Labor Secretary
Elaine L. Chao and U.S. Department of Labor Celebrate the 14th
Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

WASHINGTON—U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) today celebrated the 14th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

“On the 14th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Labor Department salutes the contributions of people with disabilities and recognizes the achievements of President Bush’s New Freedom Initiative,” said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. “The Labor Department is proud to take the lead in ensuring that people with disabilities have full access to the workplace so they can realize their dreams and our country can benefit from this talented pool of workers.”

Through the New Freedom Initiative, the Department of Labor works to increase and improve access to employment opportunities for people with disabilities. The Department has pioneered a number of new initiatives, including emergency preparedness for people with disabilities, as well as small businesses and employment service programs to ensure that people with disabilities have full access to all available opportunities.

In December 2003, DOL hosted the first seminar on emergency preparedness for federal employees with disabilities and issued comprehensive recommendations on ensuring a safe and secure environment for people with disabilities. The Labor Department is also working with the Small Business Administration to increase self-employment and business ownership among people with disabilities.

DOL is working with the Department of Housing & Urban Development to provide people with disabilities new access points to customized employment services that match the unique strengths, needs and interests of job candidates with the needs of employers. One of the projects focuses on meeting the needs of chronically homeless individuals by strengthening customized employment and permanent housing services.

Another major Labor Department initiative focuses on improving access for people with disabilities to the nationwide network of One-Stop Career Centers. More than 200 program navigators are working in 17 states to ensure the comprehensive and seamless delivery of employment services to people with disabilities.

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Archived News Release — Caution: Information may be out of date.