|
 Printer-Friendly Version
ODEP News Release: [02/09/2006]
Contact Name: Peggy
Abrahamson or Public Affairs
Phone Number: (202) 693-7909 or (202)
693-4676
Release Number: 06-0247-NAT
Labor Department Hosts EU-US Information Exchange On
Disability Employment Issues and Trends
WASHINGTON-Innovations such as high technology vehicles for wheel
chair users in Europe and new information technologies that level the playing
field for working people with disabilities on both sides of the Atlantic were
among many topics covered during a meeting here this week of government and
private sector officials from the European Union and the United States.
The Department of Labor's (DOL) Office of Disability Employment Policy
(ODEP) hosted the Information Exchange, Exploring Employment and Retention
Strategies for People with Disabilities, in collaboration with the
department's Bureau of International Labor Affairs as part of a trans-Atlantic
agreement between DOL and the European Union. This year marks the 10th
anniversary of the signing of the agreement between the two agencies and
represents 10 years of collaboration and cooperation on employment and
labor-related issues.
"This Information Exchange reflects the value of cooperation and the
ongoing need to jointly explore and discuss our efforts, our successes and our
challenges," said Roy Grizzard, assistant secretary of labor for disability
employment policy. "Our combined effort will ensure that workplace doors
continue to open for people with disabilities."
Participants at the exchange heard about unique strategies used by
employers from the United States and Europe to increase and promote the
employment of people with disabilities, including transportation and assistive
technologies.
Lisa Pavan Woolfe, director of the European Union's Equal Opportunities
European Commission said, "Efforts to improve disability employment are
important and are not discussions in generalities, but are about real people,
real jobs and real companies."
The Information Exchange was a follow-up to the first meeting on
disability employment held in Brussels in 2003. For decades, both the EU and
the United States have implemented policies designed to promote independence
and work opportunities for their citizens with disabilities.
| 
