Guess maybe it's that the Internet is finally really finding its niche in every day Life, but this year, an "off" year as anniversaries go, is seeing more than its share of well wishing announcements regarding the 16th Anniversary of the signing of the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).. Have already seen several today with the latest being this one from Assistant Secretary W. Roy Grizzard, Jr., from the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy..

An Important Message from
W. Roy Grizzard, Jr., Ed.D.
Assistant Secretary for Disability Employment Policy
U. S. Department of Labor

As we mark the 16th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is important to reflect upon the accomplishments of this landmark legislation. The list is long, ranging from accessible buildings to accessible technology, from alternative formats to universal design, and from promising responses to thoughtful, proactive planning. Yet perhaps the most important accomplishment of the ADA is that it has enhanced the lives of all American citizens in ways that far exceed the original goals of its supporters, and President George H.W. Bush, who signed it into law in 1990.

Our children, with and without disabilities, have never known a world without automatic doors at a grocery store or curb cuts on the sidewalk. Because of the ADA, when these same young people enter the workforce, they will be able to work from anywhere and use cutting-edge technology, such as voice-activated phones and computers. Because of the ADA, employers can employ and retain thousands of talented, productive workers with disabilities who were untapped or underutilized by previous generations of employers. Because of the ADA, older workers are staying in the workforce, benefiting our economy and society as a whole.

The U. S. Department of Labor Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) is a major catalyst for putting the ADA’s goals into action. With the leadership of Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao, and the Administration’s New Freedom Initiative as a road map, ODEP is developing and implementing policies and practices that directly affect the numbers of people with disabilities in the workforce. ODEP also works to develop and disseminate key written and online resources for businesses that want to attract and retain top talent, and individuals who want to work, advance in their careers and start their own businesses.

These resources include a recently redesigned Web site at www.dol.gov/odep and new resources from the Job Accommodation Network (JAN), a free information and referral service on job accommodations, return-to-work strategies, and the ADA. ODEP also manages DisabilityInfo.gov, a Web site for people with disabilities, employers, and others, offering a comprehensive range of information on federal, state and local disability-related resources, programs and policies. With 21 Federal agencies collaborating on this initiative, DisabilityInfo.gov is the Federal government’s online gateway to the resources that help all of us realize the promise of the ADA.

Passing the ADA was a testament to America’s commitment to equality for all Americans, including people with disabilities. History has shown that a commitment to equality for all results in economic and social benefits for all, building a stronger, more vibrant America.

Tags: Anniversary, ADA, Americans with Disabilities Act, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy, ODEP, Job Accommodation Network, JAN, New Freedom Initiative, W. Roy Grizzard, Jr., Elaine L. Chao, Assistant Secretary, Secretary of Labor, Disability, Disabled, Employment, Internet.