|
 Printer-Friendly Version
Remarks Prepared for Delivery by
U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao
Americans with Disabilities Act 15th
Anniversary
John F. Kennedy Center for
the Performing Arts
Washington, D.C.
Monday, July 25, 2005
Thank you, Marco [Rodriguez, Board Member, National Council on Disability].
I am delighted to be here tonight to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the
Americans with Disabilities Act. This legislation, championed by President
George Herbert Walker Bush, is a milestone that changed the lives of millions
of people.
I am so proud that the Department of Labor plays a role in welcoming Americans
with disabilities into mainstream America. One of the Labor Department's highest
priorities is to ensure that Americans with disabilities have access to job
training and job opportunities so they can realize their dreams and be fully
integrated members of the community.
Every year, the Department honors forward-thinking companies who are reaching
out to Americans with disabilities with the Secretary's New Freedom Initiative
Award. This ceremony is always a highlight of the year. It showcases the inspiring
stories of Americans with disabilities who are making tremendous contributions
in every sector of our economy. Their courage and determination to make a difference
for our country are examples for us all. And I see more hope for the future
in the 300 college students and recent graduates with disabilities that the
Department recently helped place in summer jobs. The Department of Labor is
passionate and committed to helping Americans with disabilities.
Congratulations, President Bush, for your leadership in ensuring that Americans
with disabilities achieve their rightful place in mainstream America. Thank
you, everyone, for helping to further this dream.
_______________________________________________________________
| 
