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ODEP News Release: [09/28/2007]
Contact Name: Jennifer Kaplan or Richard Manning
Phone Number: (202) 693-5052 or x4676
Release Number: 07-1462-NAT

U.S. Labor Department to profile ‘faces of disability employment policy’ throughout October National Disability Employment Awareness Month

WASHINGTON — Throughout October, which is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) will profile on its Web site individuals who have personally benefited from agency-sponsored programs aimed at eliminating the chronic underemployment of people with disabilities, as well as employers and organizations that have successfully implemented strategies to hire, support, empower and otherwise value employees with disabilities.

This year's National Disability Employment Awareness Month theme is "Workers with Disabilities: Talent for a Winning Team." The special Web feature — to be posted at www.dol.gov/odep — is intended to dispel misconceptions about workers with disabilities by showcasing real faces and success stories. Each installment will include the story and photograph of a person whose life has been changed, or an employer or organization that has influenced positive change. The entire montage will include people and efforts from across the nation.

"Behind the banner of this awareness month are real people with talent, and others looking for talented employees, who are making a difference in their workplaces year-round," said Karen M. Czarnecki, acting assistant secretary of labor for disability employment policy. "Our hope is that additional employers, job seekers and service organizations that view these few examples will be inspired to replicate best practices in their communities."

News media are encouraged to use the profiles as a springboard to develop their own coverage about disability employment-related issues. The roots of National Disability Employment Awareness Month go back decades, along with the nationwide crisis of underemployment facing Americans with disabilities. In 1945, Congress enacted a law declaring the first week in October as "National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week." In 1964, the word "physically" was omitted to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of people with all types of disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and adopted the current name.

ODEP is leading a 21st century federal response to the historic underemployment of people with disabilities. In collaboration with other government agencies, public and private employers, and additional stakeholders, ODEP facilitates the development and implementation of innovative policies and practices necessary to achieve a fully inclusive workplace. ODEP's work primarily falls into three categories: employers and the workplace; workforce systems; and employment-related supports, which include education and training, health care, reliable transportation, affordable housing and assistive technology.