Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao Encourages Companies, Non-profits, Others to Apply for 2006 New Freedom Initiative Awards

Awards Recognize Exemplary Efforts to Employ Workers With Disabilities

WASHINGTON — Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao today called upon non-profits, small businesses, corporations and individuals that have demonstrated exemplary and innovative efforts to improve the employment and workplace environment of people with disabilities to submit their entries for the 2006 Secretary of Labors New Freedom Initiative (NFI) Award. This will be the fifth anniversary of the NFI awards, which so far have been presented to 13 companies, 13 non-profits and 4 individuals.

President Bush and I are committed to advancing employment opportunities for workers with disabilities, said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. The New Freedom Initiative Awards recognize individuals, nonprofit organizations and private sector companies that have improved the employment prospects for people with disabilities.

The award recognizes public-private partnerships and programs that have had a positive impact on the employment of people with disabilities through access to assistive technologies, the use of innovative training, and hiring and retention strategies. It also recognizes organizations, businesses and individuals who develop comprehensive strategies to enhance the ability of Americans with disabilities to enter and advance in the 21st century workforce.

Additional information on the award and specific nomination criteria are available in the March 2 Federal Register or at www.dol.gov/odep/newfreedom/nfi06.htm under the New Freedom Initiative tab. The information is also available by calling the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), Education and Outreach Section, at (202) 693-7880. The deadline for receipt of nominations is May 31.

President Bush introduced the New Freedom Initiative Feb. 1, 2001, within a month of taking office. The initiative contains 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. ODEP has primary responsibility for implementing the employment-related aspects of the New Freedom Initiative.

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Archived News Release — Caution: Information may be out of date.