Whats' New
August 07, 2008
On July 10, 2008, DOL’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) issued a Directive [PDF] [HTML]outlining federal contractors’ obligation to ensure equal employment opportunity for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans when they use an online application system. This obligation includes providing necessary reasonable accommodation when requested by an individual or veteran with a disability, unless doing so would cause an undue hardship. The Directive was accompanied by valuable sets of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) directed at both employers and employees [PDF]. To assist companies in evaluating their online application systems, the Directive, FAQs, and technical assistance materials regarding online accessibility and universal design are available at http://www.earnworks.com/508Racing.asp.
July 1, 2008
ODEP's National Technical Assistance and Research (NTAR) Leadership Center to promote employment and economic independence for adults with disabilities has selected three states--Connecticut, Maryland, and Minnesota--to participate in its first State Leaders' Innovation Institute. The State Leaders' Innovation Institute is part of NTAR's national efforts to improve employment for adults with disabilities by connecting state workforce policies to state and local economic growth and development goals. Read more.
May 23, 2008
The Business and Professional Women's Foundation (BPWF) is highlighting four of ODEP's and ODEP's funded projects' employment strategies in its Successful Workplaces Digest. The Digest, a companion to BPWF's June 2008 National Employer Summit, will showcase promising practices, great ideas, and applied research that builds diverse, equitable, and flexible workplaces. Submissions were contributed by a diverse pool of employers, researchers, and advocates. ODEP's customized employment, mentoring for youth, recruitment and retention of mature workers, self-employment, and universal design strategies targeted to employers and workforce development systems are among the four Digest strategies.
January 17, 2008
Community Rehabilitation Programs and Organizational Change: A Mentor Guide to Increase Customized Employment Outcomes This resource is a detailed description of mentorship as a key technical assistance strategy. The guide provides information to Community Rehabilitation Programs on how to approach organizational change designed to improve employment outcomes, and in particular ways that a mentor may support the change. [Word] [PDF] (This manual was developed by T-TAP, funded by a cooperative agreement from the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy (#E-9-4-2-01217). The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the position or policy of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does the mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Department of Labor.)
December 20, 2007
"Workforce Redesign"--Business Woman Magazine published by BPW/USA [Business & Professional Women/USA], Fall 2007 issue, published an article on workplace flexibility and customized employment, as discussed by Linda Roundtree, Women Entrepreneurs, Inc.; Lisa Cuozzo, Montgomery County [MD] Workforce Investment Board's Montgomery Works!--one of ODEP's past customized employment-funded initiatives; and Michael Williams, Women's Bureau (DOL). (Posted with permission from Business Woman Magazine and the BPW/USA.)
December 13, 2007
Customized Employment--Employers and Workers: Creating a Competitive Edge [PDF] [Word] - This report provides information and background on the 26 ODEP-funded demonstration projects and grant initiatives starting in 2001 and summarizes local, state, and federal recommendations generated as a result of this demonstration initiative.
October 24, 2007
NFI: 2007 Secretary of Labor’s New Freedom Initiative Awards
SPIRIT Award: 2007 SPIRIT Award
News Release: Secretary of Labor to host event marking DisabilityInfo.gov 5th anniversary
October 23, 2007
News Release: ODEP News Release: U.S. Department of Labor forms alliance with CVS Caremark to promote employment of workers with disabilities nationwide
September 20, 2007
News Release: $2.3 million grant from U.S. Department of Labor funds consortium to increase employment, self-sufficiency of Americans with disabilities
September 6, 2007
Sloan Work and Family Research Network's Network News interview with ODEP staff (Susan Parker, Christopher Button, Lisa Cuozzo, and Carol Boyer) on Customized Employment, August 2007. (Posted with permission from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation's Work and Family Research Network.)
September 1, 2007
Customized Employment: A New Competitive Edge - An article which helps human resource professionals understand the value of Customized Employment.
September 1, 2007
Acting Assistant Secretary Karen M. Czarnecki Answers Questions from the Public
August 30, 2007
U.S. Labor Department awards nearly $1.9 million grant to establish National Technical Assistance Center on Transition and Employment for Youth with Disabilities - Read the news release
July 26, 2007
U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao recognizes 17th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act - July 26, 2007: Read the news release
ODEP Releases Video on Employment Solutions for Small Business: Watch this roundtable discussion and learn more about how these employers saved time and money by including employees with disabilities in their companies.
July 23, 2007
Odep's High School/High Tech Program Recognized By U.S. Dept. Of Education Office Of Special Education And Rehabilitative Services: issued an information memorandum to their State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) grantees
June 20, 2007
Customized Employment Technical Assistance: ODEP-Funded Customized Employment Materials and Other Technical Assistance
June 6, 2007
Fact Sheets: The Why, When, What, and How of Disclosure in an Academic Setting, After High School
Youth, Disclosure, and the Workplace: Why, When, What, and How
Advising Youth with Disabilities on Disclosure: Tips for Service Providers
May 29, 2007
News Release: ‘Workers with Disabilities: Talent for a Winning Team!’ is 2007 National Disability Employment Awareness Month theme
May 11, 2007
Grant Opportunity: ODEP Announces Solicitation for Grant Applications to Fund National Technical Assistance Center on Transition and Employment for Youth with Disabilities
April 30, 2007
Speech: Goodwill Industries Tennessee Disability Forum
April 17, 2007
Customized Employment Portfolio: Applying Practical Solutions for Employment Success
April 9, 2007
Fact Sheets: Entering the World of Work: What Youth with Mental Health Needs Should Know about Accommodations
Demystifying the Rehabilitation Act: What Faith-Based and Community Organizations Need to Know
Encouraging Future Innovation: Youth Entrepreneurship Education
April 6, 2007
News Release: U.S. Department of Labor provides new publication for faith-based and community organizations on serving people with disabilities
April 3, 2007
News Release: DisabilityInfo.gov receives e-gov Institute's Knowledge Management Award
March 29, 2007
News Release: Employers Gain Access to Database of 2,000 Job Candidates with Disabilities
March 19, 2007
Fact Sheet: Effective Interaction: Communicating With and About People with Disabilities
March 16, 2007
News Release: U.S. Department of Labor launches Alliance Initiative to advance employment of people with disabilities through voluntary partnerships
