News Release

NCD #01-320
February 1, 2001
Contact: Mark S. Quigley
202-272-2004
202-272-2074 TTY
mquigley@ncd.gov

National Council on Disability Acknowledges President Bush's New Freedom Initiative

WASHINGTON--The National Council on Disability (NCD) today acknowledged President George W. Bush's new initiative to increase opportunities for people with disabilities.

In his "New Freedom Initiative," (www.whitehouse.gov/news/freedominitiative) President Bush lays out a blueprint to increase investment in and access to assistive technologies and a high-quality education, and to help integrate Americans with disabilities into the workforce and into community life.

According to NCD chairperson Marca Bristo, "We are very pleased that President Bush, in proposing the "New Freedom Initiative," gives his immediate and firm commitment to achieving independence and full integration for Americans with disabilities. It comes at a time when many disability advocates are expressing concern about the future of disability policy. It is NCD's intention to work with the President and Congress to ensure that every American with a disability has access to the American dream. We urge President Bush to stand fast in his compelling call for expanded resources to ensure that we realize the vision of full participation in our society.

NCD applauds this administration's initiative to tear down barriers that people with disabilities face in their everyday lives. In its January 17 letter to then President-elect Bush, NCD shared similar findings and recommendations in its report Investing in Independence: Transition Recommendations for President George W. Bush (www.ncd.gov/newsroom/publications/bush.html). President Bush's "New Freedom Initiative" provides many opportunities for the necessary changes to occur through the implementation of a coordinated, informed transition plan. NCD has, over the past several years, issued numerous civil rights evaluations and disability policy reports directly related to the areas articulated in the "New Freedom Initiative." In submitting its transition recommendations, NCD is offering its expertise and wealth of collective grassroots experience in assisting President Bush at the outset of his new administration, and beyond."

NCD is an independent federal agency making recommendations to the President and Congress on disability policies affecting all people with disabilities, including those from culturally diverse populations. It is currently coordinating a multi-year study on the implementation and enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Act and other civil rights laws.