President Obama announces new initiatives during National Disability Employment Awareness Month

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 5, 2009

President Obama Announces New Initiatives During National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Washington, D.C.  – President Obama today announced that his Administration is taking several steps to ensure that there is fair and equal access to employment for all Americans, particularly the 54 million people in this country living with disabilities.  The announcement comes during National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

“My Administration is committed to ensuring that all Americans have the chance to fulfill their potential and contribute to our nation,” said President Obama.  “Across this country, millions of people with disabilities are working or want to work, and they should have access to the support and services they need to succeed.  As the nation’s largest employer, the Federal Government and its contractors can lead the way by implementing effective employment policies and practices that increase opportunities and help workers achieve their full potential. We must also rededicate ourselves to fostering an inclusive work culture that welcomes the skills and talents of all qualified employees. That’s why I’ve asked the responsible agencies to develop new plans and policies to help increase employment across America for people with disabilities.”

The following are some of the steps the Obama Administration will take:

·         The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) will collaborate to sponsor and organize a day long Federal Government-wide job fair for people with disabilities.  The Fair will take place in early spring 2010.  In addition to the Job Fair, OPM, ODEP, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and  the Department of Defense’s office on Computer and Electronic Accommodations Program (CAP) will provide workshops throughout the day on a variety of topics including the Schedule A hiring waiver and the right to the provision of reasonable accommodations including information on assistive and communications technology.

·        OPM will develop training on Schedule A for federal Human Resources specialists, hiring managers and selective placement coordinators that will be easily accessible and includes on line training.

·        EEOC and the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division will hold four Town Hall meetings throughout the nation to share information about the ADA Amendments Act proposed regulations and to gather comments on them.  All Town Hall meetings will consist of two sessions – one for disability advocates and one for the employer community. These sessions will be completed by November 20th. The four locations are Philadelphia, Chicago, San Francisco, and New Orleans.

·        The Department of Justice will release a video that will identify and respond to a number of common myths held by employers about workers with disabilities.

·        OPM will create and lead a task force comprised of representatives from key Federal Departments and Agencies that have developed and implemented model practices for recruiting, retaining and advancing employees with disabilities.  The task force will report on the innovative practices agencies use to encourage the employment of individuals with disabilities.  The report will identify and promote successful practices for conducting outreach, recruiting, hiring qualified candidates, successful accommodations, and providing opportunities for career advancement at all levels.

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 30, 2009

Attached is a proclamation signed by the President today regarding National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

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THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release September 30, 2009

NATIONAL DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT AWARENESS MONTH, 2009

– – – – – – –

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

Fair access to employment is a fundamental right of every American, including the 54 million people in this country living

with disabilities. A job can provide financial stability, help maximize our potential, and allow us to achieve our dreams. As

Americans, we possess a range of vocational opportunities to make the most of our talents and succeed in a chosen career;

those with disabilities are entitled to the same opportunities.

During National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we recommit ourselves to implementing effective policies and

practices that increase employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.  In the past half-century, we have made great strides toward providing equal employment opportunities in America, but much work remains to be done. As part of that continuing effort,

We must seek to provide opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Only then can Americans with disabilities achieve full participation in the workforce and reach the height of their ambition.

My Administration is committed to promoting positive change for every American, including those with disabilities. The Federal Government and its contractors can lead the way by implementing effective employment policies and practices that increase opportunities and help workers achieve their full potential. Across this country, millions of people with disabilities are working or want to work. We must ensure they have access to the support and services they need to succeed.

Recognizing the need for equal employment opportunities, we must also strengthen and expand the educational opportunities

for individuals with disabilities. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act substantially increased funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and provided more than $500 million for vocational rehabilitation services, including job training, education, and placement. If we are to build a world free from unnecessary barriers, stereotypes, and discrimination, we must ensure that every American receives an education that prepares him or her for future success.

Each day, Americans with disabilities play a critical role in forging and shaping the identity of our Nation.  Their contributions touch us all through personal experience or through that of a family member, neighbor, friend, or colleague.  We grow stronger as a Nation when Americans feel the dignity conferred by having the ability to support themselves and their

families through productive work. This month, we rededicate

ourselves to fostering an inclusive work culture that welcomes

the skills and talents of all qualified employees.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested

in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 2009, as National Disability employment Awareness Month. I call on all Americans to celebrate the contributions of individuals with disabilities to our workplaces and communities, and to promote the employment of individuals with disabilities to create a better, more inclusive America, one in which every person is rightly recognized for his or her abilities and accomplishments.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.

BARACK OBAMA