Flanked by Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-MA) in the East Room of the White House, President Bush on February 1, 2001, announced a new $1.025 billion, five year initiative for people with disabilities. The proposal, called the New Freedom Initiative, will provide low-interest loans for assistive technology that makes work more accessible, including wheelchairs, telecommuting equipment, and text telephones for the hearing-impaired. The proposal will also help cover the cost of housing loans. According to White House estimates, there are 54 million people with disabilities in the United States. They face unemployment rates of roughly 70 percent and less than ten percent own a home.

- 2/1/01

Related

• Summary of the New Freedom Initiative