Greetings & Welcome:

Employment is one of the most critical issues facing millions of Americans with disabilities. Certainly, there are many other barriers that must be examined, but the ability to earn a living and support oneself is central for individuals with disabilities to fully participate in today’s society. The theme for this one-day Forum - Setting a National Agenda for Increasing Employment for People with Disabilities - is a great way to start the dialogue for identifying new policies, research agenda items, and existing practices that have proven successful across the country.

It is most appropriate that we are holding this meeting at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and our speakers are well known business leaders who have demonstrated excellence in the hiring and advancement of people with disabilities. I know you will be challenged today by the panel members. Yet, in order for the Forum to be successful, participants will need to listen and engage the speakers with their own reactions, experiences, and examples, which will help set a new agenda.

Let me say thanks to both the Virginia Commonwealth University Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (VCU-RRTC) on Workplace Supports and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Center for Work Force Preparation for organizing this event. This type of activity must continue. It is important that we pull business leaders, government policy makers and researchers together to learn from each other.

I know the members of the Chamber of Commerce have a special interest in this topic because it will impact their ability to be successful in today’s global economy. With the labor shortage growing, it is important we assist businesses to learn about this untapped market of qualified people. In addition, it is important that President Bush’s New Freedom Initiation is fully implemented which will increase opportunities for millions of Americans with disabilities.

As Chairperson for the VCU-RRTC Workplace Supports Business Roundtable let me welcome you to the National Workplace Forum. This is an excellent opportunity to make an impact on the future direction for employment of people with disabilities in America.

Sincerely, John H. Hager