Joint effort expands competitive, integrated employment
opportunities for people with disabilities

Participants: U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for Community Living

Partnership description: Building on a partnership that started in 2012, the Office of Disability Employment Policy and the Administration for Community Living signed a new memorandum of agreement to continue to jointly expand and promote competitive, integrated employment as the first employment option for individuals with significant disabilities.

Background: Together, the agencies will leverage the knowledge and expertise of a broader network of advocates and service providers. The combined network includes area agencies on aging, centers for independent living, aging and disability resource centers, state developmental disability councils, protection and advocacy agencies and university centers of excellence in developmental disabilities, and a variety of community organizations. In addition, the partnership creates new opportunities for cooperation and sharing of resources between the Administration for Community Living's Centers for Independent Living and the U.S. Department of Labor's Workforce Investment System.

Quotes: "This agreement solidifies our continued collaboration with the Administration for Community Living to align policy, practice, and funding toward outcomes related to competitive, integrated employment, independent living, and optimal socioeconomic advancement for individuals with disabilities."

— Jennifer Sheehy, Acting Assistant Secretary, Office of Disability Employment Policies

"Integrated, competitive employment is central to community living and full participation in all aspects of our society. We are proud to work with ODEP to improve the opportunities for people with disabilities to contribute their talents and skills to the American workforce."

— Sharon Lewis, Principal Deputy Administrator, Administration for Community Living