WASHINGTONU.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao has selected Youre Hired! Success Knows No Limitations! as the official theme for Octobers National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
The theme, Youre Hired! Success Knows No Limitations! emphasizes one of President George Bushs top prioritieseconomic opportunity through job creation, said Secretary Chao. It also builds upon the accomplishments of the Presidents 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 Youre Hired! Success Knows No Limitations! will help federal, state and local governments, advocacy groups and the business community plan events and programs throughout Octobers 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 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 _________________________________________________________________ Archived News Release — Caution: Information may be out of date.
