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U.S. Office of Personnel Management
Accessing Opportunity: |
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U.S. Office of Personnel Management
Accessing Opportunity: |
OPENING REMARKS BY OPM DIRECTOR JANICE LACHANCE
I am pleased to present to you, Accessing Opportunity: The Plan for Employment of Persons with Disabilities in the Federal Government. The Plan serves as a framework for Federal departments and agencies to use as they create strategies and initiatives to recruit, hire, develop, and retain more persons with disabilities.
The Plan demonstrates the commitment of President Clinton, Vice President Gore and this entire Administration to improving employment opportunities for all. For far too long, talented Americans with disabilities have been overlooked by potential employers. We must address this problem now.
Our nation must have a workforce with the skills and competencies needed to succeed in the 21st century, so we cannot afford to let any sector of our society be excluded from contributing to our future success. Not only will the Federal government benefit from broadening the pool of applicants for its positions, but also we can serve as a role model for private industry. This Administration remains committed to using the visibility of the Federal workforce to show the country the benefits of recruiting and developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our nation.
I guarantee that the Federal Government, as our nation's largest employer, will lead the way and set the standard for the employment of persons with disabilities. This Plan is a critical first step in making this commitment a reality.
Janice R. Lachance
Page created 18 October 1999