US Department of Labors Office of Disability Employment Policy signs alliance agreement with National Industry Liaison Group

WASHINGTON — Assistant Secretary of Labor for Disability Employment Policy Kathleen Martinez and National Industry Liaison Group Chair Valerie J. Vickers have signed an alliance agreement to promote the hiring of individuals with disabilities by the federal contractor community.

"I am thrilled to sign this agreement today with the National Industry Liaison Group — an employer association representing federal contractors across the United States. The Office of Disability Employment Policy looks forward to partnering with this association to promote effective disability employment practices among all members. Together we can build workplace equality that includes those of us with disabilities," said Martinez.

ODEP's Alliance Initiative, started in 2006, enables organizations to work with the agency to develop and implement model policies and initiatives that increase the recruitment, hiring, retention and career advancement of employees with disabilities. The National Industry Liaison Group fosters voluntary partnerships of public and private sector entities to identify effective approaches on legal and regulatory issues regarding affirmative action and equal employment.

"NILG is proud of its commitment to equal employment opportunity in the U.S. and of our work with employers of all sizes. Our new alliance with ODEP will greatly enhance and energize our work with the contractor community," said Vickers. "By signing this alliance agreement, the NILG commits to work together with ODEP and local liaison groups to advance the employment of workers with disabilities more effectively than ever before."

ODEP's mission is to provide national leadership by developing and influencing policies aimed at increasing the employment of people with disabilities. In addition to the National Industry Liaison Group, ODEP has alliances with the Partnership for Public Service, the Society for Human Resource Management, the U.S. Business Leadership Network, the HSC Foundation, the Assistive Technology Industry Association and the National Association of Governors' Committees on People with Disabilities.