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Initiatives and Accomplishments

Customized Employment Grant Initiative (2001-2006)

ODEP funds its first grants, multi-year initiatives to validate customized employment as an effective workplace practice for employing people with significant disabilities previously perceived as "not employable."

Formation and Consolidation of Initiatives

In its Fiscal Year 2001 appropriation, Congress establishes ODEP, a sub-cabinet level agency within the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and an outgrowth of the Presidential Task Force on Employment of Adults with Disabilities and the President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities. This landmark occasion creates a permanent focus on disability policy within the context of DOL's work and consolidates responsibility for several related resources and programs, including the Job Accommodation Network (JAN), Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP), Employer Assistance and Resource Network (EARN), Business Leadership Network (BLN) and National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM).

High School/High Tech (HS/HT) Realignment Grants (2001-2002)

ODEP awards grants to existing HS/HT programs, which introduce young people with disabilities to technology-related careers. These grants support explore strategies for partnering with Workforce Investment Act (WIA) youth-focused programs.

High School/High Tech (HS/HT) Start-Up Grants (2001-2003)

ODEP awards grants to start and operate a HS/HT site for youths with disabilities either in partnership with, or led by, a WIA youth program.

Innovative Demonstration Grants for Youth with Disabilities (2001-2002)

ODEP funds demonstration programs intended to enhance the capacity of youth programs to serve youth with disabilities. Reflecting a commitment to building the next generation of leaders, ODEP requires that youth with disabilities and subject matter experts work together to implement grant activities.

National Center on Workforce and Disability/Adult (NCWD/Adult) (2001-2006)

ODEP establishes NCWD/Adult, a national training and technical assistance provider charged with improving access to the workforce development system for people with disabilities.

National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth (NCWD/Youth) (2001-2006)

ODEP establishes NCWD/Youth, a collaborative charged with conducting research and providing technical assistance to youth-focused demonstration projects and the workforce development and other service delivery systems.