News & Events: Employment: Disability.gov

The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy has announced the availability of up to $1.6 million to fund a National Technical Assistance, Policy, and Research Center for Employers on the Employment of People with Disabilities. The Center will conduct research, assist in the development of employer-focused policy, disseminate information, and provide technical assistance to employers and employer organizations on the recruitment, hiring, retention and advancement of people with disabilities. Application deadline is September 10, 2009.

The National Council on Disability (NCD) is seeking people with disabilities, individuals representing grassroots organizations and others to help shape disability policies and programs for the next decade. Deadline for submitting application to attend the summit is October 15, 2009.

Secretary Solis responds to questions submitted to her by HR Magazine about her goals and priorities for the U.S. Department of Labor, including increasing the employment rate among people with disabilities.

Schwan's Global Supply Chain, Inc., a Kentucky area frozen food distributor, violated federal law by refusing to hire a qualified applicant for a job because of his vision impairment, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) charged in a disability discrimination lawsuit.

In conjunction with the 19th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the U.S. Department of Labor has re-named and re-launched DisabilityInfo.gov as Disability.gov. The site now offers comprehensive information about programs and services to better serve the more than 50 million Americans with disabilities, their family members, veterans, employers, educators, caregivers and anyone interested in disability-related information.

Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis issued the following statement regarding the 19th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA): "July 26 marks the 19th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act...the ADA's provisions include the right to seek, obtain, pursue and maintain employment without being hampered by physical or attitudinal barriers. I believe that having a job is a civil right. Those who are qualified for and want to work should not be denied that right because of an inaccessible building or an outdated set of assumptions about what they can or cannot do..."

Kathleen (Kathy) Martinez has been confirmed as Assistant Secretary of the Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP). Ms. Martinez comes to ODEP with a background as an internationally recognized disability rights leader specializing in employment, asset building, independent living, international development, diversity and gender issues.

Schedule of U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Training Institute seminars being held throughout the country from May - August 2009. These seminars help companies, federal agencies and individuals know their legal rights and responsibilities in order to prevent employment discrimination. This link opens a PDF document.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has voted to revise its regulations to conform to changes made by the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008, which would make it easier for an individual seeking protection under the ADA to establish that he or she has a disability.

Information on upcoming Webscasts on topics including Inclusive Entrepreneurship, Customized Self-Employment and Current Research in Self-Employment. Register online!

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has recently received funding to hire a significant number of employees throughout the country. This hiring initiative offers a unique opportunity for individuals with disabilities who may want to get a job with SSA. These jobs will be at various skill levels including a number of entry-level positions.

News release from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) about a comprehensive plan to jumpstart agency telework programs.

The Peace Corps is currently looking for country directors. The position requires managing and directing Peace Corps programs in the country of assignment.

The 2009 Annual Conference, Connecting The Dots: Business Solutions, is for business, community leaders and BLN affiliates that have an interest in hiring, retaining and marketing to people with disabilities. The event will be held September 15-18, 2009 at the National Harbor near Washington, DC.

Take advantage of the early bird registration special for this year's Perspectives conference which will take place from December 9-11, 2009 in Bethesda, MD. Learn the latest information on federal personnel policies and practices, developments in technology, legal updates, and resources that will help your agency achieve its goals. Federal HR and EEO specialists, hiring managers, and others who manage employment matters concerning persons with disabilities should attend.

The Social Security Administration's Work Incentive Planning and Assistance (WIPA) Projects host free community events for beneficiaries with disabilities and their families to learn more about the possibility of work and resources in their community. Use the drop down menu on the site to find upcoming meetings in your state.

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