WASHINGTON, DC – With the start of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) in October, the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Compliance Initiatives (OCI) and its Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) is helping raise awareness of disability-related nondiscrimination laws and regulations.

"We want to ensure both employees and employers have access to clear and accurate information, through a variety of channels, about protections for applicants and employees with disabilities," said Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for Disability Employment Policy Jennifer Sheehy. "Our easy-to-implement compliance resources are designed to help employers benefit from the many talents that employees with disabilities bring to America's workforce."

The ODEP-funded Job Accommodation Network helps employers comply with disability nondiscrimination laws by advising about workplace accommodations for people with disabilities.  The ODEP-funded Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN) helps employers foster disability-inclusive workplace cultures and recruit, hire, retain, and advance people with disabilities. 

OCI is a cross-agency effort that complements the Department's enforcement activities by strengthening and innovating compliance assistance outreach to provide employers and workers with access to information about their rights and responsibilities. As part of this, OCI launched Worker.gov and Employer.gov, both of which address a range of employment issues, including disability nondiscrimination.

Held in October, NDEAM offers an annual opportunity for employers to communicate their commitment to a workplace welcoming of qualified people with disabilities, and employers of all sizes and in all industries are encouraged to take part. For ideas and resources to plan observances, including this year's official poster, visit ODEP's NDEAM webpage.

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor is celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month throughout October. The Department's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) previously announced the month-long theme is "America's Workforce: Empowering All."

"National Disability Employment Awareness Month is a time to recognize the importance of ensuring all Americans can access good, family-sustaining jobs," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta. "Americans with disabilities bring skills, talent, and dedication to our nation's workforce. Job creators who hire Americans with disabilities benefit from their expertise and perseverance, gaining a competitive edge.

"President Trump understands that the American workforce is strengthened by the participation of all Americans. With a record 6.9 million open jobs in the United States, we must renew our commitment to ensuring that all are empowered in the American workforce."

In 1945, Congress declared the first week of October as National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week. In 1962, the word "physically" was dropped to acknowledge individuals with all types of disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name to NDEAM. In 2001, ODEP was established and formally began selecting the NDEAM theme.

WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Department of Labor's Retaining Employment and Talent After Injury/Illness Network (RETAIN) today announced nearly $19 million in grants to eight state agencies to identify new, replicable strategies to help those who develop a potentially disabling condition remain at or return to work.

The primary goal of RETAIN demonstration projects is to help Americans who are injured or ill remain in or return to the workforce. Early coordination of healthcare services and employment-related supports and services is a critical component of RETAIN. By testing and evaluating early intervention approaches, RETAIN aims to validate and expand the implementation of evidence-based strategies to accomplish this goal.

"Each year, millions of Americans leave the labor force because of an injury or illness," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta. "Regardless of whether these injuries or illnesses occur on-the-job or off-the-job, the impacts of not returning to work can be significant and long-lasting on individuals and their families. Retraining and returning to work is an important goal, and these funds do assist that effort."

When an illness or injury forces a worker to exit the labor force, the loss also affects employers and many levels of government. RETAIN is based on the premise that - with timely, coordinated, and effective supports - many workers could remain in their jobs. To test economically sustainable solutions, the President's Fiscal Year 2018 and 2019 budgets included funding for the RETAIN demonstration projects. RETAIN is led by the Department's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), in partnership with the Department's Employment and Training Administration and the Social Security Administration.

ODEP works to increase the number and quality of employment opportunities for people with disabilities by developing and influencing policies and practices. For more information on ODEP and these grant awards, visit https://www.dol.gov/odep.

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WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the availability of $20 million in grants to help Americans who are injured or ill remain in or return to the workforce. The grants are intended to identify new, replicable strategies to help individuals with a work-related disability stay on the job.

“America’s workforce is strengthened by the participation of all Americans. After an injury or illness, it is critical for workers to have the ability to return to the labor force as quickly as possible,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta. “These grants will help develop innovative strategies that enable injured or ill Americans to return to work so they can support themselves and provide for their families.”

The grants represent the first phase of funding for Retaining Employment and Talent After Injury/Illness Network (RETAIN) Demonstration Projects, which will be administered by the Department’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), in partnership with the Department’s Employment and Training Administration  and the Social Security Administration (SSA).

Successful applicants will propose coordinated employment and health services through an integrated network of partners, including state and/or local workforce development agencies; health-care systems and/or provider networks; and other strategic partners, such as employers or insurers.

The Department anticipates awarding up to eight grants of approximately $2.5 million each to be spent over an 18-month period for planning and start-up activities, including the launch of a small pilot demonstration. Near the conclusion of this first phase, the Department anticipates competitively awarding up to four of the Phase One grantees with additional funding up to approximately $19.5 million each to implement their demonstration projects at full scale. The Department anticipates Phase Two will span 42 months, including 30 months for project implementation and 12 for closeout and final assessment activities. The SSA will administer an independent evaluation of the RETAIN projects.

Eligible applicants are state Departments of Labor, state Workforce Development Agencies, or an equivalent entity with responsibility for labor, employment, and/or workforce development; and entities described in section 166(c) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act relating to Indian and Native American programs. Applicants are also required to partner with the State Workforce Development Board and State Health Department or equivalent entities; health-care systems practicing coordinated care and population health management. Applicants and may also partner with other equivalent entities generally responsible for regulating, managing or influencing the provision of health services.

The full announcement for this grant opportunity can be found at https://www.grants.gov or https://www.dol.gov/odep. Applications will be accepted until July 23, 2018. 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 https://www.dol.gov/odep.

WASHINGTON, DC - In keeping with the U.S. Department of Labor’s  commitment to ensuring an American workforce for Americans of all abilities, this year’s official National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) theme will be “America’s Workforce: Empowering All,” the Department announced today.

“President Trump’s administration is committed to ensuring that all Americans can access good, family-sustaining jobs. A workforce that empowers everyone is good for job seekers as well as job creators,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta. “Over the past year, the unemployment rate for individuals with disabilities has significantly declined. Continued steady job creation will provide even more opportunities for all Americans to get hired and provide for their families.”

Observed each October, NDEAM is a nationwide campaign that celebrates the contributions of workers with disabilities throughout American history, and emphasizes the importance of ensuring that all Americans have access to the services and supports to enable them to work. Although led at the national level by the Department’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), the true spirit of NDEAM lies in the many observances held across the nation every year. The Department announces the annual theme early to facilitate planning of events.

The 2018 theme emerged from discussions with organizations that partner with ODEP, including those representing employers, persons with disabilities and their families, and federal and state government agencies.

NDEAM began in 1945, when Congress declared the first week in October each year “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.” In 1962, the word “physically” was dropped to acknowledge individuals with all types of disabilities. Then, in 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name to NDEAM. ODEP assumed responsibility for NDEAM when the Agency was established in 2001.

For more information about NDEAM, including specific ideas for how different types of organizations can participate, visit www.dol.gov/ndeam. The Department expects to make the official NDEAM poster available in July.

2015 Theme Announced for Octobers National Disability Employment Awareness Month

WASHINGTON — Planning for National Disability Employment Awareness Month 2015 is underway, and the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy today announced the official theme for the October observance: "My Disability Is One Part of Who I Am."

"This year's theme encapsulates the important message that people with disabilities are just that — people," said Jennifer Sheehy, acting assistant secretary of labor for disability employment policy. "And like all people, we are the sum of many parts, including our work experiences. Disability is an important perspective we bring to the table, but, of course, it's not the only one."

National Disability Employment Awareness Month, known as NDEAM is a nationwide campaign that raises awareness about disability employment issues and celebrates the contributions of America's workers with disabilities, past and present. Each spring, the year's theme is announced to help workplaces, individuals and communities begin planning activities.

The 2015 theme echoes the ODEP-funded Campaign for Disability Employment's "Who I Am" television public service announcement, currently in national distribution. This announcement features nine diverse people with disabilities — some obvious and some not — sharing the many ways they describe themselves, from personal interests to family relationships to occupations. Among them is actor RJ Mitte, known for his work on AMC's critically acclaimed series "Breaking Bad."

NDEAM dates back to 1945, when Congress declared the first week in October "National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week." The word "physically" was deleted in 1962 to acknowledge individuals with all types of disabilities. The week was expanded to a month by Congress in 1988 and its name was also changed to NDEAM. When ODEP was created in 2001, it was given responsibility for NDEAM, including selection of its annual theme.

For more information about NDEAM, including specific ideas for how different types of organizations can participate, visit www.dol.gov/odep/ and select "National Disability Employment Awareness Month" from the drop-down menu. To view the "Who I Am" PSA, visit www.whatcanyoudocampaign.org

WASHINGTON — "Because We Are EQUAL to the Task" is the theme of this year's National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Chosen by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy, the theme reflects the reality that people with disabilities have the education, training, experience and desire to be successful in the workplace.

"When I was growing up, many people doubted what I could do just because I was blind. But because I had people in my life who instilled in me an expectation of work and showed me opportunities to be successful, I completed college and became known for what I can do," said Kathy Martinez, assistant secretary of labor for disability employment policy. "I urge all employers to benefit from the skills of workers with disabilities by giving them, including our returning veterans, a chance to show that they, too, are equal to the task."

This year's theme echoes the message of ODEP's ongoing Campaign for Disability Employment to promote positive employment outcomes for people with disabilities and expand ideas about what youths with disabilities can do when they receive encouragement and support for their ambitions. Conducted in collaboration with business and disability organizations, the campaign emphasizes that, at work, it is what people can do that matters. More information about the Campaign for Disability Employment is available at http://www.whatcanyoudocampaign.org.

Recognized in some form since 1945 when Congress designated a week in October as "National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week," National Disability Employment Awareness Month is a culmination of ODEP's year-long efforts to raise awareness about the value of employing people with disabilities. The theme is announced well in advance of October to enable communities throughout the nation to plan announcements and activities to recognize the month and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America's workers with disabilities. Such activities include proclamations, public awareness programs and job fairs that enhance awareness, create opportunities, or showcase the abilities and talents of workers with disabilities. Resources for participation and more information are available on ODEP's Web pages at http://www.dol.gov/odep by selecting NDEAM from among the topics listed.

WASHINGTON — Members of the public are invited to participate in an online dialogue to examine the impact of existing federal regulations and legislation on the successful transition from school to work of youths and young adults with disabilities. The U.S. departments of Labor, Education, and Health and Human Services and the Social Security Administration will host the event May 13-27, and they invite policymakers, service providers, the advocacy community and others to join this conversation to improve transition outcomes.

Youths and young adults with disabilities face unique challenges that may complicate their educational achievements as well as their plans for school, training and work. As a result, they may have poorer educational and employment outcomes than their peers without disabilities and fail to achieve the maximum independence possible.

"We must ensure that our federal programs and resources support our nation's youths and young adults with disabilities in reaching their dreams of economic empowerment and independence, and we need to hear from many people," said Kathy Martinez, assistant secretary of labor for disability employment policy. "Speaking up online can help us identify barriers as well as opportunities that may exist at the federal level and also help us develop solutions."

The four host agencies are particularly interested in identifying federal legislative and regulatory barriers regarding employment, education, Social Security, and health and human services. Input received during the two-week, facilitated online dialogue will help these agencies improve policies, practices and interagency strategic planning.

To register for and participate in the dialogue, visit http://FPTepolicyworks.ideascale.com.

WASHINGTON — Kathy Martinez, assistant secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy and Paula Alfone, mid-Atlantic director of the Higher Education Recruitment Consortium, today signed an alliance agreement to promote the employment of people with disabilities throughout the higher education community. The two organizations are combining their expertise to increase recruitment, hiring, retention and advancement at colleges, universities, hospitals, research labs, government agencies and related organizations.

This alliance is an outgrowth of last year's Higher Education Sector Summit held by ODEP in conjunction with the College and University Professional Association — Human Resources. Summit panelists and participants explored the reasons that people with disabilities are underrepresented among the faculty and staff of institutions of higher learning.

"It is critical to correct this imbalance because students, both with and without disabilities, benefit from having teachers and mentors who reflect society's wide diversity and talent," said Martinez. "This alliance will help us develop strategies for increasing employment opportunities for people with disabilities in the education community."

"HERC views its alliance with ODEP as critical to its mission of helping our 600 member organizations recruit and retain the most talented and diverse workforce — including people with disabilities," said Nancy Aebersold, HERC's founder and executive director. "We are thrilled to join forces with ODEP, which has tremendous expertise and resources to help us do so!"

ODEP's mission is to provide national leadership by developing and influencing disability employment-related policies and practices affecting an increase in the employment of people with disabilities. In addition to the Higher Education Recruitment Consortium, the agency has alliances with the Society for Human Resource Management, the U.S. Business Leadership Network, the HSC Foundation, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Assistive Technology Industry Association, the National Industry Liaison Group, the National Organization of Nurses with Disabilities and the National Working Positive Coalition. For more information about ODEP, visit http://www.dol.gov/odep/.

US Labor Department briefs offer recommendations for responding to aging workforce

WASHINGTON — Providing accommodations to aging workers with disabilities, chronic health problems or reduced work capacity can help employers retain experienced staff who might otherwise leave the workforce prematurely, according to two briefs issued today by the U.S. Department of Labor.

The briefs provide recommendations for state and federal policymakers, employers and health care industry leaders on retaining critical talent. One identifies successful strategies, including supportive policies, for retaining aging health care professionals without sacrificing patient care. The other recommends that employers and policymakers adopt early interventions to prevent disability-related job loss by providing workers with assistive technology and other workplace accommodations.

The briefs summarize assessments and recommendations from two conferences sponsored by the department's Office of Disability Employment Policy that gathered experts on aging, disability and employment to discuss the impact of aging on the national workforce and health care systems. The U.S Census Bureau projects that, by 2020, many of the 25 million baby boomers that make up more than 40 percent of the current U.S. labor force will exit, leaving many jobs unfilled and taking decades of accumulated knowledge with them. In addition, as the population ages, the demand for health care services will increase just as many health care workers are facing retirement.

"A confluence of demographic, economic, and health factors have intersected to make the employment situation of older Americans a matter of urgent national importance," said Kathy Martinez, assistant secretary of labor for disability employment policy. "By promoting workforce flexibility, harnessing widespread advances in assistive technology, and using other types of workplace accommodations, we can slow the mass exodus of older workers in health care and other industries, and continue to benefit from the knowledge and skills they bring."

To read the issue briefs, visit ODEP's Web page at http://www.dol.gov/odep/topics/OlderWorkers.htm.