The Secretary of Labor’s New Freedom Initiative Award
RECOGNITION FOR EXEMPLARY DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES
Given annually to small businesses, corporations, non-profits and individuals that have demonstrated exemplary and innovative efforts in furthering the employment and workplace environment for workers with disabilities.
Secretary of Labor’s New Freedom Initiative Award
Established in 2002, the Secretary of Labor’s New Freedom Initiative Award annually recognizes non-profits, small businesses, corporations and individuals that have demonstrated exemplary and innovative efforts in furthering the employment and workplace environment for people with disabilities, a goal of President Bush’s New Freedom Initiative.
This award encourages the use of public-private partnerships to develop and implement strategies that enhance employment opportunities and career advancement for individuals with disabilities. Such strategies include increasing access to assistive technologies and utilizing innovative training, hiring and retention strategies.
The President’s New Freedom Initiative (NFI)
On February 1, 2001, President George W. Bush announced the New Freedom Initiative. Reinforcing the Administration’s commitment to the Americans with Disabilities Act, the New Freedom Initiative represents 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.
The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP)
The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) is uniquely charged with providing a national focus on enhancing the employment of people with disabilities. As such, ODEP has the key responsibility for implementing the employment-related aspects of the President’s New Freedom Initiative.
PLAN NOW TO PARTICIPATE
TIMELINE
• February: Federal Register Announcement
• May: Application Deadline
• October: Award Event
For more information
Call (202) 693-7880
Visit www.dol.gov/odep/newfreedom to learn employers’ best practices in raising the bar in the disability employment arena
