WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor has announced the theme for 2021 National Disability Employment Awareness Month is “America’s Recovery: Powered by Inclusion.” Held each October, the annual commemoration raises awareness about disability employment issues, and celebrates the many and varied contributions of America's workers with disabilities.

Selected by the department’s Office of Disability Employment Policy, the theme’s annual spring announcement helps the nation’s employers, disability advocates and other organizations plan their observances. As ODEP celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2021, it encourages all types of employers and community organizations, advocacy groups and schools to participate.

“Our national recovery from the pandemic cannot be completed without the inclusion of all Americans, in particular people with disabilities,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh. “Their contributions have historically been vital to our nation’s success, and are more important today than ever. We must build an economy that fully includes the talent and drive of those with disabilities.”

“America’s Recovery: Powered by Inclusion” is a theme that reflects our commitment to an inclusive recovery, one in which those of us with disabilities have full access to economic opportunity and – if needed – the accommodations and supports that allow us to contribute our skills and talents,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for Disability Employment Policy Jennifer Sheehy.

The history of National Disability Employment Awareness Month can be traced back to 1945 when Congress declared the first week of October to be “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.” “Physically” was dropped in 1962 to include people with all types of disabilities. In 1988, Congress made the commemoration a month-long event.  

Learn more about ODEP and read about how your organization can participate.  

WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the award of five grants totaling more than $103 million to five state agencies to continue and expand pilot projects to help newly injured and ill workers remain in the workforce.

Agencies in Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Ohio and Vermont will receive funds to begin the second phase of demonstration projects in the development of the Retaining Employment and Talent after Injury/Illness Network. RETAIN focuses on implementing and evaluating stay-at-work and return-to-work strategies to help people to remain effective contributors to the labor force following illness or injury. States will use grant funds to improve coordination among employers, healthcare providers and other stakeholders able to help workers find alternatives as they decide whether to stay at or return to work following illness or injury.  

“The grants awarded today will support these states’ efforts to help workers keep their place as valued members of the workforce and avoid the kinds of severe economic loss workers may suffer when illness or injury occurs,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh. “With millions of American workers forced out of work by injury or illness each year, expanding strategies like these will promote inclusive workforce practices and bolster our economic recovery at a time when our focus must be on stopping and recovering from this pandemic.”

RETAIN is collaborative effort by the department’s Office of Disability Employment Policy in partnership with its Employment and Training Administration and the Social Security Administration. The department has awarded Phase 2 grants to projects with a particular focus on underserved and underrepresented communities, both disproportionately hurt by the pandemic. As part of the grant program, the SSA will fund an independent evaluation of Phase 2 recipients while ODEP and ETA will jointly fund a contract to provide technical assistance for the program.

The grant recipients will receive awards as follows:

ODEP works to increase the number and quality of employment opportunities for people with disabilities by developing and influencing policies and practices. Learn more about ODEP and the RETAIN initiative.

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor is extending an invitation to teens, parents, educators, employers and other interested stakeholders to join a national online dialogue through April 30 to gather ideas on how the department can connect with teens better.

The department will use the insights received to develop effective ways to enhance its existing efforts to inform teens about avoiding workplace hazards; the types of work they are allowed to do; age restrictions for work hours; employer wage requirements; employment training, including apprenticeships; and workplace discrimination. 

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the U.S. workforce included 4.7 million teens between the ages of 16 and 19 in 2020. In fiscal year 2020, the department recorded child labor violations in more than 850 investigations by its Wage and Hour Division and estimates a teen between 15 and 19 years old requires emergency room treatment for a workplace injury approximately every five minutes.

Co-hosted by the department’s Office of Disability Employment Policy, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Wage and Hour Division, Office of Compliance Initiatives and Employment and Training Administration, the dialogue is part of ODEP’s ePolicyWorks initiative.

Visit https://teenworkers.ideascale.com to register and participate in the online dialogue.

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor has selected seven states to participate in its Advancing State Policy Integration for Recovery and Employment initiative that aims to align state policy and funding to increase competitive integrated employment for individuals with mental health conditions.

Administered by the department’s Office of Disability Employment Policy, the initiative will provide Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Virginia and Wisconsin with tailored and targeted technical assistance. This assistance includes expertise to help each state in creating and implementing state strategic plans that encompass multiple systems including mental/behavioral health, Medicaid, vocational rehabilitation, and workforce and education. States will develop and implement their strategic plans in consultation with their state’s key mental health advocacy organizations.

In addition to supporting states, ASPIRE will provide a forum for knowledge-sharing between states, federal agencies, mental health service providers and other stakeholders about policies and practices to implement evidence-based Supported Employment models – including Individual Placement and Support – to increase competitive integrated employment for people with mental health conditions. As defined, competitive integrated employment is work in settings where most employees have no disabilities and are paid directly at the minimum or prevailing wage. 

“With the right support, people with mental health conditions can succeed in the workforce, including individuals who haven’t previously been successful,” said Office of Disability Employment Policy Deputy Assistant Secretary Jennifer Sheehy. “Better integration of funding, policy and programs to support proven employment models, such as Individual Placement and Support, is key to helping more people do so, and we look forward to working with and learning from the ASPIRE states.”

ODEP has contracted with Westat, a Rockville, Maryland research firm, to deliver the technical assistance to participating states.

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor announced today that, beginning April 12, it will open a two-week national online dialogue to gather ideas for ensuring equity in employment policies and programs for people with disabilities from historically underserved communities. Those seeking to participate should register at RacialEquity.ideascale.com.

The department will use input received between April 12 and April 26 to help identify strategies for dismantling systemic barriers to employment and participation in workforce services that people with disabilities from diverse backgrounds, communities and identities face. This group includes communities of color, religious minorities, LGBTQ+ persons, rural communities and those otherwise affected by persistent poverty or inequality.

Co-hosted by the department’s Office of Disability Employment Policy, Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs and Women’s Bureau, the dialogue will also help formulate future programs and funding opportunities that respond to the needs of people with disabilities, including people with mental health conditions and those recovering from long-term effects of the coronavirus, from diverse backgrounds. The dialogue follows  Executive Order 13985, “Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities through the Federal Government,” signed by President Biden on Jan. 20, 2021.  

“This national dialogue gives us a unique opportunity to listen to those with lived experience, and opens a valuable line of communication,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary for Disability Employment Policy Jennifer Sheehy. “Outreach like this strengthens our understanding and better equips us to ensure equity in our policy work and grant programs and respond to the needs of all Americans with disabilities.”

“The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs plays a vital role in rooting out entrenched employment inequities and ensures that federal contractors – which employ about 25 percent of the U.S. workforce – fulfill their contractual promise and deliver equal opportunity and affirmative action in their workplaces,” said Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs Director Jenny R. Yang. “Hearing what workers with disabilities from diverse backgrounds and identities face will guide our efforts to remove their barriers to opportunity and ensure their access to good jobs.”

“We know that the strongest policies don’t overlook marginalized communities and are designed to work for everyone,” said Women’s Bureau Director Wendy Chun-Hoon. “Engaging stakeholders as we seek to make sure our actions and policies support workers across many identities and experiences, including gender, race, sexuality, ability, religion, geography and wealth, is a core priority that ensures better employment outcomes for all.”

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a new initiative designed to assist states in aligning policy, programs and funding across multiple state agencies to increase competitive integrated employment for people with mental health conditions.

Led by the Department’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), the Advancing State Policy Integration for Recovery and Employment (ASPIRE) initiative seeks to align state policy and funding in support of evidence-based practices, such as the Individual Placement and Support model of supported employment. By doing so, ASPIRE aims to expand competitive integrated employment opportunities for individuals with mental health conditions. Competitive integrated employment is work in community settings where most employees have no disabilities and are paid directly at the greater of the minimum or prevailing wage. 

ODEP also announced today its selection of Westat, a Rockville, Maryland research firm, to assist the agency in this initiative.

“The Advancing State Policy Integration for Recovery and Employment initiative should improve lives and livelihoods for so many Americans and their families,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary for Disability Employment Policy Jennifer Sheehy. “With the significant experience and expertise of the Westat team, we are confident that this initiative will improve competitive integrated employment outcomes, including individual placement and support for persons with mental health conditions.”

ODEP will choose up to six participating states through a competitive process in the coming months. To participate in ASPIRE, states chosen must demonstrate leadership commitment from the states’ mental health, vocational rehabilitation, workforce, education and Medicaid programs, and from critical mental health stakeholders in their state.

A technical working group of national experts will advise the project and help share ASPIRE analysis, products and tools with an array of national stakeholders

ODEP’s mission is to develop and influence policies and practices that increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities. For more information on ODEP, including its work on competitive integrated employment, see dol.gov/odep.

The mission of the Department of Labor is to foster, promote and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.

WASHINGTON, DC – President Donald J. Trump has issued a proclamation commemorating October 2020 as National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) and encouraging workplaces and communities across the nation to honor the occasion through a variety of events and activities.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) leads NDEAM’s national commemoration and selects its annual theme to help organizations nationwide as they plan their observances. This year, ODEP has chosen “Increasing Access and Opportunity” as NDEAM’s theme and planned activities to coincide with the Department’s celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

“This month, we recognize the talent and skill of Americans with disabilities.  Their resolve and determination strengthen our country and inspire us all," declared President Donald J. Trump in his NDEAM proclamation. “Together, we will continue to advance and promote an inclusive workforce in which everyone can provide for themselves and their families, achieve the American Dream, and enjoy the prosperity of our great Nation.”

“Americans with disabilities bring tremendous value to the workforce, and National Disability Employment Awareness Month is an opportunity for the nation to recognize and honor the contributions they make,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia. “This year we also celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, an important milestone in our effort to increase access and opportunity for all Americans.”

“In the 30 years since its passage, an entire generation has lived and grown under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Their entry to the workforce has also coincided with dramatic changes in the way we access and perform work across occupations and industries,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Office of Disability Employment Policy Jennifer Sheehy. “In many cases, their perspectives have spurred innovative thinking and led to new technologies and products that enhance everyone’s lives. During National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we celebrate the value disability inclusion adds to our nation’s workforce.”

NDEAM marks its 75th anniversary this year. Originating in 1945, Congress declared the first week of October as “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week,” with the word “physically” removed in 1962 to acknowledge individuals’ needs and contributions with all types of disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed its name to NDEAM.

Employers of all sizes and in all industries are encouraged to participate in NDEAM, as are educators and youth service professionals, business associations, labor unions and disability advocacy organizations. Ideas for how different types of organizations can observe NDEAM, as well as this year’s official poster, are available at dol.gov/ndeam.

The mission of the Department of Labor is to foster, promote and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor today commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), landmark civil rights legislation that protects access and opportunity for people with disabilities across community life, including employment.

“The Americans with Disabilities Act ushered in a new era of equality and inclusion for Americans with disabilities,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia. “This landmark law informs and motivates the Department’s efforts as we work to provide all Americans with opportunities for fulfilling employment.”

The Department’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) helps advance the ADA by developing and influencing policies and practices that increase both the number and quality of employment opportunities for people with disabilities. The agency provides technical assistance to individuals and employers on the ADA’s employment provisions. The ODEP-supported Job Accommodation Network is a leading source for guidance on workplace accommodations, a right the ADA guarantees to qualified individuals.

“Today’s commemoration of the Americans with Disabilities Act affirms our nation’s founding ideals. The ADA is and has been vital to achieving a fully inclusive American workforce and economy,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Department’s Office of Disability Employment Policy Jennifer Sheehy. “The ADA provides the foundation for ODEP’s work to ensure that people with disabilities can pursue meaningful careers and set and achieve their individual employment goals.”

The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) helps advance the ADA through its enforcement of Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and through the comprehensive compliance assistance it provides to federal contractors to ensure full disability inclusion in the workplace. OFCCP is also conducting Section 503 focused reviews across the country to ensure equal employment opportunity for individuals with disabilities.

“Equal employment opportunity for individuals with disabilities is required by law and benefits our entire economy,” stated Director of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs Craig Leen.  “On the 30th anniversary of the ADA, OFCCP is proud to be working to ensure the full inclusion of individuals with disabilities by federal contractors in all aspects of employment, including equal opportunity and non-discrimination in hiring, compensation, and promotions.”

The Department is planning an event marking the 30th anniversary in October. The event will also commemorate another milestone in disability employment history – the 75th annual observance of October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

The Department’s yearlong commemoration of the ADA’s 30th anniversary has included a variety of activities, all centered on the 2020 theme “Increasing Access and Opportunity.” National Disability Employment Awareness Month 2020 will carry this theme as well, as does the official 75th anniversary poster which highlights both milestones.

The mission of the Department of Labor is to foster, promote and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced that “Increasing Access and Opportunity” is the 2020 theme for October’s annual observance of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM).

This year is the nation’s 75th observance of NDEAM, which is administered by the Department’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP). The observance culminates the Department’s commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

“Ensuring that America’s workplaces continue to include and accommodate people with disabilities will be an important part of our economic rebound,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia. “Looking ahead, the Department will remain focused on the policies that led to a strong economy and record-low unemployment rates for persons with disabilities prior to the pandemic. A vigorous economic rebound and job growth will, alongside the Americans with Disabilities Act, increase access and opportunity for Americans with disabilities.”

“People with disabilities are experienced problem solvers with a proven ability to adapt,” said Office of Disability Employment Policy Deputy Assistant Secretary, Jennifer Sheehy. “Now more than ever, flexibility is important for both workers and employers. National Disability Employment Awareness Month celebrates the ingenuity people with disabilities bring to America’s workplaces.”

Each October, NDEAM celebrates America’s workers with disabilities and reminds employers of the importance of inclusive hiring practices. In 1945, Congress declared the first week of October “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.” In 1962, the word “physically” was dropped to include individuals with all types of disabilities. Congress expanded the week to a month in 1988, and changed the commemoration to National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

With its 2001 establishment, ODEP assumed responsibility for NDEAM. The agency’s efforts include selection of NDEAM’s annual theme, announced earlier in the year to enable organizations nationwide to plan their own observances. Employers of any size, in any industry – as well as community organizations, advocacy groups and schools – are encouraged to participate.

For more information about NDEAM, including ideas for how your organization can participate, visit www.dol.gov/ndeam. The website also features the 2020 NDEAM poster, highlighting ADA’s 30th anniversary.  

The mission of the Department of Labor is to foster, promote and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.