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ODEP News Release: [05/12/2003]
Contact Name: Michael
Volpe
Phone Number: (202) 693-7880
U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao Selects
“America Works Best When All Americans Work” As October’s
National Disability Employment Awareness Month Theme
WASHINGTON—Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao has selected
“America Works Best When All Americans Work” as the official
theme for October’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
“The theme, America Works Best When All Americans Work,
emphasizes the Bush Administration’s position of economic opportunity
through job creation,” said Chao. “It also builds upon the
accomplishments of the President’s New Freedom Initiative which has
created opportunities for persons with disabilities to be fully integrated into
the 21st Century workforce.”
Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) Assistant Secretary Roy
Grizzard said, “The selection of the theme will especially help the
private sector, federal, state and local governments, and advocacy
organizations plan events and programs that showcase the abilities and skills
of job seekers and working Americans who have disabilities.”
ODEP is the nation’s first Assistant Secretary-led office that
specifically addresses policies that impact upon the employment of people with
disabilities. It acts as a catalyst to stimulate new ideas about employment
through research and development, policy analysis, grant awards, technical
assistance, and the promotion of effective business practices.
Background: Public Law 176, enacted by Congress in 1945, designated the
first week in October as “National Employ the Physically Handicapped
Week.” President Harry S. Truman designated the President’s Committee
on Employment of People with Disabilities to carry out the law. Congress
changed the name to “National Disability Employment Awareness Month”
in 1988. The responsibility for leading the nationwide recognition was
transferred to ODEP in 2001.
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