantling barriers for
Americans with disabilities, and ensuring that they participate more fully in
every aspect of mainstream America. And it gave the Labor Department a key role
in pioneering strategies, technology and programs to increase employment
opportunities for Americans with disabilities.
Let me mention two successful programs that the Department has
initiated to increase employment for Americans with disabilities. The first is
the Employer Assistance and Recruiting Network, or
EARN. It matches workers with disabilities with appropriate
employers.
The second is the Jobs Accommodation Network, which helps
employers accommodate and retain employees with disabilities. Both of these
initiatives are funded through Department of Labor grants.
In addition, the Department of Labor has supported other innovative
employment programs to ensure access for Americans with disabilities.
For example, the Department has advanced the concept of customized
employment for severely disabled Americans. Customized employment considers
both the abilities of job seekers and creating a position that meets employers'
needs. It has been very successful in placing the most severely disabled
individuals in jobs.
Here is just one example: When a family restaurant closed in 2004, the
family was unsure if their severely disabled daughter could work in another
environment. But her employment counselor, who was provided by a Department of
Labor grant, uncovered her special talents. Today she is working at a gift shop
in her community, four days a week.
The High School High-Tech Youth Project is another
successful initiative funded through Department of Labor grants. It is one of
the Department's most successful youth projects. It is a transition program for
high school students who want to explore careers in science and technology.
Let me tell you about one success story. It's about a young man in
Oklahoma with an intellectual disability who struggled with academics all his
life. Through this program, he learned to use a computer to design a
competitive race car. His computer model car advanced within the Oklahoma state
competition. His story was featured in a local newspaper. He says that next
year, he is going to enter a movie in the competition in addition to his race
car.
Another example of the Department's commitment to inclusion is the
REALifelines program. It prepares severely wounded veterans for
jobs. These brave, patriotic men and women were on the front lines of defending
our freedom. They were there for us. Now it's our turn to be there for them.
The Recovery and Employment Assistance
Lifelines program began in November 2003, at Walter Reed and
Bethesda hospitals. It places staff from the Department on site at these
hospitals, to provide wounded veterans with individual, one-on-one counseling,
employment assistance, job referrals and other services.
Before I conclude, let me say a few words about the first recipient of
the Secretary's New Freedom Initiative Spirit Award. It is a
brand new award this year. It recognizes an individual with a disability who
has demonstrated leadership and an unyielding commitment to achieving success.
Our awardee this year is known to many, many Americans. He is former Major
League pitcher Dave Dravecky.
In his athletic prime, Dave lost his arm to cancer. But that didn't
stop him from reaching out to others and becoming an inspiration for all
Americans. He founded the Outreach of Hope Ministry in 1991. It offers comfort,
encouragement and hope to those who have experienced cancer, amputation or
serious illness. Dave, thank you for coming all the way from Colorado Springs
to be with us today.
This is the fifth year of the New Freedom Initiative awards. Each year,
the videos and stories highlighted help us appreciate even more the commitment,
talent, and skills that Americans with disabilities offer. So thank you for
what you do to create hope and opportunity. Working together, we can continue
to ensure that each and every American has the opportunity to realize his or
her full potential.
And now, the Deputy Secretary, Steven Law, will introduce the
recipients of our Fifth Annual New Freedom Initiative Awards.
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