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OPA News Release: [02/24/2004]
Contact Name: Michael
Volpe
Phone Number: (202) 693-7909
Labor Secretary Chao says Transportation is Critical to
Employing Disabled and Disadvantaged Americans
WASHINGTON—Noting that “When Transportation Works,
America Works,” Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao said today the federal
government is increasing its coordination efforts with state agencies and local
employment networks to provide low-income, disadvantaged and older Americans
with the most accessible and affordable transportation to and from work.
“Coordinated transportation is one of the most important, and
perhaps least appreciated, components of a transition from a life of
unemployment and dependency for Americans to one of employment and
productivity,” Chao said in a keynote luncheon speech before the
“United We Ride National Leadership Forum.” The forum brings national
leaders together to discuss transportation coordination, showcase model
transportation programs and share best practices. It is co-sponsored by the
Departments of Labor, Education, Transportation, and Health and Human
Services
“All of our actions support President Bush’s New Freedom
Initiative, whose policies seek to test innovative transportation ideas and
to develop partnerships that increase access to public transit and alternate
means of transportation,” Secretary Chao said. Chao noted that the Bush
Administration has had success in promoting interagency collaboration in
transportation at the federal level that can be duplicated at the state and
local levels.
In an effort to link transportation to the employment of disabled and
disadvantaged Americans, the Secretary said the department’s Office of
Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) has committed $100,000 to better address
transportation coordination at the state and local level. She said that
DOL’s Employment and Training Administration (ETA) has jointly funded a
series of demonstration projects aimed at integrating transportation services
in One-Stop Career Centers. The department has become an active member of the
government’s Coordinating Council on Access and Mobility.
DOL’s Assistant Secretary for Disability Employment Policy, Roy
Grizzard, also spoke during the event. ODEP is the nation's first assistant
secretary-led office that specifically addresses policies that impact
employment of people with disabilities. ODEP is 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.
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