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ODEP News Release: [07/21/2003]
Contact Name: Michael
Volpe
Phone Number: (202) 693-7880
October 15, 2003 Designated as National Disability
Mentoring Day by Labor Secretary Chao
WASHINGTON—Oct. 15, 2003 has been designated as National
Disability Mentoring Day, Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao announced
today.
Begun in 1999, National Disability Mentoring Day promotes career
development for students and job seekers with disabilities through one-on-one
job shadowing, group visits to public and private employers, and hands-on
career exploration. It is held in October in conjunction with National
Disability Employment Awareness Month.
“National Disability Mentoring Day helps answer the President's
challenge to build a more welcoming, and compassionate nation for all our
citizens, which is the cornerstone of his New Freedom Initiative,”
Secretary Chao said. “I strongly encourage young people, schools,
businesses, and government agencies throughout the country to become involved
in this important national event.”
“National Disability Mentoring Day is an opportunity for young
people with disabilities to gain firsthand exposure to many of the career
options available to them,” said Roy Grizzard, assistant secretary of
labor for the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP). “It will also
make employers and the general public increasingly aware that people with
disabilities represent a largely untapped resource for sustaining our national
economy and well-being.”
Assistant Secretary Grizzard also gave special recognition to the
American Association of People with Disabilities, which co-sponsors National
Disability Mentoring Day with ODEP and works with other national organizations
to promote career exploration for students and job seekers with disabilities.
In 2003, young people in all 50 states, Guam, American Samoa, Japan, Italy,
Singapore, France, the United Kingdom, and Australia are expected to
participate in National Disability Mentoring Day.
ODEP is the nation’s first assistant secretary-led office that
specifically addresses policies that impact 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.
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