WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy today announced that it will exercise the second option year of its cooperative agreement with the Institute for Educational Leadership and award an additional $999,926 to continue funding the Youth Technical Assistance Center through the National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth.

"Focusing on transition-age youth is an important part of addressing the under-representation of people with disabilities in the labor force," said Kathleen Martinez, assistant secretary of labor for the Office of Disability Employment Policy. "Many youth with disabilities still don't have access to age-appropriate experiences, especially when it comes to work. We are working to change this at ODEP."

NCWD/Youth focuses its technical assistance efforts on state and local workforce development systems and assists them in better serving youth with disabilities. NCWD/Youth and its partners, including experts in disability, education, employment, and workforce development, strive to ensure that policy makers, youth service professionals, educators, families and youth receive cutting edge information on the connection between education, employment and independent living.

The Current Population Survey conducted by the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the July 2010 employment rate for individuals ages 16 to 19 at 14.6 percent, compared to 17.7 percent for same-aged peers without disabilities. Additionally, BLS reports an employment rate of 32.7 percent for individuals age 20 to 24 compared to 64.1 percent for the same age group with no disabilities.

In September 2007, the Labor Department competitively awarded IEL a 24-month cooperative agreement for $1,850,000 with three option years to manage a consortium for developing effective practices and policies to enhance employment opportunities for youth with disabilities.

The other members of the consortium include the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals in Washington, DC; the PACER Center in Minneapolis, Minn.; the Center on Education and Work at the University of Wisconsin-Madison; and the University of Minnesota’s Institute for Community Integration in Minneapolis.

To find out more about the NCWD Youth National Technical Assistance Center visit their website at http://www.ncwd-youth.info.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy today announced the availability of approximately $2.3 million in funding for the Add Us In initiative, which will fund up to four cooperative agreements with allotments ranging from $500,000 to $625,000 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; Latino or Hispanic Americans; members of federally recognized tribes and Native Americans; lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals; and women.

"This administration is committed to broadening job opportunities for all Americans, including individuals with disabilities," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "The Add Us In initiative aims to help businesses develop effective, replicable models, strategies and policies to ensure people with disabilities have access to a broader range of employment opportunities."

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.grants.gov or http://www.dol.gov/odep. Applications will be accepted until Sep. 1, 2010. In addition, there will be a prospective applicant webinar held for this grant competition. The date and access information for the webinar will be posted on ODEP's website in the near future at http://www.dol.gov/odep.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy today unveiled the official theme for October's National Disability Employment Awareness Month: "Talent Has No Boundaries: Workforce Diversity INCLUDES Workers With Disabilities." The theme serves to inform the public that workers with disabilities represent a diverse and vibrant talent pool for hire.

Early announcement of the theme helps communities nationwide plan a series of events, some of which will continue throughout the year beginning in October, such as proclamations, public awareness programs and job fairs that showcase the skills and talents of workers with disabilities.

This theme epitomizes Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis' commitment to "good jobs for everyone."

"The solutions and innovations applicable to the successful employment of workers with disabilities impact the entire workforce, including aging workers, injured workers, at-risk youth, women, people of color, and unemployed and underemployed workers," said Kathleen Martinez, assistant secretary of labor for disability employment policy.

As background, Public Law 176, enacted by the 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 Act. In 1962, the word "physically" was removed from the week's name to acknowledge the employment needs of all Americans with disabilities. Congress expanded the week to a month in 1988 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 theme should contact Carol Dunlap at 202-693-7902. Members of the press should contact the individuals named above.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor, along with the U.S. Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs, has re-launched a new and improved National Resource Directory Web site for America's wounded warriors, their caregivers, other members of the veteran community and employers. The directory provides access to thousands of services and other resources at the national, state and local levels to support recovery, rehabilitation and community reintegration.

"The Department of Labor is proud to team with the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs in offering this important tool for those who have sacrificed in service to others," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Disability Employment Policy Kathleen Martinez. "As a nation, we are indebted to these men and women, and the National Resource Directory is part of our commitment to ensuring they have access to the resources they need to recover and successfully return to work and civilian life."

The site's newest features include: a "homelessness" section providing resources for homeless veterans; the ability to view all resources alphabetically and by popularity; a "bookmark and share" capability that allows users to spread the word about valuable resources on Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites; a news feature with updates on information and events; an easy-to-navigate design and interface; and a fast, reliable search engine.

The National Resource Directory is a comprehensive, online gateway to nationwide resources for wounded, ill and injured service members, veterans and their families. It includes extensive information for those seeking education, training and employment, as well as information to assist employers in hiring veterans, understanding employment laws and making workplace accommodations for veterans with disabilities. The directory also includes information to support employment and community reintegration, such as on the topics of health, housing, transportation and travel.

For more information, visit http://www.nationalresourcedirectory.gov.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) joined President Obama today in underscoring the administration's commitment to serving every American worker, including the 54 million people across the nation living with disabilities.

"No artificial barriers should prevent individuals from reaching their potential in the workplace and contributing their skills to our nation," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis.

As part of its efforts, in early 2010, ODEP will collaborate with other agencies to sponsor and organize a day-long federal government-wide job fair for people with disabilities. At this event, ODEP, the Office of Personnel Management, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Department of Defense's Computer and Electronic Accommodations Program will provide workshops on the Schedule A hiring authority, the right to the provision of reasonable accommodations, and information on assistive and communications technology.

"At the Department of Labor, our goal is good jobs for everyone, and we mean people with disabilities too," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Disability Employment Policy Kathy Martinez.

This year's NDEAM theme is "Expectation + Opportunity = Full Participation ." In recognition of NDEAM, Assistant Secretary Martinez, will be speaking to federal employees at the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Treasury, and Labor (Atlanta Region), National Defense University, an employer symposium in Corpus Christi, Texas, sponsored by the Texas Department of Rehabilitative Services, and a Disability and Human Rights forum in Hartford, Conn., co-sponsored by the University of Connecticut's Law School and the Thomas J. Dodd Research Center.

ODEP is leading a 21st century federal response to the historic underemployment of people with disabilities. In collaboration with other government agencies, public and private employers, and additional stakeholders, ODEP facilitates the development and implementation of innovative policies and practices necessary to achieve a fully inclusive workplace. ODEP's work primarily falls into three categories: employers and the workplace; workforce systems; and employment-related supports, which include education and training, health care, reliable transportation, affordable housing and assistive technology.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today held a national listening session on the reauthorization of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) for a broad range of stakeholders. Assistant Secretary of Labor for Disability Employment Policy Kathy Martinez and Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training Jane Oates heard comments from workforce investment systems personnel, representatives of the disability community, leaders of nonprofit organizations, academic professionals and members of the general public. Approximately 700 people attended in person, by webinar and via conference call.

"We must bear in mind that the problems and solutions applicable to the employment success of workers with disabilities impact the entire workforce," said Assistant Secretary Martinez. "Addressing our nation's unacceptably high unemployment rate is critical to our economic recovery as a whole."

"We need the talent and dedication of all working age Americans if we are to successfully compete in the global marketplace," said Assistant Secretary Oates. "Any investment that helps workers with disabilities realize their potential is an investment toward the overall strength of our workforce and the nation's economy."

This listening session follows Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis' directive that the department offer a series of opportunities to hear from interested stakeholders about the pending WIA reauthorization. Participants were invited to respond to three questions: What is working well in WIA and should be continued? What is not working well and should be discontinued or altered? What opportunities does reauthorization present for innovation and change?

The national listening session marks the kickoff of National Disability Employment Awareness Month. More information on this observance and related events can be found at http://www.dol.gov/odep/topics/ndeam/. Additionally, the department's Employment and Training Administration has launched a new resource page on disability and employment at http://disability.workforce3one.org.

An audio file and transcript of the listening session will be available to the public at www.workforce3one.org after Oct. 6. Additional comments will be accepted via e-mails to WIA.Reauthorization@dol.gov until Oct. 15.

Cornell University institute selected to lead consortium

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) has awarded a cooperative agreement to Cornell University's Employment and Disability Institute, School of Industrial and Labor Relations in Ithaca, N.Y., to establish a national technical assistance center for employers on employment of people with disabilities. The purpose of the center will be to conduct innovative research, assist ODEP in developing demand-side policy, and share best practices with employers on the recruitment, hiring, retention and advancement of people with disabilities.

"Employers must create workplace cultures in which employees with disabilities are as fully integrated and valued as those without disabilities," said Assistant Secretary for Labor for Disability Employment Policy Kathy Martinez. "The national technical assistance center will be designed to identify how employers can change expectations and open the path to good jobs for people with disabilities."

Cornell University's Employment and Disability Institute, School of Industrial and Labor Relations will receive $1.6 million to lead a consortium for the center, which will include the AFL-CIO Center for Green Jobs, the Altarum Institute, the Conference Board, the Institute of Educational Leadership, the National Business and Disability Council, Rutgers University's John J. Heldrich Center and the U.S. Business Leadership Network.

The cooperative agreement was awarded as a result of a competitive process and has a 12-month period of performance.

ODEP provides national leadership on disability employment policy by developing and influencing disability employment policies and practices, building collaborative partnerships, and delivering authoritative and credible data on the employment of people with disabilities. For more information, visit http://www.dol.gov/odep.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) has awarded cooperative agreements to The Workplace Inc. in Bridgeport, Conn., and the SkillSource Group Inc. in Vienna, Va., to lead consortia to develop innovative models of providing inclusive registered apprenticeship training to youth and young adults with disabilities.

"By improving the capacity of systems to provide apprenticeship training to youth and young adults with disabilities, we can change the expectations of these students and put them on the path to good jobs in high-growth, high-demand industries," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Disability Employment Policy Kathy Martinez.

The Workplace Inc. will receive an award of $200,000 to lead a consortium that includes Career Resources Inc., the Disability Resource Center of Fairfield County Inc., the Family Services Woodfield-Literacy Volunteers, the State of Connecticut Department of Social Services, the State of Connecticut Board of Education and Services for the Blind, the New England Regional Council of Carpenters, Microboard Processing Inc., and the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America Local 210.

The SkillSource Group Inc. will receive an award of $243,631 to lead a consortium that includes ServiceSource, Northern Virginia Community College, and the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry.

Each cooperative agreement was awarded as a result of a competitive process and both have a 24-month period of performance.

ODEP provides national leadership on disability employment policy by developing and influencing disability employment policies and practices, building collaborative partnerships, and delivering authoritative and credible data on the employment of people with disabilities. For more information, visit http://www.dol.gov/odep/.

WASHINGTON — Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis today issued the following statement regarding the 19th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA):

"July 26 marks the 19th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, landmark legislation designed to prevent discrimination and enable individuals with disabilities to fully participate in all aspects of society.

"The ADA's provisions include the right to seek, obtain, pursue and maintain employment without being hampered by physical or attitudinal barriers. I believe that having a job is a civil right. Those who are qualified for and want to work should not be denied that right because of an inaccessible building or an outdated set of assumptions about what they can or cannot do.

"In nearly two decades, our nation has come a long way in recognizing the talents and contributions of more than 50 million Americans with disabilities. Unfortunately, the employment rate for people with disabilities in this country is still unacceptably low. Only 22.6 percent of individuals with disabilities are participating in the labor force, compared to 71.9 percent of people with no disability. And although the federal government strives to be a model employer, in actuality the number of people with disabilities in the federal workforce has decreased over the past decade. This trend must be reversed, and the Department of Labor will be a leader in the effort.

"I am pleased to welcome the Honorable Kathy Martinez as the Labor Department's new assistant secretary for the Office of Disability Employment Policy. Kathy's years of leadership as an internationally recognized advocate for people with disabilities, as well as her expertise in diversity and gender issues, make her a perfect fit. Her extensive background includes serving as executive director for the World Institute on Disability and as a board member of the U.S. Institute of Peace.

"The Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy has an abundance of resources to assist employers, workers and others. Information is available on the department's Web site at http://www.dol.gov/odep/."

Launch of revamped site coincides with Americans with Disabilities Acts 19th anniversary

WASHINGTON — In conjunction with the 19th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the U.S. Department of Labor has re-named and re-launched DisabilityInfo.gov as Disability.gov. Available at http://www.disability.gov, the site offers comprehensive information about programs and services to better serve more than 50 million Americans with disabilities, their family members, veterans, employers, educators, caregivers and anyone interested in disability-related information.

The new Web site integrates content from 22 federal agencies and will be managed by the Labor Department. The former DisabilityInfo.gov site was revamped with social media tools to encourage interaction and feedback, and new ways to organize, share and receive information. Visitors can sign up for personalized news and updates, participate in online discussions and suggest resources for the site. New features include a Twitter feed, Really Simple Syndication feeds, a blog, social bookmarking and a user-friendly way to obtain answers to questions on such topics as finding employment and job accommodations. Additional tools will be added during the months ahead.

"Far more than just a directory of federal resources, Disability.gov is a meeting ground for Americans to learn, respond and communicate about a wealth of critically important disability-related topics," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "The new site has been vastly enhanced to provide more information in as efficient and interactive setting as possible."

The site is organized into 10 subject areas: benefits, civil rights, community life, education, emergency preparedness, employment, health, housing, technology and transportation. By selecting a category, visitors are directed to useful information on federal and state government programs and services, news and events, grants and funding opportunities, and more.

"The Department of Labor is pleased to be the managing partner of Disability.gov and to help advance the independence and full participation of people with disabilities in the workforce, the classroom and their communities," said Kathleen Martinez, assistant secretary for the Labor Department's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP).

Disability.gov contains thousands of links to reliable information from its federal agency partners, as well as educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and state and local governments.

ODEP is leading a 21st century federal response to the historic underemployment of people with disabilities. In collaboration with other government agencies, public and private employers, and additional stakeholders, ODEP facilitates the development and implementation of innovative policies and practices necessary to achieve a fully inclusive workplace. ODEP's work primarily falls into three categories: employers and the workplace; workforce systems; and employment-related supports, which include education and training, health care, reliable transportation, affordable housing and assistive technology. For more information, visit http://www.dol.gov/odep/.