US Labor Departments Employment and Training Administration hosts art exhibit to mark National Disability Employment Awareness Month

WASHINGTON – Beginning today, in observance of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration (ETA) is hosting an art exhibit at the department's headquarters building located at 200 Constitution Ave. NW in Washington. The exhibit, which will remain until Oct. 30, displays the works of apprentices in the WVSA ARTs connection's ARTiculate Employment Training and Outreach Program.

"I am very pleased that these young artists have given us the privilege of sharing their works with the Department of Labor family," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training Jane Oates. "We are proud to display their artwork and prouder still to see young people who are actively involved in preparing for future careers."

WVSA ARTs connection is a nonprofit organization providing multiple creative environments, opportunities and experiences for children and adults through arts-infused educational and vocational programs. The ARTiculate Employment Training and Outreach Program provides individuals ages 16 to 25 with disabilities who live in the Washington, D.C., area training and experience in applied graphics and fine arts, as well as career readiness, to develop vocational, social and life-management skills.

Displaying the work of these young artist apprentices reflects ETA's focus on promoting educational and career pathways for youth with disabilities and facilitating their economic self-sufficiency. For more information, visit the Employment and Training Administration's new resource Web page on disability and employment at http://disability.workforce3one.org.

Members of the press who wish to view the exhibit may make arrangements by contacting one of the individuals listed above.