Statement by Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis on 2012 International Day of Persons with Disabilities

WASHINGTON – Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis today issued the following statement to mark the 2012 International Day of Persons with Disabilities:

"Today is an important opportunity to celebrate the diversity and innovation that people with disabilities bring to businesses of all sizes in all industries every day. Through their talents and skills, they are contributing to global economic growth and making the United States a stronger nation.

"More countries are coming to recognize the importance of giving all qualified job seekers equal opportunity to compete. However, in both good economic times and in bad, people with disabilities continue to have fewer opportunities in our educational institutions and workplaces than those without disabilities. This must change. We know that there's a strong business case for why companies should hire people with disabilities. These Americans want to work, and they're highly capable of success if proper accommodations are made. In fact, there's a growing body of evidence proving that workers with disabilities often meet or exceed the job performance of those without them.

"Here at home, we've made tremendous advances since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in combating discrimination against those who may have a disability. With this progress domestically comes a greater responsibility on the world stage to work with other nations so that they embrace policies to help the world's 1 billion persons with disabilities access good jobs, educational opportunities and critical medical care.

"Today, I join President Obama in calling on foreign nations to recognize the dignity and extraordinary talents of persons with disabilities everywhere. The Department of Labor is committed to providing our partners at home and abroad with information about the most effective strategies for employing persons with disabilities."