Department of Labor Announces Grant Solicitations
Totaling $3.0 Million for Home Modification, WorkFORCE Action

WASHINGTON—Two grant solicitations were published in the May 29, 2003 Federal Register by the Office of Disability Employment Policy, Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao announced today.

The grants, totaling $3.0 million, will be available for Home Modification and Working for Freedom, Opportunity and Real Choice through Community Employment (WorkFORCE) Action. These two categories are related to the implementation of the Supreme Court’s Olmstead decision, which ensures that individuals with significant disabilities have the opportunity to transition from institutional settings to independent living in the community and employment.

“These grants will help to promote the goal of the President's New Freedom Initiative to advance the inclusion of Americans with disabilities into the 21st Century workforce,” Secretary Chao said.

ODEP’s Assistant Secretary of Labor, Roy Grizzard, whose agency administers the grants added, “These initiatives will go a long way towards supporting individuals with disabilities as they seek and maintain employment.”

A total of up to $2.5 million dollars for up to 6 competitive grants will be awarded by ODEP under WorkFORCE Action. Additionally, the agency, in partnership with the Department’s Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, is making up to $500,000 available to award up to ten competitive grants for Home Modification to facilitate employment outcomes. For people with disabilities, an often-cited barrier to participation in work and community life is the lack of affordable home modifications, such as ramps, widened doorways, lowered countertops and cabinetry accessible to those who use wheelchairs. These grants seek to provide home modifications so that individuals may live and work in their communities.

Application and eligibility information for each grant is posted in the Federal Register notice, which can also be accessed through www.dol.gov/odep.

ODEP is the nation’s first Assistant Secretary-led office that specifically addresses policies that impact upon the employment of people with disabilities. It acts as a catalyst to stimulate new ideas about employment through research and development, policy analysis, grant awards, technical assistance, and the promotion of effective business practices.

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Archived News Release — Caution: Information may be out of date.