SECRETARY ELIZABETH DOLE 
REMARKS PREPARED FOR DELIVERY 
OUTSTANDING FEDERAL EMPLOYEE WITH DISABILITIES OF THE YEAR 
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE BUILDING 
WASHINGTON, D.C. 
OCTOBER 5, 1989 

Thank you, Connie. What an inspiration it is to be here with you this morning as we honor twelve outstanding Americans, and celebrate the 21st anniversary of the Presidential Awards for Outstanding Federal Employees with Disabilities. 

President Bush has said that "From now on, the definition of a successful life must include service to others." And the nation is responding to his call. Today, more Americans than ever before are giving their time and energy to helping others. 

And how fitting it is that we are joined today by America's "First Volunteer"--our First Lady. Barbara Bush has worked tirelessly to make literacy a national crusade. Her warm spirit, infectious humor, and strong commitment to numerous worthwhile causes have ignited a new era of volunteerism throughout America. 

Like our First Lady, I have a very special place in my heart for people with disabilities. My first job in government was at the old Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. And my assignment was to plan the first-ever government sponsored conference on education of the deaf. 

Little did I know that years later, I would meet and marry a man who also places Americans with disabilities on the top of his priority list. 

Bob Dole's strong commitment evolved from his own personal experience. His life was changed forever in the hills of Italy on April 14, 1945. And while he may have lost the use of his right arm, Bob gained enormous strength and sensitivity for others who face adversity. 

And in 1983, his commitment took a new direction. He was attending a meeting of the Kansas Bankers Association in Dodge City. The plane was late and people were trying to rush him into the meeting. But waiting outside were two severely disabled young people and their parents. Bob insisted on talking to them. There was a boy named Tim, who was unable to move anything except his eyes. Both young people needed financial help in entering a special program elsewhere in the country for people with severe disabilities. 

I can still remember the talk we had in our bedroom when Bob got home. He was deeply moved by the experience. "Elizabeth," he said, "I've been meaning to start a foundation for persons with disabilities for a long time and I haven't done it."

About 10 days later, the Dole Foundation was up and running. It's mission: To find ways to utilize the untapped talent and skills of persons with disabilities. And how grateful we were to have the President and Mrs. Bush once again show their deep concern for Americans with disabilities, when they attended a fundraising reception for the Dole Foundation earlier this year. 

You know, Bob and I have always been inspired by the state motto of Kansas-- "To the Stars Through Difficulties." 

This morning we honor 12 courageous Americans who have, indeed, made that journey. And as I've read about the lives of our honorees, I was greatly inspired by their success in the workplace. And more importantly, what a difference each has made in their community! Each is returning some of the assistance they received on their journey to the stars. 

Among our honorees are: 

Glenn Friar, a member of the board of directors of Sunnyview Hospital, who participates in a mentor program for individuals recovering from spinal cord injuries. 

Ernest Alferez, founder of two local chapters of the National Paraplegia Foundation, who serves as a Deacon in his church. 

Harriet Hartman, founder of the first B'nai B'rith chapteraccessible to persons with hearing impairments. 

Kathy Hogancamp, a frequent speaker to young people about self-image and overcoming obstacles, real or imagined. She is currently working to combat teenage suicide, and editing a book on that most important subject. 

And Thomas Brown, one of the primary organizers of the National Veterans Wheelchair Games. He is also a nationallyknown wheelchair basketball player. 

The accomplishments of these and our other honorees certainly inspire me to work diligently to ensure that our workplaces are completely open to Americans with disabilities. 

One out of every seven people in the United States has some type of disability. Far too many of these Americans sit at home,watching their neighbors go to work each morning. Every day we waste precious human resources because some of us are under the mistaken impression that to be disabled is to be unable to work. 

What an incredible misperception--absolutely untrue. 

Teddy Roosevelt once said that "The best prize life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." My mission as Secretary of Labor is to ensure that this chance is offered to all persons with disabilities who want to work. 

This is a mission that the President has emphasized when he put his Administration's strong support behind passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. As you know, this legislation provides protection for disabled persons seeking employment or public accommodations that most of us take for granted. We are optimistic that the President will be able to sign this legislation into law before the end of the year. 

This administration's message to Americans with disabilities is simple: We can not afford to lose your skills and productivity. Many businesses and industries are now facing a labor shortage. If America is to compete in an ever more complex global market, then we will need the contributions of every man and woman willing to work. 

And the time is ripe. Our work force is growing at a rate of only 1% annually--the slowest rate in 40 years. 

Our labor shortage does mean that employers can no longer afford to discriminate against women, minorities, the disadvantaged, the disabled. And it provides a unique opportunity for those who have been on the outside looking in for far too long. We must seize this window of opportunity. 

Our job at the Labor Department is to supply the necessary work skills for the more complex jobs of today and tomorrow. The programs that we are promoting for Americans with disabilities are designed not only to increase the number and quality of job opportunities--but also services that will include special outreach activities, tailored training programs, job developmentand job placement. 

We must ensure that employers and the public know that those with disabilities are as able and talented as anyone else--and often more so. But there are some barriers to overcome. The outstanding employers of today's honorees have learned the benefits that come from helping to bring down those barriers. 

And the Department of Labor is taking action on a number of fronts to eliminate additional barriers. 

Tom Collins, who served seven years as a prisoner of war in Vietnam, is my new Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans Employment and Training. Tom and I have no higher priority than helping the disabled veteran. 

We have developed a project for blind veterans--project Amer-"I-Can." This program has successfully encouraged numbera of government and volunteer outreach organizations to join forces to work smarter, work better, and work together. By working together, we now offer a full service outreach and employment program that includes counseling, job training, and job placement. 

Other agencies in the Department of Labor are also vitally involved in opening the doors of our workplace to more and more Americans with disabilities. 

I recently participated in the 25th anniversary celebration of the Job Corps--a program that has been remarkably successful in turning young lives around. In New Haven, Connecticut, we are building a center which is specifically designed to help those with disabilities. The opening date for this innovative center is now less than two years away. And I've called on all Job Corps Centers to accommodate the needs of students with disabilities. 

And each year, our Employment and Training Administration provides millions of dollars to seven major national organizations which serve individuals with disabilities, and which will help them break down barriers to finding and succeeding in jobs. 

Helen Keller, one of the greatest of American women, spent her lifetime breaking through barriers. Her spirit and her example have inspired millions. 

She summed up her philosophy in a single sentence. "One can never consent to creep, " she said, "when one feels an impulse to soar." 

Today, half a century after Miss Keller spoke those words, we honor 12 Americans with disabilities who continue to soar. The goal of our government, indeed, the goal of all Americans, must be to ensure that every person with a disability has that opportunity to soar. 

America deserves it, history demands it, and our children will reward it. 

Thank you, and God bless you all.