U.S. Department of Labor establishes alliance with U.S. Business Leadership Network to promote employment of workers with disabilities nationwide

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labors Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) and the U.S. Business Leadership Network (USBLN) have formed an alliance to promote the employment of people with disabilities. This collaboration will provide USBLN members and other employers with information, guidance and access to resources that will help them to recruit, hire and advance workers with disabilities.

"Having people with disabilities in the workplace is not only valuable to the employees themselves, it is valuable to businesses and, ultimately, to America," said Neil Romano, assistant secretary of labor for ODEP. "Hiring, retaining and advancing employees with disabilities is just good business. The USBLN is an integral part of our national effort to ensure that everyone ready, willing and able to work has the opportunity to do so."

The alliance agreement was signed by Romano and John Kemp, executive director and general counsel of the USBLN.

Through such alliances, ODEP partners with organizations to develop model policies, programs and strategies, as well as forge new channels for training, education and outreach. The agency's Alliance Initiative is open to businesses, trade and professional associations, labor unions, educational institutions, government agencies at all levels and others. An alliance directive available at www.dol.gov/odep provides guidelines and criteria for alliance partnerships.

ODEP is leading a 21st century federal response to the historic underemployment of people with disabilities. In collaboration with other government agencies, public and private employers, and additional stakeholders, ODEP facilitates the development and implementation of innovative policies and practices necessary to achieve a fully inclusive workplace. ODEP's work primarily falls into three categories: employers and the workplace; workforce systems; and employment-related supports, which include education and training, health care, reliable transportation, affordable housing and assistive technology.

Archived News Release — Caution: Information may be out of date.