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OPA News Release: [02/27/2004] Contact Name: Michael
Volpe Phone Number: (202) 693-7909
Labor Secretary Chao Calls for Entries to 2004 New
Freedom Initiative Award
WASHINGTONLabor Secretary Elaine L. Chao today called upon
non-profits, small businesses, corporations and individuals that have
demonstrated exemplary and innovative efforts in furthering the employment and
workplace environment for people with disabilities, a goal of President
Bushs New Freedom Initiative, to submit their entries for the 2004
Secretary of Labors New Freedom Initiative Award.
The Award recognizes public-private partnerships and programs that have
demonstrated a positive and measurable impact on the employment of people with
disabilities through access to assistive technologies, the use of innovative
training, hiring and retention techniques. It also recognizes those
partnerships, programs or individuals who develop comprehensive strategies to
enhance the ability of Americans with disabilities to enter and advance within
the workforce of the 21st Century.
President George W. Bush wants all Americans, including Americans
with disabilities, to have the opportunity to learn, develop skills and engage
in productive work said Secretary Chao. The recipients of the 2004
Secretary of Labors New Freedom Initiative Awards are organizations that
recognize the value that persons with disabilities bring to the workplace and
exemplify that philosophy in their daily operations.
Additional information on the award and specific nomination criteria are
available in the February 27, 2004 Federal Register or at www.dol.gov/odep under the New Freedom Initiative tab.
The information is also available by calling the Office of Disability
Employment Policy (ODEP), Education and Outreach Section, at (202) 693-7880.
The deadline for receipt of nominations is May 21, 2004.
President Bush introduced the New Freedom Initiative within 30
days of his Presidency, on February 1, 2001. The initiative contains a
comprehensive set of proposals designed to ensure that Americans with
disabilities have the opportunity to learn and develop skills, engage in
productive work, make choices about their daily lives and participate fully in
their communities. ODEP has the key responsibility for implementing the
employment-related aspects of the New Freedom Initiative.
Nominees eligible for the Award include individuals, businesses (both
large and small), or non-profit organizations. In 2003, there were ten award
recipients, representing one individual, four non-profit organizations and five
businesses.
ODEP is the nations first assistant secretary-led office that
specifically addresses policies that impact 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.
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