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On July 26, 1990, former President George Bush signed the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), declaring, “let the shameful wall
of exclusion finally come tumbling down.” With the signing of the ADA, our
nation took an unprecedented step forward toward ensuring the full integration
of people with disabilities into American society.
Because of the ADA, millions of Americans today are able to
compete for jobs once denied them, enter buildings once closed to them, access
information once unavailable to them, and travel on buses and trains once
unequipped for them. Progress has been made since the enactment of the ADA, but
significant barriers still exist for the more than 54 million Americans with
disabilities.
In today’s global economy, America must be able to draw on
the talents and creativity of all its people. In recognition of this, on
February 1, 2001, President George W. Bush announced his plan to tear down the
barriers to equality that remain for Americans with disabilities through the
New Freedom Initiative. This Administration is committed to ensuring that the
ADA’s promises of equality of opportunity, full participation, independent
living, and economic self-sufficiency become a reality.
Founded upon the spirit of the ADA, the New Freedom Initiative is
a comprehensive plan designed to give Americans with disabilities increased
access to innovative new technologies and expanded educational opportunities.
It will also help people with disabilities integrate into the workforce, and
promote their full access to community life.
The proposals detailed inside are designed to further the
President’s New Freedom Initiative by building a work environment that
truly opens the door of opportunity to all people, including those with
disabilities. As Secretary of Labor, I stand committed to ensuring that the
Department of Labor’s programs and services are available to and
accessible by all people with disabilities. Through our new Office of
Disability Employment Policy, we will facilitate changes in policies and
practices across the Department of Labor and will work with our colleagues
across the Federal government to ensure that Americans with disabilities are
given the opportunity to move from spectators to participants in the world of
work.
Sincerely,
Elaine L. Chao
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