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Remarks Prepared for Delivery by
U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao
Disability Mentoring Day
October Disability Awareness Month
Frances Perkins Building
Washington, D.C.
Wednesday, October 20, 2004
Thank you, Roy [Grizzard]. And thank you, Carrie, for telling
us your story. It will be an inspiration to many.
Good morning, everyone!
I want to thank Roy and his team in the Office of Disability Employment
Policy (ODEP), the mentors, students and corporate and government sponsors
who have made this day possible. I also want to recognize the American Association
of People with Disabilities, the co-sponsor of this event.
As you know, October is Disability Employment Awareness Month. And today,
Disability Mentoring Day, is a very important part of helping young people
with disabilities get a good start on the path to success. This year's theme—You're
Hired! Success Knows No Limitations!—recognizes the many gifts and talents
young people with disabilities bring to America's workforce.
When I look around this room, I see young people who are the next generation
of high-tech specialists, civil servants, businessmen and women and teachers.
America needs your talents.
That's why one of President George W. Bush's first actions in office was
to create the New Freedom Initiative. The goal of this initiative is to increase
access to education, technologies and employment opportunities so people
with disabilities can succeed in the 21st-century workforce. President Bush
and this Administration are committed to helping every individual with disabilities
participate fully in mainstream America.
36 students participated in the first Disability Mentoring Day five years
ago. Today, more than 7,000 students and 1,000 employers participate in this
mentoring program in communities and federal agencies in all 50 states, Washington,
D.C., the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and several international locations.
More than 100 students are here today to spend time with a mentor, learn
about careers and what their mentors do everyday in their jobs. Students,
be sure to ask them questions! This is a great opportunity to learn what
it takes to build a promising career path.
In fact, Disability Mentoring Day may be just what you need to get a start
in the career of your choice. John in New York found a job 10 days after
spending a day with his mentor last year. The mentoring experience helped
John focus on a new direction and renewed his confidence in his abilities.
In Tennessee, three students who participated in the day of mentoring were
offered jobs at a bank. And others in Kansas, Florida and California were
placed in internships.
There are many different paths to follow in the world of work. Disability
Mentoring Day is an important step along the road to building your future.
My own experiences with Disability Mentoring Day have been affirming and
inspiring. You have proven that every young American can achieve their dreams.
So thank you all for coming. We are delighted to have you with us at the
Labor Department, and I hope your enjoy your day!
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