Database of nearly 3,000 ready-for-hire candidates with disabilities awaits employers

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Defense's Office of Diversity Management and Equal Opportunity, today launched the 2013 Workforce Recruitment Program database, a recruitment resource for employers seeking a diverse workforce that includes employees with disabilities.

The database contains profiles of postsecondary students and recent graduates with disabilities, including veterans, representing a wide variety of academic backgrounds and degree levels. Candidates who are seeking summer employment as well as recent graduates looking for regular full-time positions have been interviewed and pre-screened by federal recruiters.

"These students and recent graduates represent some of our nation's top talent. They have proven themselves academically and are now eager to demonstrate their skills and gain experience in the workplace," said Kathy Martinez, assistant secretary of labor for disability employment policy.

More than 20 federal government agencies regularly utilize the WRP as a recruiting source, with more than 6,500 students obtaining federal employment since 1995. The WRP is a natural support to President Obama's executive order titled Increasing Federal Employment of Individuals with Disabilities. Federal employers can access the new database online at https://wrp.gov to register and begin their searches.

Private sector employers can access the WRP through ODEP's national Employer Assistance and Resource Network by making a toll-free call to 855-275-3276 or visiting http://www.AskEARN.org.