News Release

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

WASHINGTON—Labor 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 Bush’s New Freedom Initiative, to submit their entries for the 2004 “Secretary of Labor’s 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 21^st 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 Labor’s 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 nation’s 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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