US Department of Labor signs alliance agreement to increase inclusion of workers with disabilities

WASHINGTON – To promote inclusive workplaces that embrace the skills and talents of workers with disabilities, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy signed an alliance agreement today with the Association of University Centers on Disabilities.

The association is a non-profit membership organization that brings together university-based interdisciplinary programs and community resources to achieve meaningful change for people with disabilities in all aspects of society, including the workplace.

“Expanding the availability of resources and information on fostering an inclusive workforce is critical to increasing employment opportunities for people with disabilities,” said ODEP’s Deputy Assistant Secretary Jennifer Sheehy. “Our partnership with AUCD will play an integral role in improving support for jobseekers and workers with disabilities nationwide.”

Since the inception of ODEP’s alliance initiative in 2006, the agency has engaged organizations to collaborate in developing and implementing model policies and initiatives that increase the recruitment, hiring, retention and career advancement of employees with disabilities. The new alliance will provide AUCD members with information, technical assistance and access to ODEP resources that will help them create workplaces that fully use the talents of employees with disabilities. 

“Collaborating with the U.S. Department of Labor will allow us to forge additional innovative strategies for recruiting, hiring, retaining and promoting job candidates and employees with disabilities, throughout the country and within our network,” said AUCD Executive Director Andrew J. Imparato, JD. “This partnership is clearly in line with our mission to serve as a national leader on key issues that affect the disability community.”

In addition to AUCD, ODEP has alliances with the Society for Human Resource Management, U.S. Business Leadership Network, Higher Education Recruitment Consortium, Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers Society and Families and Work Institute.

ODEP’s mission is to develop and influence policies and practices to increase the number and quality of employment opportunities for people with disabilities. For more information, please visit the ODEP website at www.dol.gov/odep/.