Secretary Chao
Selects “You’re Hired! Success Knows No Limitations!” as
October’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month Theme

WASHINGTON—U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao has selected “You’re Hired! Success Knows No Limitations!” as the official theme for October’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

“The theme, ‘You’re Hired! Success Knows No Limitations!’ emphasizes one of President George Bush’s top priorities—economic opportunity through job creation,” said Secretary Chao. “It also builds upon the accomplishments of the President’s New Freedom Initiative which has created many opportunities for persons with disabilities to be fully included in the 21st Century workforce.”

The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) 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.

“People with disabilities are an untapped source of both capable employees and valued customers.” said Roy Grizzard, Assistant Secretary of Labor for Disability Employment Policy (ODEP). “The theme ‘You’re Hired! Success Knows No Limitations!’ will help federal, state and local governments, advocacy groups and the business community plan events and programs throughout October’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month that highlight the talents and skills of job seekers and working Americans who have disabilities.”

Background: Public Law 176, enacted by Congress in 1945, designated the first week in October as “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.” President Harry S. Truman designated the President’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities to carry out the law. Congress changed the name to “National Disability Employment Awareness Month” in 1988. The responsibility for leading the nationwide recognition was transferred to ODEP in 2001.

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Archived News Release — Caution: Information may be out of date.