WASHINGTONSecretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao has selected America Works Best When All Americans Work as the official theme for Octobers National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
The theme, America Works Best When All Americans Work, emphasizes the Bush Administrations position of economic opportunity through job creation, said Chao. It also builds upon the accomplishments of the Presidents New Freedom Initiative which has created opportunities for persons with disabilities to be fully integrated into the 21st Century workforce. Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) Assistant Secretary Roy Grizzard said, The selection of the theme will especially help the private sector, federal, state and local governments, and advocacy organizations plan events and programs that showcase the abilities and skills of job seekers and working Americans who have disabilities. ODEP is the nations first Assistant Secretary-led office that specifically addresses policies that impact upon 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.
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 Presidents 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. _________________________________________________________________ Archived News Release — Caution: Information may be out of date.
