WASHINGTON –
By Congressional designation, October is deemed National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
This year's theme "America's People, America's Talent... America's Strength" was announced by Elaine Chao, U.S. Secretary of Labor. The theme captures the accomplishments highlighted in the 2007 progress report on President Bush's New Freedom Initiative for people with disabilities.
"Full access to community life for Americans with disabilities is an imperative and this year's theme conveys the tremendous contributions that these Americans can make in the workplace," said Secretary Chao.
The Labor Department's Office of Disability Employment Policy leads the nation's activities and produces materials to increase the public's awareness of the contributions and skills of American workers with disabilities. Typically, private sector; federal, state and local government; and advocacy organizations piggyback on the same theme to plan events and programs that showcase the abilities of employees and job candidates with disabilities.
"It is important to note that having people with disabilities in the workplace is valuable to the individual and to businesses," said Neil Romano, Labor Department's Office of Disability Employment Policy assistant secretary. People with disabilities are the next great wave of diversity, and diversity fosters innovation to drive our economy and our nation into the future."
For more information about the Langley Program for People with Disabilities, call Mr. Ron Kommer at 764-8443.