OPM Web Site Helps People with Disabilities Find Jobs and Get Information

Washington, D.C. - In support of President Bush's new Freedom Initiative that is intended to integrate people with disabilities into the national work force, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management has launched a web site aimed at making the search for federal jobs easier for men and women with disabilities.

OPM Director Kay Coles James said the launch of the site (www.opm.gov/disability) will assist the Administration in its efforts to remove barriers to employment for people with disabilities.

"The Administration is committed to bringing the very best talent into government, so it is important that we tap into the valuable resources that are available among those with disabilities," said James. "By giving people with disabilities an even greater chance to participate in government, we empower them professionally, economically and socially. In essence, we help make it possible for them to become fully participating members within our communities. Additionally, we as a people benefit by the talents and abilities they will contribute to the overall health and well-being of our nation."

OPM's disability web site offers information in clear and understandable language on federal job opportunities, accommodation issues, benefits and telecommuting. The web site also contains an E-learning training module for managers on reasonable accommodation, as well as information on laws and executive orders on disability employment.

This is just one more example of how the federal government continues to be a leading employer of people with disabilities. In 2001, nearly 21,000 people with a disability were employed by the federal government.

OPM oversees the federal work force and provides the American public with up-to-date employment information. OPM also supports U.S. agencies with personnel services and policy leadership including staffing tools, guidance on labor-management relations and programs to improve work force performance.