Melvin R. Laird

Awards and Accolades

President's Committee on Employment of the Handicapped Award

In 1947, Congress passed a resolution promoting the employment of people with disabilities in response to veterans returning from World War II with injuries that were barriers to their employment. President Truman, going one step further, established, by Executive Order, the first President's Committee on Employment of the Handicapped.

The President's Committee on Employment of the Handicapped, now the Office on Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), has an office and staff located in Washington D.C., and more than 200 members across the nation. The mission of ODEP is to provide leadership to increase employment opportunities for adults and youth with disabilities.

The President's Committee on Employment of the Handicapped Award was presented to Melvin Laird in appreciation of his dedicated service.