WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy today announced the official theme for October's National Disability Employment Awareness Month: "A Strong Workforce is an Inclusive Workforce: What Can YOU Do?" The theme promotes the benefits of a diverse workforce that includes workers with disabilities, who represent a highly skilled talent pool.

"Employers who ensure that inclusive workplace policies and practices are woven into the fabric and culture of the organization create an environment that encourages all workers — including those of us with disabilities — to work to their full capacity and contribute fully to the organization's success," said Kathy Martinez, assistant secretary of labor for disability employment policy.

Early announcement of the theme helps communities nationwide plan a series of announcements, events and meetings to begin in October, some of which will continue throughout the year. Such activities include proclamations, public awareness programs and job fairs that showcase the skills and talents of workers with disabilities.

As background, Public Law 176, enacted by Congress in 1945, designated the first week in October each year as "National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week." President Harry S. Truman designated the President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities to carry out the observance. In 1962, the word "physically" was removed from the week's name to acknowledge the employment needs of all Americans with disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed its name to "National Disability Awareness Month," which eventually evolved to its current name. The Labor Department's Office of Disability Employment Policy took over responsibility for National Disability Employment Awareness Month in 2001.

Members of the public with questions related to the 2012 theme should contact Carol Dunlap in ODEP at 202-693-7902. The media should contact Bennett Gamble using the information above.

ODEP's mission is to provide national leadership by developing and influencing disability-related policies and practices to increase the employment of people with disabilities.

WASHINGTON — Assistant Secretary of Labor for Disability Employment Policy Kathleen Martinez and National Industry Liaison Group Chair Valerie J. Vickers have signed an alliance agreement to promote the hiring of individuals with disabilities by the federal contractor community.

"I am thrilled to sign this agreement today with the National Industry Liaison Group — an employer association representing federal contractors across the United States. The Office of Disability Employment Policy looks forward to partnering with this association to promote effective disability employment practices among all members. Together we can build workplace equality that includes those of us with disabilities," said Martinez.

ODEP's Alliance Initiative, started in 2006, enables organizations to work with the agency to develop and implement model policies and initiatives that increase the recruitment, hiring, retention and career advancement of employees with disabilities. The National Industry Liaison Group fosters voluntary partnerships of public and private sector entities to identify effective approaches on legal and regulatory issues regarding affirmative action and equal employment.

"NILG is proud of its commitment to equal employment opportunity in the U.S. and of our work with employers of all sizes. Our new alliance with ODEP will greatly enhance and energize our work with the contractor community," said Vickers. "By signing this alliance agreement, the NILG commits to work together with ODEP and local liaison groups to advance the employment of workers with disabilities more effectively than ever before."

ODEP's mission is to provide national leadership by developing and influencing policies aimed at increasing the employment of people with disabilities. In addition to the National Industry Liaison Group, ODEP has alliances with the Partnership for Public Service, the Society for Human Resource Management, the U.S. Business Leadership Network, the HSC Foundation, the Assistive Technology Industry Association and the National Association of Governors' Committees on People with Disabilities.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy today announced the release of "Skills to Pay the Bills: Mastering Soft Skills for Workplace Success," a collection of career development exercises and activities designed to help sharpen the communication and other "soft" skills of young workers, including those with disabilities.

ODEP's curriculum, which covers communication, networking, enthusiasm and attitude, teamwork, problem-solving, critical thinking and professionalism, is based on the results of a survey of prominent businesses to determine what they believe to be the most important competencies and skills for young workers. According to recent surveys, nearly three-quarters of employers indicated high school graduates were deficient in such basic skills as punctuality, verbal communication and working productively with others. Businesses across the nation have identified soft skills as crucial to the hiring and employment success of all workers.

"Dressing appropriately, showing up on time and networking with co-workers are all crucial to finding and keeping a job," said Kathy Martinez, assistant secretary of labor for disability employment policy. "For many young people these skills are not intuitive. We hope educators, human resource professionals, job clubs and faith-based organizations will use the curriculum to help our youth build the skills to succeed in the workplace."

Available in English and Spanish, "Skills to Pay the Bills" was field-tested by youth service professionals and students across the country. The Massachusetts Migrant Education Program tested the materials in Spanish and seven other locations tested them in English. "The Soft Skills activities are fabulous," said Virginia Dever, a facilitator from Louisville, Ky. "It is our obligation to teach our youth what is needed to succeed in life and in work, and these Soft Skills exercises fit the bill." Brandon Pursley, a student from Madison, Fla., who used the curriculum and also designed its cover art, said that learning these skills "was an experience going beyond my dreams."

Visit ODEP's website at http://www.dol.gov/odep/topics/youth/softskills/ for more information and to download the curriculum in English or Spanish.

• Read this news release en Espaol.

Partnership supports executive order on increasing federal hiring of individuals with disabilities

WASHINGTON — Assistant Secretary of Labor for Disability Employment Policy Kathleen Martinez and U.S. Customs and Border Protection acting Commissioner David V. Aguilar today signed an alliance agreement to advance President Obama's executive order to increase the hiring of people with disabilities by federal agencies.

"Today's alliance is an opportunity for ODEP and CBP to demonstrate disability employment practices that will not only result in increased hires at CBP but easily can be replicated by other federal agencies seeking to fulfill the requirements of their executive order plans," said Martinez.

The Labor Department's Office of Disability Employment Policy's Alliance Initiative, begun in 2006, enables organizations committed to improving disability workplace practices to work with ODEP to develop and implement model policies and initiatives that increase recruiting, hiring, advancing and retaining employees with disabilities. Working together, ODEP and CBP will promote effective strategies and practices.

"CBP is proud to be the first federal agency to partner with the Department of Labor on an alliance to advance opportunities for workers with disabilities," said Aguilar. "By signing this alliance agreement, CBP commits to recruit, hire, advance and retain employees with disabilities more effectively than ever before."

CBP is one of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's largest and most complex components, with a mission of keeping terrorists and their weapons out of the U.S. It also has a responsibility for securing and facilitating trade and travel while enforcing hundreds of U.S. regulations, including immigration and drug laws.

ODEP's mission is to provide national leadership by developing and influencing disability employment-related policies aimed at increasing the employment of people with disabilities. In addition to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, ODEP has alliances with the Partnership for Public Service, the Society for Human Resource Management, the U.S. Business Leadership Network, the HSC Foundation and the National Association of Governors' Committees on People with Disabilities.

WASHINGTON — Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis and Deputy Secretary of Labor Seth D. Harris today commemorated the Office of Disability Employment Policy's 10th anniversary by celebrating the positive impact of its policies and program initiatives with major leaders in the community. Featured speakers included Sen. Tom Harkin (Iowa); Rep. Steny Hoyer (Maryland); Kareem Dale, special assistant to the president for disability policy; Kathleen Martinez, assistant secretary of labor for ODEP and past assistant secretaries for the office.

Also participating were two of the visionaries behind ODEP's creation — Tony Coelho, chairman of the President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities from 1994 to 2001, and Becky Ogle, executive director of the Presidential Task Force on the Employment of Adults with Disabilities from 1998 to 2001.

"Thanks to ODEP's hard work, the conversation has shifted away from whether people with disabilities can work to what tools and supports are needed to assist them in doing so," said Secretary Solis. "The agency's policies, program and practices have opened doors to employment opportunities, education and strong partnerships that are helping people with disabilities live better, fuller lives."

ODEP was created within the Labor Department to make disability employment policy a permanent part of its overall employment agenda. In addition to working with other agencies across the department, ODEP's mission includes working with outside federal agency partners to develop national disability employment-related policy.

Among its many achievements, ODEP has collaborated with federal, state and community organizations to collect the first statistical data on employment rates of people with disabilities; made the One-Stop Career Centers system more accessible and welcoming to people with disabilities; launched the Add Us In initiative to improve employment opportunities with small businesses for people with disabilities; promoted customized employment as a strategy for employing people with disabilities who have complex needs; developed a comprehensive framework to improve youth transition outcomes; and worked with its federal agency partners in implementing the Obama administration's executive order to make the federal government a model employer in hiring individuals with disabilities.

In conjunction with the theme "Real People, Real Impact," today's program highlighted the career successes of youths and adults who have been the beneficiaries of ODEP's work.

"Today and every day, people with disabilities add significant value to America's workplaces and economy," Martinez said. Through ODEP's policies and practices, we are witnessing the move toward a more inclusive America, one rich with diversity where people with disabilities are recognized for the talents they bring."

For more information about today's program, ODEP and its initiatives to help individuals with disabilities transition into the workplace, visit http://www.dol.gov/odep/.

WASHINGTON — Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis today announced four two-year cooperative agreements totaling $2,165,998 to consortia led by the Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois in Chicago, the National Organization on Disability in New York City, TransCen Inc. in Rockville, Md., and the World Institute on Disability in Oakland, Calif. These awards represent the second round of funding provided through the "Add Us In" initiative of the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy. The first round of awards was made in September 2010.

"This administration is committed to expanding job opportunities for all Americans, including those with disabilities," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "The Add Us In initiative addresses employment disparities for people with disabilities by helping employers integrate disability and diversity considerations into their workforce planning."

The goal of the "Add Us In" initiative is to identify and develop strategies to increase the capacity of small businesses and communities, including underrepresented and historically excluded communities, to employ youth and young adults with disabilities. To achieve this goal, the consortia will create replicable models and strategies that can be used nationwide by businesses and employers to reach out to people with disabilities in their communities; develop sustainable partnerships between businesses and organizations addressing issues of diversity and disability; and build national and local networks of experts skilled in meeting the needs of business while also serving individuals with disabilities.

More than 10 million Americans who are members of ethnic and racial minority groups have long-lasting disabling conditions or impairments. Researchers have found that individuals with disabilities from these groups are often at increased risk for unemployment. Recent data from the department's Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate that, as of August 2011, the percentage of individuals with disabilities that participate in the labor force is 21 percent, compared with 69.9 percent for individuals with no disability. The unemployment rate for individuals with disabilities is 16.1 percent, compared with 8.8 percent for individuals with no disability.

Assistant Secretary of Labor for Disability Employment Policy Kathy Martinez noted, "Small businesses, particularly in minority and underserved communities, offer a real opportunity to improve employment outcomes for one of our country's most underutilized talent pools. People with disabilities, in turn, can improve the competitiveness of our nation's small businesses because of the unique skills and perspectives they bring."

The Office of Disability Employment Policy provides national leadership on disability employment policy by developing and influencing the use of evidence-based disability employment policies and practices, building collaborative partnerships, and delivering authoritative and credible data on employment of people with disabilities.

To learn more about the Add Us In initiative, visit http://www.dol.gov/odep/.

Editor's note: A complete listing of the consortia and their members follows this release.

Add Us In Initiative — Cooperative Agreements Awarded Sept. 2011

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy today announced a total of $3,787,000 in continued funding for organizations managing consortia that develop models, provide technical assistance and share best practices to improve employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

"Many employers know that incorporating the talents of all employees and potential employees, including those with disabilities, is a key to success," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "Today's federal grants will help to better connect employers with qualified individuals with disabilities so their skills and unique capabilities will no longer be untapped resources."

The National Technical Assistance, Policy and Research Center for Employers on Employment of People with Disabilities at Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., is receiving $1,520,000. In September 2009, the Labor Department competitively awarded Cornell University a 12-month cooperative agreement for an initial $1.6 million with four option years to manage a consortium charged with conducting research, assisting the department in developing and promoting employer-focused policies, disseminating information, and providing technical assistance to employers and employer organizations.

The National Technical Assistance and Research Center to Promote Leadership for Employment and Economic Independence for Adults with Disabilities is being awarded $1,092,500. Housed at Rutgers University's John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development in New Brunswick, N.J., the NTARC was established in September 2007 when the Labor Department competitively awarded a 24-month cooperative agreement for $2,350,000 with three option years. The NTARC manages a consortium to develop effective practices and policies to enhance employment for adults with disabilities.

The Institute for Educational Leadership in the District of Columbia is receiving $950,000 for the National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth. In September 2007, the Labor Department competitively awarded a 24-month cooperative agreement for $1,850,000 with three option years to manage a consortium to develop effective practices and policies to enhance employment opportunities for youth with disabilities. The consortium also provides technical assistance to state and local workforce development systems.

Additionally, $104,500 is being awarded to the Workplace Inc. in Bridgeport, Conn., and $120,000 to the SkillSource Group Inc. in Vienna, Va. In September 2009, the Labor Department competitively awarded 24-month cooperative agreements to both organizations to lead consortia that would develop innovative models of providing inclusive Registered Apprenticeship training to youth and young adults with disabilities.

The Office of Disability Employment Policy provides national leadership on disability employment policy by developing and influencing the use of evidence-based disability employment policies and practices, building collaborative partnerships, and delivering authoritative and credible data on employment of people with disabilities. For more information, visit http://www.dol.gov/odep/.

WASHINGTON — Today at the National Disability Forum in Washington, Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis announced the availability of approximately $1.6 million in funding for the Add Us In initiative, which will fund up to three cooperative agreements with allotments ranging from $500,000 to $550,000 each.

The initiative is designed to increase the ability of companies to employ individuals with disabilities, particularly businesses owned and operated by African-Americans; Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders; Latinos; members of federally recognized tribes and Native Americans; lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals; and women.

"The Labor Department is committed to ensuring that every American who wants a job can find one, including people with disabilities. The Add Us In initiative will help businesses develop strategies to provide a broader range of employment opportunities for this underutilized group of workers," said Secretary Solis.

Eligible applicants are consortia having representation from each of the following four organization types: 1) An association of targeted businesses, a business association located in a target population community, or other similar entity; 2) a disability-serving organization; 3) a local workforce investment board or other organization with demonstrated experience in providing training and employment-related support services, such as a One-Stop Career Center; 4) and a youth-serving organization.

In addition to developing models, strategies and policies to improve employment opportunities for people with disabilities, a consortium must also form and strengthen connections among the four organization types by building a network of disability and diversity experts.

The full announcement for this grant opportunity can be found at http://www.dol.gov/odep/Addusin. Applications will be accepted until Sept. 2.

WASHINGTON — Kathy Martinez, assistant secretary of labor for the Office of Disability Employment Policy, today testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions to discuss the U.S. Department of Labor's public and private partnership initiatives designed to connect people with disabilities and employment opportunities.

"The ultimate goal is to increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities," said Martinez. "Disability is an issue that impacts all of us. As we get older, we will probably all acquire a disability or live with someone who does. Technology now allows us to participate in the workforce, and it can be the great equalizer."

Martinez told the committee that the department is taking concrete steps to increase employment outcomes in the private and public sectors. An example is the Add Us In Initiative, which aims to increase the ability of small and minority businesses to include people with disabilities in their workforces. She also discussed the agency's efforts to promote emerging technology for workers with disabilities, improve education and job training for unemployed youth and adults with disabilities, and provide assistance to human resource professionals at federal agencies to develop recruitment and hiring strategies as well as training programs.

In concluding her testimony, Martinez described the success story of an individual once considered by many to be unemployable but who now has his own profitable business that hires others. "Improving employment outcomes for people with disabilities is a significant and complex undertaking, but one that holds great potential to improve the lives of many and strengthen our economy," she said.

Martinez's testimony is available at http://www.dol.gov/_sec/media/congress/20110714_Martinez.htm.

Top advisors on disability issues to answer questions submitted electronically by the public

WASHINGTON — Members of the White House Domestic Policy Council, Office of Public Engagement and Office of Presidential Personnel will participate in a virtual town hall meeting hosted by Disability.gov, the federal government's website for disability-related information, on Thursday, July 14, from 1-2 p.m. EDT. The event will be streamed live on the site's home page.

Individuals with disabilities and others will hear from presidential advisors, including Kareem Dale, special assistant to the president for disability policy and associate director of the Office of Public Engagement, Jeffrey Crowley, senior advisor on disability policy and director of the Office of National AIDS Policy, and Rebecca Cokley, director of priority placement in the Office of Presidential Personnel.

Participants will discuss their roles in the administration and address questions from the public on topics such as employment, health care, housing and education for individuals with disabilities.

"It's important for people with disabilities to have a voice in this administration," said Dale. "This town hall gives everyone the opportunity to ask questions and to learn about White House initiatives that are making a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities everywhere."

Questions may be submitted in advance through an online form available at https://www.disability.gov/WHQuestion no later than Wednesday, July 13, at 6 p.m. EDT. To submit questions the day of the event, and/or to receive regular updates from the White House on disability issues, send an email to disability@who.eop.gov.

To watch the virtual town hall, visit the Disability.gov home page on July 14 at 1 p.m. EDT and click the button marked "Watch the White House Virtual Town Hall Live!"

Disability.gov is a federal government website that provides an interactive, community-driven information network of disability-related programs, services, laws and benefits. Through the site, Americans with disabilities, their families, veterans, educators, employers and others are connected to thousands of resources from federal, state and local government agencies, academic institutions and nonprofit organizations. New resources are added daily across 10 main subject areas – benefits, civil rights, community life, education, emergency preparedness, employment, health, housing, technology and transportation. Disability.gov is managed by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy in collaboration with 21 federal partner agencies.