U.S. Department of Labor and American Staffing Association Form Alliance to Increase Workforce Participation for Individuals with Disabilities

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) and the American Staffing Association (ASA) have formed an alliance to advance employment of people with disabilities in the staffing, recruiting and workforce solutions industry. Each year, the industry hires an estimated 16 million temporary and contract workers in the U.S.

“America’s staffing companies play a crucial role in keeping the nation working, while also promoting workplaces that are flexible and inclusive,” said Office of Disability Employment Policy Deputy Assistant Secretary, Jennifer Sheehy. “We are delighted that the American Staffing Association has joined our effort as we revive our economy and ensure that everyone – including people with disabilities – can work and succeed.”

“Staffing is the perfect gateway to help Americans with disabilities enter the world of work, or to perhaps pursue a new occupation or career path,” said American Staffing Association President and CEO Richard Wahlquist. “Our association is honored to enter into this historic alliance with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy to work together to provide our members with information and resources to create and promote inclusive workplaces for all.”

Through this alliance, ODEP and ASA will collaborate to educate the ASA’s membership and aid them in creating inclusive workplaces for people with disabilities. Since 2006, ODEP’s alliance initiative has helped employer organizations develop and apply model policies and initiatives to increase the recruitment, hiring, retention and career advancement of people with disabilities. In addition to ASA, other organizations including the Association of University Centers on Disabilities, Disability: IN, the National Industry Liaison Group, the Society for Human Resource Management and the Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers Society, maintain alliances with ODEP.

ODEP is the only non-regulatory federal agency that promotes policies and coordinates with employers and all levels of government to increase workplace success for people with disabilities. Learn more about ODEP.