Related Resource Rehabilitation Services Administration

The U.S. Department of Education is committed to increasing job opportunities for America's individuals with disabilities throughout the year, especially, during October—a month designated by President Bush as "National Disability Employment Awareness Month."

When most people think of our department, visions of classrooms and students usually come to mind. Yet a vital component of our work is carried out by the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA). Located in our Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, this critical agency administers the vocational rehabilitation (VR) program, helping more than 200,000 individuals with disabilities per year go to work.

I am proud of our record and admire the ambition and capabilities demonstrated by these individuals, as well as the commitment of the dedicated rehabilitation professionals who serve them.

The VR program is operated by state agencies funded by grants from our department and has provided tools, training, education, technology and job placement services to people with disabilities since 1920. It is the longest-running federal employment program specifically serving individuals with disabilities. And, over the life of the program, it has helped over 10 million individuals gain employment, enhancing their quality of life and ability to become productive citizens.

In addition, VR offers employers many valuable human resource and employee retention services such as recruitment, workplace assessments, aid with accommodations, post-employment services and assistance returning disabled employees back to work. The department also promotes the employment of people with disabilities with funding for transition services for students with disabilities, assistive technology programs and research.

I am deeply committed to realizing the president's vision of full integration of individuals with disabilities in the workforce and society. After only 10 days in office, the president announced his New Freedom Initiative, a bold plan to improve education, community participation, access to technology and employment for citizens with disabilities.

People with disabilities can play an important role in strengthening the economy. When people with disabilities are given the chance to prove their capabilities and contribute to the economy, all America gains.

It is my hope we will see continuing increases in the employment rate of people with disabilities. Please join the president and myself during this month of October, and throughout the year, in recognizing the talents and skills that people with disabilities bring to the workplace.

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