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OPA News Release: [02/19/2003]
Contact Name: Michael Volpe
Phone Number: (202) 693-7880

Department of Labor Invites Nominations for New Freedom Initiative Award

WASHINGTON—Businesses, non-profit organizations and individuals are invited to submit nominations for the Secretary of Labor’s New Freedom Initiative Award. Established in 2002 by Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao, the award recognizes organizations or individuals who have demonstrated exemplary and innovative efforts in furthering President George W. Bush’s New Freedom Initiative employment objectives.

“Government must work in partnership with the private sector to ensure that people with disabilities are fully integrated into the 21^st Century workforce,” Chao said. “The New Freedom Initiative Award helps us to recognize individuals and organizations who are on the leading edge of making this goal a reality.”

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 Labor Department’s Office of Disability Employment Policy has the key responsibility for implementing the employment-related aspects of the initiative.

Nominees must have developed and implemented a multi-faceted program directed toward increasing employment opportunities for people with disabilities through increased access to assistive technologies and use of innovative training, hiring and retention techniques. Self-nominations are encouraged.

Complete eligibility criteria and nomination guidelines were published in the Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2003 issue of the Federal Register and can be accessed at www.dol.gov/odep. Interested persons may also request a copy of the Federal Register notice by writing to the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy, Room S1303, Washington, DC 20210.

The deadline for receipt of nominations is May 15, 2003.

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