Washington, DC - Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo: "In October, the United States celebrates National Disability Employment Awareness Month. We recognize the creativity, innovation, and skill that people with disabilities bring to our workforce, and we rededicate ourselves to creating economic opportunity for all. U.S. workers are the engine of our economy. Our country is stronger and more prosperous because employers utilize the immense talents of individuals with disabilities, including disabled veterans.
"We can all do more. Facilities should be fully accessible. Hiring practices should expand training opportunities and ensure our citizens have the knowledge and skills to compete and succeed in the 21st Century.
"The State Department is committed to these efforts for our own workforce. They are integral to our foreign policy as we advocate for the universal rights and fundamental freedoms of the more than one billion people worldwide living with disabilities. With our partners and allies, we will continue to work to ensure that persons everywhere living with disabilities have meaningful, equal access to employment and to supportive workplaces. It is not only the right thing to do; our shared prosperity depends on it."
