US Labor Department announces $3.8 million in continued funding to improve employment opportunities for people with disabilities

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy today announced a total of $3,787,000 in continued funding for organizations managing consortia that develop models, provide technical assistance and share best practices to improve employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

"Many employers know that incorporating the talents of all employees and potential employees, including those with disabilities, is a key to success," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "Today's federal grants will help to better connect employers with qualified individuals with disabilities so their skills and unique capabilities will no longer be untapped resources."

The National Technical Assistance, Policy and Research Center for Employers on Employment of People with Disabilities at Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., is receiving $1,520,000. In September 2009, the Labor Department competitively awarded Cornell University a 12-month cooperative agreement for an initial $1.6 million with four option years to manage a consortium charged with conducting research, assisting the department in developing and promoting employer-focused policies, disseminating information, and providing technical assistance to employers and employer organizations.

The National Technical Assistance and Research Center to Promote Leadership for Employment and Economic Independence for Adults with Disabilities is being awarded $1,092,500. Housed at Rutgers University's John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development in New Brunswick, N.J., the NTARC was established in September 2007 when the Labor Department competitively awarded a 24-month cooperative agreement for $2,350,000 with three option years. The NTARC manages a consortium to develop effective practices and policies to enhance employment for adults with disabilities.

The Institute for Educational Leadership in the District of Columbia is receiving $950,000 for the National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth. In September 2007, the Labor Department competitively awarded a 24-month cooperative agreement for $1,850,000 with three option years to manage a consortium to develop effective practices and policies to enhance employment opportunities for youth with disabilities. The consortium also provides technical assistance to state and local workforce development systems.

Additionally, $104,500 is being awarded to the Workplace Inc. in Bridgeport, Conn., and $120,000 to the SkillSource Group Inc. in Vienna, Va. In September 2009, the Labor Department competitively awarded 24-month cooperative agreements to both organizations to lead consortia that would develop innovative models of providing inclusive Registered Apprenticeship training to youth and young adults with disabilities.

The Office of Disability Employment Policy provides national leadership on disability employment policy by developing and influencing the use of evidence-based disability employment policies and practices, building collaborative partnerships, and delivering authoritative and credible data on employment of people with disabilities. For more information, visit http://www.dol.gov/odep/.