WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor has awarded a $2.5 million grant to the West Virginia University Research Corp. to manage and operate the Office of Disability Employment Policy's Job Accommodation Network, a national technical assistance center that facilitates the employment and retention of workers with disabilities.

"The Job Accommodation Network has been a trusted resource for nearly 30 years," said Kathy Martinez, assistant secretary of labor for disability employment policy. "JAN is a unique solutions helpline providing a high level of service and support for employers and employees."

JAN is a free and confidential consulting service that provides individualized worksite accommodation solutions and technical assistance spanning the complete range of disabilities and job functions to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and other disability-related legislation. JAN also provides information about self-employment and small business ownership opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

WVU, which has hosted the Job Accommodation Network since its inception in 1983, was selected for the current grant by an independent panel that reviewed all submissions.

Additional information about JAN is available at http://askjan.org. For information about ODEP, visit http://www.dol.gov/odep/.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy today announced the availability of approximately $950,000 to fund a cooperative agreement to establish and operate the Accessible Technology Action Center, a new national resource that will facilitate and promote the use of accessible technology in the hiring, employment, retention and career advancement of individuals with disabilities.

"Accessible technology can have a significant impact on people with disabilities when it comes to succeeding in the workplace," said Kathy Martinez, assistant secretary of labor for disability employment policy. "This new center will build on previous partnerships and focus on specific issues facing employees with disabilities and the technology industry."

The ATAC will expand access to information and communication technologies in the workplace for people with disabilities. The center will promote the knowledge, technical skills, tools and leadership strategies needed to address accessibility issues, and will seek to raise awareness of the impact critical accessible workplace technologies have on competitive employment opportunities.

The initial award will be for 12 months with the possibility of up to four optional years of funding, depending on the availability of funds and satisfactory performance. The full announcement for this grant opportunity can be found at http://www.grants.gov. Applications will be accepted until Aug. 31, 2012.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy today announced the availability of a $1.1 million grant to establish the National Center on Leadership for the Employment and Advancement of People with Disabilities, a national technical assistance center that will focus on improving employment outcomes and promoting the economic advancement of people with disabilities.

"People with disabilities bring innovation to the workplace critical to the nation's future," said Kathy Martinez, assistant secretary of labor for disability employment policy. "The new center will identify and promote successful retention and return-to-work strategies for individuals with disabilities, particularly mature workers, and also serve as a central repository of information on best practices necessary to increase employment opportunities."

The LEAD Center will conduct policy and research initiatives on improving employment outcomes, including job retention, for job seekers with disabilities. Additionally, a key component of the center's work will be translating emerging and successful solutions, as identified through demonstration projects and research, into policy and practice. The center also will support ODEP in encouraging innovative practices and facilitating their implementation at both the workforce system and individual levels, which includes providing technical assistance and training to workforce-related entities.

The full announcement for this grant opportunity can be found at http://www.grants.gov. Applications will be accepted until Aug. 31, 2012.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy today announced the availability of a $1.1 million grant to fund a cooperative agreement to manage and operate the National Technical Assistance and Demonstration Center on Preparing Youth with Disabilities for Employment. The center will build capacity within and across youth service delivery systems to improve employment and postsecondary education outcomes for youth with disabilities.

"We must invest in youth in order to have a strong, capable future workforce. Through the center, the Labor Department is committing to supporting youth as they transition to adulthood and the world of work," said Kathy Martinez, assistant secretary of labor for disability employment policy.

The center will continue to build upon ODEP's previous technical assistance efforts. It will provide technical assistance, training and information to organizations operating youth programs funded by the Workforce Investment Act, as well as current and former Labor Department grantees, to aid them in integrating evidence-based, effective practices for improving transition results for young people with disabilities who are enrolled in their programs. Additionally, the center will use ODEP's Guideposts for Success — available at http://www.dol.gov/odep/categories/youth — as a transition framework.

The center will have three areas of focus: career exploration, management and planning; youth development and leadership; and professional development. Applicants must recognize that youth, families, educators, workforce professionals and other stakeholders need to work together to increase employment expectations for youth with disabilities.

The full announcement for this grant opportunity, including eligibility requirements for applicants, can be found at https://www.grants.gov or http://www.dol.gov/odep/. Applications will be accepted until Aug. 17.

Partnership aims to increase employment of individuals with disabilities

WASHINGTON — Kathleen Martinez, assistant secretary of labor for disability employment policy, and Sharon Lewis, commissioner of the Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, have signed a memorandum of agreement. Together, the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy and AIDD, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for Community Living, will work to expand and promote integrated employment as the first employment option for individuals with significant, including intellectual and other developmental, disabilities.

"This agreement is an opportunity for ODEP and AIDD to work together to further disability employment practices and support state efforts to transform public systems so that they reflect integrated employment as a priority outcome for citizens with significant disabilities," said Martinez.

The partnership between the two federal agencies will further their coordination of resources and efforts so that the concept of "Employment First" — described at http://www.dol.gov/odep/topics/EmploymentFirst.htm — is more broadly embraced. Many states already have resolved to implement policies that promote integrated employment as the first option of service for individuals with intellectual and other developmental disabilities through the establishment of Employment First initiatives. Both ODEP and AIDD support these initiatives and other efforts to change states' employment systems by providing technical assistance, training and capacity building support.

"We are very excited about working together with the Office of Disability Employment Policy to improve employment outcomes. We believe that access to competitive integrated employment is integral to our efforts at the Administration for Community Living. Without a meaningful career path, people with disabilities cannot achieve the goals of independent living, full participation in community or economic self-sufficiency," said Lewis.

AIDD ensures that individuals with developmental disabilities and their families participate in the design of and have access to culturally competent needed community services, individualized supports and other forms of assistance that promote self-determination, independence, productivity, and integration and inclusion in all facets of community life.

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

Members of the public selected favorite videos featuring ability and talent

WASHINGTON — The Campaign for Disability Employment, a collaborative of leading disability and business organizations funded by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy, today announced the runner-up winners of the 2012 "What can YOU do?" video contest. Overall contest winners in three categories were announced in late May, and the public was asked to participate by voting for the top two videos out of four runners-up. Nearly 900 votes were cast.

The first runner-up video, "Hire Me for My Ability," was submitted by Developmental Disabilities Service Organization Inc.'s Employment Plus program, which is based in Sacramento, Calif. The video shows the many occupations in which people with disabilities are using their talents to contribute to the workplace and reminds viewers that people with disabilities should be hired for their abilities.

The second runner-up video, "Yes I Can," was submitted by students from the Henry Viscardi School in Albertson, N.Y. The video features people with disabilities who are valuable assets to their workplaces. It encourages employers to provide opportunities, hire people with disabilities and focus on abilities.

The runner-up winners will receive $250 each, courtesy of the U.S. Business Leadership Network, a founding partner of the campaign. Everyone is encouraged to view and share the videos in support of the Campaign for Disability Employment's mission to challenge negative perceptions about disability employment, and increase knowledge and understanding of the skills and talents of people with disabilities.

To view and share all of the winning videos, visit the campaign's "What can YOU do?" YouTube channel at http://s.dol.gov/T3. For more information about the campaign, visit http://www.WhatCanYouDoCampaign.org.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the availability of a $2.5 million grant to fund a cooperative agreement to manage and operate the Job Accommodation Network, a national technical assistance center that facilitates the employment and retention of workers with disabilities.

"Employers need to understand how to provide specific, individualized accommodations to create a work environment that enables a qualified individual with a disability to participate in the job application process and perform the essential functions of a job," said Kathy Martinez, assistant secretary of labor for disability employment policy. "The Job Accommodation Network provides that expertise."

JAN is a free and confidential consulting service for employers that provides individualized worksite accommodation solutions and technical assistance to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and other disability-related legislation. JAN also provides information about self-employment and small business ownership opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

For more than 20 years, JAN has been employers' primary resource for accommodations expertise, analyzing situations that span the complete range of disabilities and job functions, and delivering effective solutions that benefit both employers and employees.

The full announcement for this grant opportunity, including eligibility requirements for applicants, can be found at https://www.grants.gov or http://www.dol.gov/odep/. Applications will be accepted until July 18.

Public asked to vote for runner-up videos

WASHINGTON — The Campaign for Disability Employment, a collaborative of leading disability and business organizations funded by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy, has selected the winning videos in the 2012 "What can YOU do?" video contest. This nationwide contest challenged filmmakers to produce disability employment awareness videos that reflect the diversity of skills people with disabilities offer, challenge common misconceptions about disability employment and reinforce the CDE's core message that, at work, it's what people CAN do that matters.

The 2012 "What can YOU do?" video contest winners were selected in three categories: employer, youth and general public. Judging was based on originality, content, reflection of campaign themes and categories, production value, impact and accessibility. Winning videos now will be used in support of the campaign's national effort to increase the employment of people with disabilities.

In the employer category, Adam Dylewski of Washington, D.C., and the Chemists with Disabilities Committee of the American Chemical Society were recognized for their video, "Chemists with Disabilities: We All Can." The video, which features chemists with disabilities sharing the value and talent they bring to their industry, demonstrates ACS' leadership on the issue of disability employment and the benefits of fostering a work culture welcoming of the talents of all individuals, including workers with disabilities.

The youth category winner is Jake Johnson of Clarence, N.Y., for his video "What WILL You Do?" The video illustrates the importance of developing and reaching goals and believing in oneself.

Finally, in the general public category, the honor goes to Dylan Johanson of Rosendale, N.Y., for his video "Challenge Your Assumptions." The video shares the true story of Margaret, a school cafeteria employee who helped a child who was choking, potentially saving her life. Margaret is a hard-working and valued employee who has a disability.

Everyone is encouraged to view and share the winning videos in support of the CDE's mission to challenge negative perceptions about disability employment and increase knowledge and understanding of the skills and talents of people with disabilities. The CDE now seeks public participation in the "What can YOU do?" video contest by asking everyone to vote for their two favorite runner-up videos. Two videos will receive $250.00, courtesy of the US Business Leadership Network, a CDE founding partner. Cast your vote today at http://whatcanyoudocampaign.org/videoVOTE.html!

To see the videos and for more information, visit http://www.whatcanyoudocampaign.org.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy today announced the launch of its first disability-related application challenge, which is designed to generate innovative tools that will improve employment opportunities and outcomes for people with disabilities.

Nearly 22 years after the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act and 39 years after the passage of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, people with disabilities continue to be employed at much lower levels than those without disabilities. The goal of the app challenge is to promote recruitment resources for employers, develop job training and skill-building tools for job seekers, facilitate employment-related transportation options and expand information communication technology accessibility.

"I am thrilled to announce the Labor Department's first disability employment app challenge. Using today's technology, we hope to inspire creative and innovative solutions to the pressing employment-related problems faced by people with disabilities," said Kathy Martinez, assistant secretary of labor for disability employment policy.

Submissions should provide access to important data and resources; attract users with different skill sets and language preferences; be accessible (that is, compatible and interoperable with assistive technology commonly used by individuals with disabilities, such as screen reading and speech recognition software); and consider partnerships that will ensure sustainability of the app. In addition, they should be targeted toward a variety of audiences such as students, teachers, employers, career counselors and workforce professionals, as well as individuals with disabilities working or seeking work at all levels in a variety of salaried and hourly jobs.

Awards with cash prizes — totaling $10,000 — will be given to the top three submissions, including the grand prize Innovation Award, the second prize People's Choice Award, and the third prize Above and Beyond Accessibility Award. The winners will be featured prominently on ODEP's website, http://www.dol.gov/odep/, as well as at http://disability.gov and through other public outreach vehicles.

Contestants must register for the contest on the Challenge.gov website by creating an account at http://challenge.gov/users/login. Each registrant will receive a confirmation email and may then enter a submission via the "Post a Submission" tab at http://disability.challenge.gov. Submissions must be entered between May 23 at 12 a.m. EDT and Aug. 23 at 11:59 p.m. EDT. Late entries will not be eligible for prizes.

Agreement supports increased hiring of individuals with disabilities in health care industry

WASHINGTON — Assistant Secretary of Labor for Disability Employment Policy Kathleen Martinez and National Organization of Nurses with Disabilities President Beth Marks have signed an alliance agreement during National Nurses Week to promote the employment of individuals with disabilities in the health care industry.

"Today's alliance is an outcome of ODEP's Health Care Summit held in Chicago last year. Through this partnership, we will be able to develop strategies for increasing employment and educational opportunities in the health care sector for those of us with disabilities," Martinez said.

ODEP's Alliance Initiative, begun in 2006, enables organizations to work with the agency to develop and implement model policies and initiatives that increase the recruitment, hiring, retention, and career advancement of employees with disabilities. The National Organization of Nurses with Disabilities is an open membership, cross-disability, public education and advocacy organization that works to promote the full inclusion and acceptance of people with disabilities and chronic health conditions into nursing careers.

"NOND as a grassroots organization was founded by nurses with disabilities and is governed by a majority of nurses with disabilities — making us internationally unique," said Marks. "As the 'voice' of disability in nursing, this alliance presents an opportunity for NOND to work with ODEP to ensure that people with disabilities know that health care careers and work in the health care industries is an option to them."

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