Whats' New
(2007,2008,2009)
June 5, 2009
May 2009 Disability Employment Statistics Released
In May 2009, the percent of people with disabilities in the labor force was 22.9 compared with 71.1 for persons with no disability. The unemployment rate for those with disabilities was 13.7 percent, compared with 8.9 percent for persons with no disability, not seasonally adjusted.
Read about the May Disability Employment Statistics
Read Commonly Used Terms in BLS Employment Statistics
May 28, 2009
ODEP and ETA Release Asset Development Report
ODEP’s new report, created in collaboration with its sister agency, the Employment and Training Administration (ETA), is an example of ODEP’s research into best practices in asset development.
Read More About the Report
May 8, 2009
April 2009 Disability Employment Statistics Released
In April 2009, the percent of people with disabilities in the labor force was 22.8 compared with 70.9 for persons with no disability. The unemployment rate for those with disabilities was 12.9 percent, compared with 8.4 percent for persons with no disability, not seasonally adjusted.
Read about the April Disability Employment Statistics
Read Commonly Used Terms in BLS Employment Statistics
May 1, 2009
Resources for Employers and the Visually Impaired
HR Magazine’s April issue featured an article of interest to ODEP’s stakeholders: An Underestimated Talent Pool – Able, eager people who are blind or visually impaired want to work; now it’s up to employers. ODEP thanks the Society for Human Resource Management for making the article available to the general public.
Additionally, ODEP’s Job Accommodation Network (JAN) offers Accommodations Ideas for Vision Impairment, a compilation of fact sheets and other resources for you.
May 1, 2009
A Positive Strategy for Expanding Market Share
What's the third largest market segment in the United States? The answer might surprise you. It's not a particular ethnicity, gender or age group. It's people with disabilities. The size of this population—54 million strong—surpasses Hispanics, African Americans and Asian Americans, as well as Generation X and teens. Add in their families, friends and associates, and you get a trillion dollars in purchasing power.
Read more about the Expanding Market Share in the May issue of Business Sense…
April 30, 2009
Job Accommodation Network Releases Pandemic Flu Fact Sheet
ODEP’s Job Accommodation Network (JAN) has just released a new fact sheet, Considering the Needs of Employees with Disabilities During a Pandemic Flu Outbreak. Covering Critical Questions, Telework, and General Considerations, it also offers links to valuable resources you can use today. The fact sheet is available in Spanish.
Because this is a developing story, the fact sheet will offer timely updates. We suggest you bookmark JAN’s What’s New page and join JAN on a social network to stay current.
Read the Fact Sheet.
April 28, 2009
Robert David Hall to be interviewed on Joyce Bender’s Internet Radio show Disability Matters
Robert David Hall, the actor with a disability who plays the part of the coroner, Dr. Robbins, on the television show CSI: Crime Scene Investigation will be interviewed today, April 28, on Joyce Bender's DISABILITY MATTERS from 2 - 3 pm ET on www.voice.voiceamerica.com. The show is captioned. Also, Mr. Hall will also be the subject of a full storyline in the television episode scheduled for Thursday, April 30.
April 23, 2009
April is National Autism Awareness Month
Read President Barack Obama’s Disability Agenda on Autism
Read JAN’s new FACT SHEET, Job Accommodations for People with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Click here to learn more about National Autism Awareness Month from the Autism Society of America
April 21, 2009
ODEP Releases Roadmaps II for Enhancing Employment of Persons with Disabilities Through Accessible Technology
Roadmaps II is a report that looks at the issue of AT and employment from the perspective of AT service providers and disability stakeholders who work directly to assist individuals with disabilities. Roadmaps II is a result of the work of the AT Collaborative – a group of national organizations funded by ODEP and CESSI to address AT issues and provide policy recommendations related to the employment of individuals with disabilities. Roadmaps II follows the January 2008 release of Roadmaps I, which is a report on the consensus Roadmaps developed by participants in the 2007 Business Dialogue on Accessible Technology and Disability Employment for how best to enhance the hiring, retention, and advancement of persons with disabilities and others through accessible technology.
Read more about the Roadmaps here
April 6, 2009
JAN Co-Directors will be featured on the April 7 edition of Disability Matters with Joyce Bender
On Tuesday, April 7, from 2:00-3:00 PM ET, Anne Hirsh and Lou Orslene, co-directors of ODEP’s Job Accommodation Network (JAN) will be guests on the Internet radio show Disability Matters with Joyce Bender. Anne and Lou will discuss the wide range of JAN’s service offerings. The live-captioned show accepts call-ins and is available at: www.voice.voiceamerica.com.
April 3, 2009
New Disability Employment Resource for Employers Released
To meet the need for a comprehensive, portable, and easy to understand guide for employers who are looking to recruit, hire, and retain employees with disabilities, ODEP just released its new Four-Step Reference Guide. The online version of this valuable resource, which covers topics such as Incentives & ROI, Recruiting, Interviewing & Hiring, and much more, also provides a wealth of links and other resources.
The print version of Diversifying Your Workforce, A Four-Step Reference Guide to Recruiting, Hiring & Retaining Employees with Disabilities will be available later this year. In the meantime, the PDF and Word versions are available.
April 3, 2009
March 2009 Disability Employment Statistics Released
In March 2009, the percent of people with disabilities in the labor force was 22.8 compared with 70.9 for persons with no disability. The unemployment rate for those with disabilities was 13.1 percent, compared with 8.9 percent for persons with no disability, not seasonally adjusted
Read about the March Disability Employment Statistics
Read Commonly Used Terms in BLS Employment Statistics
April 3, 2009
Disability Awareness Segment Now on NBC’s The More You Know
During the Spring/Summer of 2008, ODEP staff worked with the producers of NBC’s The More You Know public service campaign to develop a script for the disability awareness segment of the campaign. NBC secured Meredith Vieira to be the spokeswoman and launched the disability piece this spring.
Click here for The More You Know
April 2, 2009
Self-Employment Web Courses and Webcast Series
START-UP/USA, ODEP's cooperative agreement with Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is offering an online Overview of Self-Employment for Entrepreneurs with Disabilities (April 27-May 31, 2009). The course will cover Strategies for Exploration & the Discovery Process, Writing a Business Plan, Conducting a Feasibility Study. Accessing Community Supports, Identifying Funding, and Using Work Incentives and other topics. Tuition is $60 per person. Registration and course brochure are available at: http://www.start-up-usa.biz/training/webcourses.cfm.
April 2, 2009
2009 Self-Employment Live Webcast Series (Starting on April 1, 2009; all begin at 2:00 pm ET)
START-UP/USA is offering six (6) presentations and earn CRCs on the following current topics: Negotiation Strategies for Business Owners (4/01/2009), Inclusive Entrepreneurship (5/20/2009), Three Models of Self-employment (6/17/09), The Customized Self-Employment Model (7/22/09), Current Research in Self-Employment (8/19/09), The Financial Side of Self-Employment (9/16/09). Registration and course brochure are available at: http://www.start-up-usa.biz/training/webcasts.cfm.
April 2, 2009
JAN Extends Invitation to Social Networking Venues
ODEP’s free consulting service designed to increase the employability of people with disabilities, the Job Accommodation Network (JAN), recently entered the social networking space. Social networks are those online communities that work together to share and disseminate information.
Read more about JAN and Social Networking
March 31, 2009
The Value of Experience
In business, the investment that drives innovation isn’t tangible—it’s talent. The knowledge, skills and abilities employees bring to work each day are the assets that yield the most output over the long term. And the ability to attain and retain this human capital is critical to business survival, in good times or bad.
Read more about the Value of Experience in the April issue of Business Sense…
March 30, 2009
ODEP’s Activities and Resources Highlighted in SHRM Article
Today, the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) published Can Hiring One Employee with a Disability Make a Difference? The article covers a wide range of disability employment interests including ODEP’s policy activity, EARN, WRP, and more.
Read the article
March 18, 2009
Just Released: Database of More Than 1,900 Job Candidates with Disabilities
The U.S. Department of Labor released to employers nationwide a free database of more than 1,900 pre-screened college students with disabilities who are seeking summer and regular employment opportunities. Candidates in this database are pursuing degrees in fields ranging from math and business to IT and law.
“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.”
Federal employers can tap into this ongoing recruitment resource online through the Workforce Recruitment Program, and private sector, other government and nonprofit employers can request unlimited searches by calling the Labor Department's Employer Assistance and Resource Network at 866-327-6669.
View a brief introduction to WRP in .wmv or .mov format.
Read more about the Workforce Recruitment Program and the database
Read the Press Release
March 18, 2009
Successful Businesses Know Business
Where should small business owners turn for guidance on how to survive and thrive in today's stormy economic environment? One logical source is other business leaders —in particular, those whose management practices and priorities have already proven to successfully weather significant challenges.
Read more…
March 6, 2009
February 2009 Disability Employment Statistics Released
In February 2009, the percent of people with disabilities in the labor force was 23.0, compared with 70.9 for persons with no disability. The unemployment rate for those with disabilities was 14.0 percent, compared with 8.7 percent for persons with no disability, not seasonally adjusted.
Read about the February Disability Employment Statistics
Read Commonly Used Terms in BLS Employment Statistics
January 14, 2009
ODEP's Customized Employment Initiative Receives 2009 Harvard Innovations in American Government Awards Recognition
Harvard University's Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation recognizes ODEP's Customized Employment initiative as noteworthy, placing it among the top 20 percent of more than 600 applicants. According to Stephen Goldsmith, Director, Innovations in American Government Awards, Harvard University's Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation, ". . . this identification is the result of their belief that the program implements established best practices."
The Innovations in American Government Awards Program
is a significant force in recognizing and promoting excellence and creativity in the public sector. Through its annual awards competition, the Program provides concrete evidence that government can work to improve the quality of life for citizens and that it deserves greater public trust. By highlighting exemplary models of governments’ innovative performance, the Program serves as a catalyst for continued progress in addressing the nation’s most pressing public concerns.
January 8, 2009
The Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled recently launched a landmark initiative to enhance quality work environments for more than 40,000 Americans employed through AbilityOne, a program that provides employment through the federal procurement process to people who are blind or have other severe disabilities.
Formally ratified by all members on January 8, 2009, the Policy on Best Practices for a Quality Work Environment was spearheaded by the Committee’s Subcommittee on Communications and Customer Satisfaction, chaired by Assistant Secretary of Labor for Disability Employment Policy. To develop it, the Assistant Secretary of Labor and Subcommittee members James Omvig and Kathleen James collaborated closely with the Committee’s Chairperson, Andrew Houghton, and its two central nonprofit agencies, National Industries for the Blind (NIB) and NISH (for people with severe disabilities).
At the core of the policy initiative are three guiding principles reflective of AbilityOne’s vision, which is to enable all people who are blind or have other severe disabilities to achieve their maximum employment potential. These principles—which broadly state that AbilityOne workers should be provided competitive wages, a clear career path and ongoing training—will now serve as a framework for the development of best practice standards for the more than 600 nonprofit agencies across the nation that participate in the AbilityOne Program. As part of this process, NIB and NISH will begin to identify and create best practices, and assist their associated nonprofit agencies in development of Quality Work Environment Business Plans that reflect the principles and include a self-certification program based on them.
In voting to approve the recommendations set forth in the Policy on Best Practices for a Quality Work Environment, Committee members have embarked on a significant new course for the AbilityOne Program, one that further advances America’s promise of equal opportunity for all citizens, including those with disabilities.
For more information on the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled and AbilityOne Program, visit the AbilityOne Web site.
January 8, 2009
Ground-Breaking Survey of Employer Actions/Attitudes Released
The Survey of Employer Perspectives on the Employment of People with Disabilities is the first of its magnitude, with responses representing more than 2.4 Million companies nationwide. The survey reveals that a majority of large businesses hiring people with disabilities are discovering that costs for accommodations differ very little from those of the general employee population. Additionally, the survey showed that once an employer hires someone with a disability, they are much more likely to hire other people with disabilities.
January 8, 2009
Robust & Comprehensive Business Case Now Available
ODEP’s revised Business Case for Hiring People with Disabilities, including returning disabled veterans, features video clips, research and anecdotal information from businesses and industry leaders on how hiring people with disabilities improves an organization's bottom line across six themes: Return on Investment, Human Capital, Innovation, Marketing, Diversity, and Social Responsibility.
January 5, 2009
Job Accommodation Network Offers ADA Amendments Act of 2008 Resources
The ADA Amendments Act of 2008 became effective on January 1, 2009. Although the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has not yet completed the regulations for the new legislation, ODEP’s Job Accommodation Network (JAN) has developed both a publication and a resource page regarding the Act.
The new publication is JAN's Accommodation and Compliance Series: The ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (http://www.jan.wvu.edu/bulletins/adaaa1.htm) and will be periodically updated as additional information is made public.
You can find complementary resources at:
http://www.jan.wvu.edu/LINKS/adalinks.htm
December 09, 2008
On December 9, 2008, the Assistant Secretary joined UCLA Anderson School of Management Dean Judy Olian and Executive Education Assistant Dean Kelly Bean to sign ODEP’s most recent Alliance. Witnessing the signing were representatives of several of the founding sponsors of UCLA Anderson’s Leadership Institute for Managers with Disabilities.
ODEP’s Alliance Initiative is a cooperative program that enables organizations committed to improving disability workplace practices to work with ODEP to develop and implement model policies, initiatives and strategies that increase recruiting, hiring, advancing, and retaining workers with disabilities.
During opening remarks, the Assistant Secretary noted that by providing jobs, business provides social change in the lives of people with disabilities. Recognizing that the UCLA Anderson School of Management is perennially ranked among the top-tier business schools in the world, the Assistant Secretary lauded the Executive Education Program for preparing the business community to offer careers that enable people with disabilities to progress from the mailroom to the boardroom.
Dean Judy Olian offered that UCLA Anderson, unlike most of the other top business schools, is a public school with a public mission. The school’s belief in the value of partnerships is exemplified by this Alliance, which takes on a special meaning in preparing global leaders to influence management thinking throughout the world.
Immediately following the ceremony, Assistant Dean Kelly Bean opened a forum during which the Alliance ceremony guests engaged in a conversation with Assistant Secretary Romano. The discussion focused on effective practices and workplace challenges with internships, centralized accommodation budgets, and accessible technology cited as important policy areas. Companies and organizations represented at the event were IBM, PepsiCo, Microsoft, AT&T, Qualcomm, California State University Northridge (CSUN), the CSU Chancellor’s Office, SunTrust & the USBLN.
The Assistant Secretary closed the event addressing innovation, which is at the core of ODEP’s Alliance Initiative. But most importantly, he stated his belief that people with disabilities will create the next great wave of innovation, providing the world with the industrial revolution of tomorrow.
August 07, 2008
On July 10, 2008, DOL’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) issued a Directive [PDF] [HTML]outlining federal contractors’ obligation to ensure equal employment opportunity for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans when they use an online application system. This obligation includes providing necessary reasonable accommodation when requested by an individual or veteran with a disability, unless doing so would cause an undue hardship. The Directive was accompanied by valuable sets of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) directed at both employers and employees [PDF]. To assist companies in evaluating their online application systems, the Directive, FAQs, and technical assistance materials regarding online accessibility and universal design are available at http://www.earnworks.com/508Racing.asp.
July 1, 2008
ODEP's National Technical Assistance and Research (NTAR) Leadership Center to promote employment and economic independence for adults with disabilities has selected three states--Connecticut, Maryland, and Minnesota--to participate in its first State Leaders' Innovation Institute. The State Leaders' Innovation Institute is part of NTAR's national efforts to improve employment for adults with disabilities by connecting state workforce policies to state and local economic growth and development goals.
May 23, 2008
The Business and Professional Women's Foundation (BPWF) is highlighting four of ODEP's and ODEP's funded projects' employment strategies in its Successful Workplaces Digest. The Digest, a companion to BPWF's June 2008 National Employer Summit, will showcase promising practices, great ideas, and applied research that builds diverse, equitable, and flexible workplaces. Submissions were contributed by a diverse pool of employers, researchers, and advocates. ODEP's customized employment, mentoring for youth, recruitment and retention of mature workers, self-employment, and universal design strategies targeted to employers and workforce development systems are among the four Digest strategies.
January 17, 2008
Community Rehabilitation Programs and Organizational Change: A Mentor Guide to Increase Customized Employment Outcomes This resource is a detailed description of mentorship as a key technical assistance strategy. The guide provides information to Community Rehabilitation Programs on how to approach organizational change designed to improve employment outcomes, and in particular ways that a mentor may support the change. [Word] [PDF] (This manual was developed by T-TAP, funded by a cooperative agreement from the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy (#E-9-4-2-01217). The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the position or policy of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does the mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Department of Labor.)
December 20, 2007
"Workforce Redesign"--Business Woman Magazine published by BPW/USA [Business & Professional Women/USA], Fall 2007 issue, published an article on workplace flexibility and customized employment, as discussed by Linda Roundtree, Women Entrepreneurs, Inc.; Lisa Cuozzo, Montgomery County [MD] Workforce Investment Board's Montgomery Works!--one of ODEP's past customized employment-funded initiatives; and Michael Williams, Women's Bureau (DOL). (Posted with permission from Business Woman Magazine and the BPW/USA.)
December 13, 2007
Customized Employment--Employers and Workers: Creating a Competitive Edge [PDF] [Word] - This report provides information and background on the 26 ODEP-funded demonstration projects and grant initiatives starting in 2001 and summarizes local, state, and federal recommendations generated as a result of this demonstration initiative.
October 23, 2007
News Release: ODEP News Release: U.S. Department of Labor forms alliance with CVS Caremark to promote employment of workers with disabilities nationwide
September 20, 2007
News Release: $2.3 million grant from U.S. Department of Labor funds consortium to increase employment, self-sufficiency of Americans with disabilities
September 6, 2007
Sloan Work and Family Research Network's Network News interview with ODEP staff (Susan Parker, Christopher Button, Lisa Cuozzo, and Carol Boyer) on Customized Employment, August 2007. (Posted with permission from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation's Work and Family Research Network.)
September 1, 2007
Customized Employment: A New Competitive Edge - An article which helps human resource professionals understand the value of Customized Employment.
September 1, 2007
Acting Assistant Secretary Answers Questions from the Public
August 30, 2007
U.S. Labor Department awards nearly $1.9 million grant to establish National Technical Assistance Center on Transition and Employment for Youth with Disabilities - Read the news release
July 26, 2007
U.S. Secretary recognizes 17th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act - July 26, 2007: Read the news release
ODEP Releases Video on Employment Solutions for Small Business: Watch this roundtable discussion and learn more about how these employers saved time and money by including employees with disabilities in their companies.
July 23, 2007
Odep's High School/High Tech Program Recognized By U.S. Dept. Of Education Office Of Special Education And Rehabilitative Services: issued an information memorandum to their State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) grantees
June 20, 2007
Customized Employment Technical Assistance: ODEP-Funded Customized Employment Materials and Other Technical Assistance
June 6, 2007
Fact Sheets: The Why, When, What, and How of Disclosure in an Academic Setting, After High School
Youth, Disclosure, and the Workplace: Why, When, What, and How
Advising Youth with Disabilities on Disclosure: Tips for Service Providers
May 29, 2007
News Release: ‘Workers with Disabilities: Talent for a Winning Team!’ is 2007 National Disability Employment Awareness Month theme
May 11, 2007
Grant Opportunity: ODEP Announces Solicitation for Grant Applications to Fund National Technical Assistance Center on Transition and Employment for Youth with Disabilities
April 30, 2007
Speech: Goodwill Industries Tennessee Disability Forum
April 17, 2007
Customized Employment Portfolio: Applying Practical Solutions for Employment Success
April 9, 2007
Fact Sheets: Entering the World of Work: What Youth with Mental Health Needs Should Know about Accommodations
Demystifying the Rehabilitation Act: What Faith-Based and Community Organizations Need to Know
Encouraging Future Innovation: Youth Entrepreneurship Education
April 6, 2007
News Release: U.S. Department of Labor provides new publication for faith-based and community organizations on serving people with disabilities
April 3, 2007
News Release: >DisabilityInfo.gov receives e-gov Institute's Knowledge Management Award
March 29, 2007
News Release: Employers Gain Access to Database of 2,000 Job Candidates with Disabilities
March 19, 2007
Fact Sheet: Effective Interaction: Communicating With and About People with Disabilities
March 16, 2007
News Release: U.S. Department of Labor launches Alliance Initiative to advance employment of people with disabilities through voluntary partnerships
