Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao Calls for 2005 New
Freedom Initiative Award Nominations

WASHINGTON—Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao today called upon non-profits, small businesses, corporations and individuals that have demonstrated exemplary and innovative efforts in advancing the employment and workplace environment of people with disabilities to submit their entries for the 2005 Secretary of Labor's New Freedom Initiative Award.

President Bush and I believe that Americans with disabilities, like all Americans, should have the opportunity to work and to live productive lives, said Secretary Chao. The recipients of the Secretary of Labor's New Freedom Initiative Awards recognize that persons with disabilities bring skills and talents to the workplace and, when given the opportunity, can contribute substantially to an organization's success.

The Award recognizes public-private partnerships and programs that have had a positive impact on the employment of people with disabilities through access to assistive technologies, the use of innovative training, and hiring and retention techniques. It also recognizes organizations, businesses or individuals who develop comprehensive strategies to enhance the ability of Americans with disabilities to enter and advance within the workforce of the 21st Century.

Additional information on the award and specific nomination criteria are available in the February 10, 2005 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 27, 2005 (mailing deadline is May 22, 2005).

President Bush introduced the New Freedom Initiative on Feb. 1, 2001 within a month of taking office. 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 primary responsibility for implementing the employment-related aspects of the New Freedom Initiative.

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Archived News Release — Caution: Information may be out of date.