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OPA News Release: [07/03/2002]
Contact Name: Dina Dorich
Phone Number: 202-276-6200

U. S. Department Of Labor Announces New Freedom Initiative Award

WASHINGTON – Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao announced today that the U.S. Department of Labor will initiate an Inaugural New Freedom Initiative Award. This award, which will be announced in October of each year, will recognize individuals, non-profit organizations, businesses, and corporations that have demonstrated exemplary and innovative efforts in furthering the employment objectives of President Bush’s New Freedom Initiative.

The award will encourage the use of public-private partnerships by recognizing programs which have demonstrated a positive and measurable impact on the employment of people with disabilities through access to assistive technologies, the use of innovative training, hiring, and retention techniques, and the development of comprehensive strategies to enhance the ability of Americans with disabilities to enter and advance within the workforce of the 21^st Century.

Any individual or organization may submit a nomination, as may other entities on behalf of an individual or organization with the knowledge and permission of the nominee. Self-nomination is also encouraged. The deadline for receipt of nominations is July 22, 2002.

Additional information on the award and specific nomination criteria is available at http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=2002_register&docid=02-15744-filed. Copies of the award criteria may also be obtained from Rhonda Basha (basha-rhonda@dol.gov) or by calling 202-693-5999.

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