WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today will make available to employers nationwide a free database of 1,921 job candidates with disabilities seeking employment in a wide variety of fields. Federal employers can tap into this ongoing recruitment resource online at http://WRP.gov, and private sector, other government and nonprofit employers can request unlimited searches by calling a toll-free telephone number.

The Workforce Recruitment Program for College Students with Disabilities, co-sponsored by the Labor Department's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) and the U.S. Department of Defense, compiled the database by sending recruiters to college campuses across the country to interview eligible undergraduate and post-graduate students, as well as recent graduates.

"Historically, people with disabilities consistently have experienced difficulties finding employment regardless of the economic climate," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "Providing an internship or first job to someone with a disability can provide a real jumpstart in launching a successful career. The Workforce Recruitment Program offers top talent while enabling college students and recent graduates the opportunity to gain invaluable work experience."

In using the database, an employer sets the criteria for each candidate search by specifying location, college/university, degree program, position type and length of appointment. Job seekers represent many high-demand fields of study, including accounting, administration, business, communications, computers, criminal justice, education, engineering, human resources/equal employment opportunity, health care, law, the social sciences and the sciences.

Hiring officials at federal agencies can access the Workforce Recruitment Program database and conduct independent searches on the Internet by obtaining a password at WRP.gov. Employers in the private sector, state and local government agencies, and nonprofit organizations should contact the Labor Department's Employer Assistance and Recruiting Network at 866-327-6669 to access the database. The Workforce Recruitment Program has assisted employers in identifying job candidates with disabilities who meet their recruitment needs since 1995.

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 www.dol.gov/odep.

Data will mark 1st official measure of unemployment rate facing Americans with disabilities

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor will, for the first time, release employment and unemployment data on people with disabilities on Friday, Feb. 6. This information will assist the nation in understanding how changing labor market conditions affect Americans with disabilities. Although it is widely believed that this group typically faces a higher rate of unemployment than individuals without disabilities, official estimates were not available until now.

"Now that so many Americans are suffering job losses, there is a tremendous amount of attention being paid to employment problems and solutions affecting the general population. Americans with disabilities typically experience similar employment difficulties — even when there is a robust economy. The economic downturn may just exacerbate their struggle. These data will go far toward efforts to increase the employment of people with disabilities," said John Davey, deputy assistant secretary for the department's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP).

ODEP is sponsoring the collection of these data by the department's Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) using the Current Population Survey (CPS), which provides comprehensive information on the employment status of the civilian, non-institutional population 16 years of age and older. Six disability questions have been added to the CPS to satisfy a requirement specified in Executive Order 13078, signed by President Bill Clinton, to measure the employment status of people with disabilities on a timely basis.

Beginning Feb. 6 at about 8:30 a.m. EST, BLS and ODEP will publish on their Web sites — at www.bls.gov/cps/cpsdisability.htm and www.dol.gov/odep, respectively — data on individuals with disabilities. The disability data to be released on this date will cover October 2008 through January 2009. Thereafter, the data will be updated monthly.

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 — A U.S. Department of Labor-led interagency work group to increase the number of people with disabilities in the federal workforce was formed this week as part of a continuing commitment to encouraging opportunities for workers with disabilities.

The initiative was established by Disability Employment Policy Assistant Secretary of Labor Neil Romano under the direction of Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao, resulting in 18 federal agencies sending representatives to the initial working meeting.

Romano set the tone for the meeting, stating, "We need to encourage leaders in every federal agency to take strong, proactive and immediate steps to bring more people with disabilities into the federal workforce, ensure that they are receiving the most effective accommodations available, and be supported as they work and advance their careers."

The 40 attendees participated in discussions and heard presentations on comprehensive centralized accommodations funding programs; tools for recruiting, hiring, retaining and advancing people with disabilities in the federal workforce; and leadership and innovative practices in federal employment for people with disabilities.

Deputy Labor Secretary Howard Radzely commented on behalf of the secretary of labor, "We in the federal government have the opportunity to be a role model for all employers in the employment of people with disabilities."

The work group plans to meet again in the next few months.

The Office of Disability Employment Policy (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 www.dol.gov/odep.

Archived News Release — Caution: Information may be out of date.

Agency also makes available business case on value of employees with disabilities

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) today released findings of the most extensive survey in history of employers' actions and attitudes toward employing people with disabilities. The report is available at www.dol.gov/odep.

CESSI, a division of Axiom Resource Management Inc., conducted the survey of 3,797 companies, which statistically represent more than 2.4 million companies nationwide. This survey found that a majority of large businesses are hiring people with disabilities and discovering that costs for accommodations differ very little from those for the general employee population. Additionally, the survey showed that once an employer hires one person with a disability, it is much more likely that employer will hire other people with disabilities.

ODEP Assistant Secretary Neil Romano hailed the report. "This research shows us the pathway for workers with disabilities to enter and succeed in the workplace," he said. "Employers consistently discover that hiring and retaining people with disabilities helps their bottom line, and our efforts at the Department of Labor to educate businesses on this fact are paying off for workers."

The survey does provide some disappointing news in that it reveals some resistance among businesses to viewing people with disabilities as able to advance up the corporate ladder.

"While in many cases the front door has begun to open for people with disabilities seeking employment, unfortunately, all too often a glass ceiling still keeps these valuable employees in lower level positions," Romano commented.

In partnership with The Conference Board Inc., ODEP will present major findings of this report via webcast on Feb. 18 from 11 a.m. to noon EST during the program "Are New Recruits Ready to Work?" This webcast will be open to the public and is part of the larger series "Maximizing Human Capital: Employees with Disabilities." To register, contact The Conference Board at 212-339-0345.

In related news, ODEP has articulated a "business case," or comprehensive feedback from employers on the value of employees with disabilities, which is available on the agency's Employer Assistance and Recruiting Network (EARN) Web site at www.earnworks.com/businesscase. The business case, as supported by research, is intended to facilitate a business-to-business dialogue in six areas: return on investment, human capital, innovation, marketing, diversity and social responsibility. The Web page includes links to resources at the federal, state and local government levels, including resources specifically for veterans.

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.

For more than 90 years, The Conference Board has created and disseminated knowledge about management and the marketplace to help businesses strengthen their performance and better serve society. The Conference Board is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3)organization operating as a global independent membership organization working in the public interest.

Archived News Release — Caution: Information may be out of date.

Web-based compilation of more than 10,000 listings designed to aid transition to civilian life

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor has joined with the U.S. Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs to launch a Web-based National Resource Directory to help wounded warriors identify resources available to assist them in transitioning back to civilian life.

"It is exciting to have the National Resource Directory included in DisabilityInfo.gov, the federal government's one-stop site for disability-related information. This directory is valuable for our returning wounded warriors and their positive reintegration back into mainstream American life," said Neil Romano, assistant secretary for the Labor Department's Office of Disability Employment Policy.

The National Resource Directory is available at http://www.nationalresourcedirectory.org and encompasses more than 10,000 services and resources from federal, state and local governmental agencies; veteran service and benefit organizations; nonprofit community-based and faith-based organizations; academic institutions, professional associations and philanthropic organizations. Information is organized into six categories: benefits and compensation; education, training and employment; family and caregiver support; health; housing and transportation; and services and resources. It also provides helpful checklists, frequently asked questions and connections to peer support groups. All information on the Web site can be found through a general or state and local search tool.

The directory is designed to serve the needs of care coordinators, providers and support partners with resources for wounded, ill and injured service members; veterans and their families; families of the fallen and those who support them.

"The National Resource Directory will prove to be a valuable tool for wounded, ill and injured service members and their families as they wind their way through the maze of benefits and services available to them in their transition to civilian life. The Department of Labor is pleased to have the opportunity to work with our partners at the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs." said Charles S. Ciccolella, assistant secretary for the Labor Department's Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS).

November is Warrior Care Month. The Departments of Labor, Defense and Veterans Affairs, along with other federal agencies, also collaborate on America's Heroes at Work, which focuses specifically on the employment challenges of returning service members living with traumatic brain injury and/or post-traumatic stress disorder. Additionally, the Labor Department's VETS offers REALifelines, which provides individualized job training, counseling and re-employment services to veterans seriously injured or wounded in the War on Terrorism. More information about these projects is available at Americas Heroes At Work and http://www.dol.gov/vets/REALifelines.

Archived News Release — Caution: Information may be out of date.

Theme: America's People... America's Talent... America's Strength!

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today recognized eight winners of the 7th annual New Freedom Initiative Award for their outstanding efforts to improve employment opportunities for people with disabilities. The awards ceremony took place at the Grand Hyatt Washington Hotel in Washington, D.C.

"The examples and best practices that we highlight today will hopefully provide insight and ideas for different strategies to help Americans with disabilities become fulfilled, contributing members of our workforce," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao.

On behalf of Secretary Chao, Deputy Secretary Howard M. Radzely also awarded two SPIRIT (Strength, Perseverance, Integrity, Role-model, Independence, Trailblazer) Awards. One was presented to Jim Abbott, former Major League Baseball pitcher for the California Angels, Chicago White Sox, Milwaukee Brewers and New York Yankees. Abbott retired from baseball in 1999, but he is still using his talent this time to help raise awareness about the value people with disabilities bring to America's businesses. Abbott serves as the spokesman for the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy's (ODEP) PITCH (Proving Individuals with Talent Can Help) campaign.

The other SPIRIT Awardee of 2008 is Steve A. Burd, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Safeway Inc., in Pleasanton, Calif. Under his leadership, the company is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and currently employs nearly 10,000 people with disabilities. With Burd at the helm, Safeway is delivering on its commitment to be a model corporate citizen by making communities in which it operates better places for all people, including those with disabilities, to live and work.

ODEP coordinates the annual New Freedom Initiative Awards program. Introduced by President George W. Bush in 2001, the New Freedom Initiative is a government-wide effort to accelerate the full inclusion of people with disabilities into mainstream American life.

"ODEP is not here to get employers to hire people with disabilities because it is the 'nice thing' to do," said Neil Romano, assistant secretary of ODEP. "We are demonstrating to America's business that hiring people with disabilities is a good thing to do for their business — good for their corporate bottom line and ultimately good for all Americans."

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

Editor's Note: A list of award winners follows this news release. Profiles are available at www.dol.gov/odep.

Archived News Release — Caution: Information may be out of date.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labors Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) and the U.S. Business Leadership Network (USBLN) have formed an alliance to promote the employment of people with disabilities. This collaboration will provide USBLN members and other employers with information, guidance and access to resources that will help them to recruit, hire and advance workers with disabilities.

"Having people with disabilities in the workplace is not only valuable to the employees themselves, it is valuable to businesses and, ultimately, to America," said Neil Romano, assistant secretary of labor for ODEP. "Hiring, retaining and advancing employees with disabilities is just good business. The USBLN is an integral part of our national effort to ensure that everyone ready, willing and able to work has the opportunity to do so."

The alliance agreement was signed by Romano and John Kemp, executive director and general counsel of the USBLN.

Through such alliances, ODEP partners with organizations to develop model policies, programs and strategies, as well as forge new channels for training, education and outreach. The agency's Alliance Initiative is open to businesses, trade and professional associations, labor unions, educational institutions, government agencies at all levels and others. An alliance directive available at www.dol.gov/odep provides guidelines and criteria for alliance partnerships.

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.

Archived News Release — Caution: Information may be out of date.

Former Major Leaguer Jim Abbott to serve as campaign spokesman

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), in cooperation with Major League Baseball, today announced the launch of the PITCH (Proving Individuals with Talent Can Help) campaign to encourage businesses to hire individuals with disabilities.

Former Major League pitcher Jim Abbott will serve as the campaign's spokesman. The campaign will include radio public service announcements, media awareness activities and appearances at the Little League World Series as well as Major League ballparks during September and October.

Abbott, born without a right hand, was an Olympic Gold Medalist in 1988. In 1993, while pitching for the New York Yankees, he tossed a no-hitter against the Cleveland Indians. He pitched 10 seasons in the major leagues with the California Angels, New York Yankees, Chicago White Sox and Milwaukee Brewers.

Neil Romano, assistant secretary of labor for ODEP, said, "We are thrilled to have the support of Major League Baseball for this significant campaign. Having Jim Abbott as our spokesman demonstrates that given the opportunity people with disabilities can make substantial contributions to any business. Jim succeeded based on his talent. The goal of this campaign and of our office is to have all businesses consider the great talent that people with disabilities can bring to their organizations."

Abbott added, "This is something that is very important to me. I am honored to be working with the Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy. I will do all that I can to bring attention to this issue and encourage businesses to look towards people with disabilities when they are hiring for their team."

According to the Census Bureau's American Community Survey, in 2006, the employment rate for people with disabilities was 37.7 percent, compared to an employment rate of 79.7 percent for people without disabilities, a 42 percent difference. People with disabilities represent a severely underutilized talent pool.

For more information about the PITCH campaign, visit www.ability.dol.gov. 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. More information is available at www.dol.gov/odep.

Archived News Release — Caution: Information may be out of date.

WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today announced that "America's People, America's Talent... America's Strength!" will be the official 2008 theme for National Disability Employment Awareness Month, which is observed in October nationwide. The 2008 theme captures the accomplishments highlighted in the 2007 progress report on President Bush's New Freedom Initiative for people with disabilities.

"Full access to community life for Americans with disabilities is an imperative and this year's theme conveys the tremendous contributions that these Americans can make in the workplace," said Secretary Chao.

Each October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month by congressional designation. The Labor Department's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) leads the nation's activities and produces materials to increase the public's awareness of the contributions and skills of American workers with disabilities. Typically, private sector; federal, state and local government; and advocacy organizations piggyback on the same theme to plan events and programs that showcase the abilities of employees and job candidates with disabilities.

"It is important to note that having people with disabilities in the workplace is valuable to the individual and to businesses," said Neil Romano, assistant secretary for the Labor Department's Office of Disability Employment Policy. "People with disabilities are the next great wave of diversity, and diversity fosters innovation to drive our economy and our nation into the future."

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 www.dol.gov/odep.

Archived News Release — Caution: Information may be out of date.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today kicked off its "Transforming the American Workplace: A 21st Century Vision" summit, which focuses on including people with disabilities in the American workforce and reduced barriers to employment. The invitation-only summit continues through tomorrow at Gallaudet University's Kellogg Conference Center in Washington, D.C.

"Our mission is to continue to promote a culture of inclusiveness in the best tradition of our nation," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao in her keynote speech today to summit attendees. "Hiring Americans with disabilities is not only the right thing to do — it is the smart thing to do. And the technological revolution of the last fifteen years has given us unprecedented ways to incorporate the talents of all members of our society into the workforce."

The inaugural summit has attracted representatives of corporations, universities, interest groups and government. Some of the workshops they attended today included "Transforming the Workplace with New Technologies," "Universal Design/Accessibility" and "Self-Employment and Entrepreneurship."

In addition to workshops, Assistant Secretary for Disability Employment Policy Neil Romano and decorated disabled veteran and entrepreneur Dawn Halfaker made presentations. Halfaker discussed her transition from the combat zone to civilian life and described her experiences as the chief executive officer of Halfaker and Associates, a small business.

Tomorrow's featured events are stakeholder meetings, where employers, government agencies, university officials and interest groups will discuss how to expand access to the talent pool of workers with disabilities.

"People with disabilities are a great, largely untapped resource for our nation," said Romano. "This summit brings together the national leaders of business, academia, the government and interest groups to continue progress toward people being hired and promoted based upon their abilities, not their disabilities."

The Office of Disability Employment Policy (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 www.dol.gov/odep.

Archived News Release — Caution: Information may be out of date.