W. Roy Grizzard, Ed.D.
Opening Remarks and Introduction of the Secretary
2003 Secretary of Labor's New Freedom Initiative Awards
U. S. Department of Labor
October 16, 2003

Welcome to the Second Annual Secretary of Labor's New Freedom Initiative Awards.

It is my pleasure to recognize the award winners and all our distinguished guests.

I know many of you came a long distance -- as far away as California - to be with us today.

I welcome you to the Department of Labor, and hope you will have a chance to visit with some of the outstanding people who work here, engaged in the people's business.

In just a short while, you will hear about the work of a special group of individuals and organizations that will be honored today.

You will hear about the commitment and creativity of people and organizations whose work has opened countless doors to employment for people with disabilities.

You will hear about some of the best examples of public-private cooperation.

You will learn about their effective use of assistive technology and innovative hiring, training and retention techniques.

Today, we recognize and honor organizations, corporations, and an individual, whose activities exemplify the employment-related goals of President George W. Bush's New Freedom Initiative.

You may know that on February 1, 2001, barely a fortnight into his new term, President Bush announced his New Freedom Initiative.

He recognized that a concerted and coordinated effort was needed among all Federal agencies to promote the full participation of people with disabilities in all areas of society.

Such an effort would build upon the promise of the Americans with Disabilities Act, an act signed into law eleven years earlier, in 1990, by his father, President George H. W. Bush.

To the different agencies, he assigned tasks that fell within their mandates. To Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao he entrusted the very important task of leading the employment-related aspects of the New Freedom Initiative.

His choice was excellent, for Secretary Chao has placed a remarkably high priority on making the President's vision a reality. Her talents, dedication and leadership are ensuring that this Administration is delivering on the NFI promise.

Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my great pleasure to introduce to you our Secretary of Labor, Elaine L. Chao.