The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law by former President George Herbert Walker Bush on July 26, 1990. As we celebrate the 15th anniversary of this landmark legislation, it is important to recognize the great strides that have been made for millions of Americans with disabilities.
As President George W. Bush said today, in a proclamation recognizing this significant milestone, “The ADA has been a great success in expanding opportunity for disabled Americans. By reducing barriers and changing perceptions, the ADA has increased participation in community life and given greater hope to millions of Americans.”
On February 1, 2001, President George W. Bush announced his New Freedom Initiative to promote full participation of people with disabilities in all areas of society by increasing access to assistive and universally designed technologies, expanding educational and employment opportunities and promoting full access to community life.
Under the leadership of Secretary Elaine L. Chao, the Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) is developing and influencing policies and practices that directly impact the participation of people with disabilities in the workforce. While our focus is on employment, we know that finding and retaining a job cannot be accomplished without access to housing, transportation, healthcare, assistive technology and many other employment-related supports.
As a part of the New Freedom Initiative, ODEP developed and manages DisabilityInfo.gov. The goal of this site is to offer a full range of information covering all areas of employment supports from 16 federal agencies, including resources and contacts at the state and local level.
Whether you are a person with a disability, a parent, service provider, educator or employer, ODEP is proud of its collaboration with our partner agencies to give you an avenue to the resources that help all of us realize the promise of the ADA.
This service is provided to you at no charge by DisabilityInfo.gov. Visit us on the web at https://www.disability.gov/.
P.S. If you have any questions or problems e-mail GDhelp@govdocs.com for assistance.
W. Roy Grizzard, Jr., Ed.D.,
Assistant Secretary for Disability Employment Policy,
U. S. Department of Labor
