The U.S. Department of Education today announced a partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Center for Workforce Preparation to acquaint business with programs and resources available at the Education Department and the chamber to help employers tap into the disability community for qualified workers.

Today's action comes as the two organizations recognized National Disability Employment Awareness Month, proclaimed Oct. 1 by President Bush, with a Webcast entitled, "Disability Employment 101: Learn to Tap Your Hire Potential."

The event featured government and private officials discussing current research, successful strategies and Education Department initiatives related to employing people with disabilities.

"While we have seen some slight improvement in recent years, far too many Americans with disabilities are still without meaningful jobs, not because they are unqualified but because they are often overlooked," said Robert H. Pasternack, assistant secretary for special education and rehabilitative services.

At the Education Department, the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services administers several programs that help develop the skills of people with disabilities.  Among them:

• The Rehabilitation Services Administration, which funds state vocational rehabilitation agencies that help promote employment, integration and independence of people with disabilities. Vocational rehabilitation counselors are uniquely qualified to work with individuals with disabilities and local employers to place qualified workers in suitable positions.  They provide access to assistive technologies necessary for people with the most significant disabilities and can offer technical assistance to potential workers and employers.
• The National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR), which conducts research activities in such areas as accessibility, assistive devices, and reasonable accommodation.  And,
• The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), which administers the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

Pasternack said a resource guide is under development by his office and the Center for Workforce Preparation to acquaint employers with the programs available at the department and the chamber of commerce that can help businesses incorporate people with disabilities into the workforce.

In addition, a series of nationwide forums is being planned to provide the business community with a unique opportunity to partner, share successful practices and recruit from new sources such as schools, vocational rehabilitation agencies and the research community.

"During the month of October and throughout the year, please consider with us how you or your business might be able to help ensure that no American worker is left behind," Pasternack said.

For more information about disability-related resources, visit http://www.ed.gov//about/offices/list/osers/reports.html.

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