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ODEP News Release: [09/29/2005]
Contact Name: Peggy Abrahamson
Phone Number: (202) 693-4676 or x7909
Release Number: 05-1804-NAT

U.S. Department of Labor Selects Human Service Agencies in Five States for Training/Technical Assistance for People with Disabilities

WASHINGTON—Human service agencies in Maryland, District of Columbia, Illinois, Georgia, and North Dakota have been selected to take part in training and technical assistance programs for people with disabilities, the U.S. Labor Department's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) announced today.

“Today's agreements with these five states will help build effective partnerships between employers and employment service providers that will result in better jobs and career advancement opportunities for people with disabilities,” said ODEP Assistant Secretary Roy Grizzard.

The five agencies were chosen under the Training and Technical Assistance to Providers (T-TAP) national technical assistance center, which is funded by ODEP. T-TAP helps community rehabilitation providers apply customized employment strategies for people with disabilities who are seeking competitive jobs within their communities. Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, and the Institute for Community Inclusion, located at the University of Massachusetts, Boston, partner with ODEP on this project through a cooperative agreement.

The five sites selected to participate are:

• The Arc of Northern Chesapeake — Aberdeen, MD.
• The Arc of DC — Washington, DC
• Anixter Center — Chicago, IL
• Coastal Center for Developmental Services, Inc. — Savannah, GA
• Friendship Inc. — Fargo, ND

Each site will receive an individually-developed technical assistance plan; guidance from a mentor agency with the Community Rehabilitation Provider Leadership Network; on-site consultation from project staff and consultants; and access to online courses, web casts and discussions with other providers who have successfully assisted individuals with disabilities in achieving competitive employment outcomes.

Additional information about the T-TAP project is available at www.t-tap.org. Information on ODEP programs is available on www.dol.gov/odep.

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