November 27, 2012 – Actors with Down Syndrome Star in Two Upcoming Movies

Two movies, “Café de Flore” and “Any Day Now,” which will be released in the United States before the end of the year, star actors with Down Syndrome in key roles. And one entertainment executive believes that audiences are now demanding ”more truthful representations that include people with disabilities.” Adam Moore, the National Director of Equal Employment Opportunities & Diversity for the Screen Actors Guild, says that including people with disabilities in film and television has an effect on society. “Seeing someone with a disability onscreen has an unparalleled impact on the way in which audiences engage with issues of disability in every part of their off-screen lives.” Read more on disabilityscoop.

November 20, 2012 – “What’s Your Connection” – a Disability.gov Initiative

How are you connected to the 57 million people with disabilities in the United States? Does your sister have autism? Is your neighbor a veteran with a disability? Do you have a disability? To celebrate its 10th anniversary, Disability.gov wants to hear your story. Share a captioned photograph or a one-minute video with What’s Your Connection? before July 31, 2013. To find out more, go to disability.gov.

November 5, 2012 – 13th Annual Disability Mentoring Day Was a 'Rousing Success'

More than 16,500 young students and job seekers with disabilities participated in job shadowing events as part of Disability Mentoring Day. The program provides young people with essential firsthand experiences in the workplace as well as powerful relationships with mentors. DMD is organized by the American Association of People with Disabilities, a founding member of the Campaign for Disability Employment. Learn more about Disability Mentoring Day.
(Photo caption: ODEP mentor Dylan Orr with student.)

October 19, 2012 – Expanding Disability Mentoring Day Beyond Oct. 17

Did your company participate in Disability Mentoring Day on Oct. 17? The American Association of People with Disabilities has a toolkit that will help companies turn DMD into an employment pipeline for students with disabilities. The best way to reduce the high unemployment rate of people with disabilities is with a proactive approach. Find out how you can expand DMD in your area and give people with disabilities a fair chance at getting hired.

October 16, 2012 – Assistant Secretary Martinez: People With Disabilities Must Understand the Value of Work and Expect to Work

The theme of this year’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month – “A Strong Workforce is an Inclusive Workforce. What Can YOU Do?” – reinforces that we all have a role to play and benefit to gain from increasing employment opportunities of people with disabilities. “Those of us with disabilities ourselves must understand the intrinsic value of work and the skills and talents we have to offer,” Assistant Secretary Kathy Martinez says.

Watch Assistant Secretary Martinez’s NDEAM video message.

Read Assistant Secretary Martinez's blog post.

Listen to Assistant Secretary Martinez's radio interview.

October 4, 2012 – National Disability Employment Awareness Month Kicks Off

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), which celebrates the contributions of workers with disabilities. There are many ways to participate in NDEAM. Businesses can invite youth with disabilities to shadow employees for a day. Schools can educate the next generation of employees and employers on the abilities of workers with disabilities. And disability-related organizations can use NDEAM as a platform to raise local awareness about disability employment issues. For more information on how NDEAM can be celebrated, go to the Office of Disability Employment Policy’s NDEAM page. Be sure to check here regularly for news and updates.

August 31, 2012 – Winners Announced in Office of Disability and Employment Policy Disability Employment Application Challenge

The winners of the disability employment application challenge were announced by Secretary Solis and the Office of Disability and Employment Policy. The goal of the app challenge was to promote recruitment resources for employers, develop job training and skill-building tools for job seekers, facilitate employment-related transportation options and expand technology accessibility. The "Access Jobs" application, which is specifically designed for job seekers with disabilities, received the Innovation Award and a $5,000 prize. The "VoisPal-Speak as You Think!" application, an Android-based augmentative and alternative communication app designed to help people with speech difficulties, was awarded the People's Choice Award through a public voting process, with $3,000 going to the winner. The Above and Beyond Accessibility Award went to "AccDC," which automates the rendering of dynamic content to ensure accessibility for screen reader and keyboard-only users. Read more...

August 16, 2012 – Office of Disability Employment Policy's Job Accommodation Network will continue to be operated by West Virginia University Research Corp.

The CDE is pleased to share that the U.S. Department of Labor has awarded a $2.5 million grant to the West Virginia University Research Corp. to manage and operate the Office of Disability Employment Policy's Job Accommodation Network (JAN). JAN is the leading source of free, expert, and confidential guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues and has been hosted by WVU since its inception in 1983.

A strong supporter of the CDE, JAN’s leadership has been instrumental in furthering the “What can YOU do?” initiative by nationally distributing the many disability employment awareness outreach tools the CDE has to offer. We congratulate JAN at WVU and wish them success! Read more about the grant award…

August 2, 2012 – 2012 National Disability Employment Awareness Month Toolkit Now Available

Held each October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is a national campaign that raises awareness about disability employment issues and celebrates the many and varied contributions of America’s workers with disabilities. Upon its establishment in 2001, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) assumed responsibility for NDEAM and has worked to expand its reach and scope ever since. A 2012 NDEAM toolkit is now available and features the theme, “A Strong Workforce is an Inclusive Workforce: What Can YOU Do?” Read more…

July 10, 2012 – Vermont Governor’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities Partners with National Campaign for Disability Employment, "What can YOU do?" Initiative

Vermont’s Governor’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities (GCEPD) has partnered with the national Campaign for Disability Employment (CDE) to broaden the conversation about how Vermonters can work together to increase the employment of people with disabilities in the state. . Read more…

June 22, 2012 – "What can YOU do?" Video Contest Runner-up Winners Announced

Today the Campaign for Disability Employment announced the runner-up winners of the 2012 "What can YOU do?" video contest. Overall contest winners in three categories were announced in late May, and the public was asked to participate by voting for the top two videos out of four runners-up. Nearly 900 votes were cast. The first runner-up video, "Hire Me for My Ability," was submitted by Developmental Disabilities Service Organization Inc.’s Employment Plus program, based in Sacramento, CA, and the second, “Yes I Can," was submitted by students from the Henry Viscardi School in Albertson, N.Y. Read more…

May 29, 2012 – Campaign for Disability Employment announces ‘What can YOU do?’ Video Contest winners

The Campaign for Disability Employment has selected the winning videos in the 2012 “What can YOU do?” video contest! This nationwide contest challenged filmmakers to produce disability employment awareness videos that reflect the diversity of skills people with disabilities offer, challenge common misconceptions about disability employment and reinforce the CDE’s core message that, at work, it’s what people CAN do that matters. Read more…

May 10, 2012 – US Labor Department’s Office of Disability Employment Policy announces 2012 theme for National Disability Employment Awareness Month

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment has announced the official theme for October’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month as “A Strong Workforce is an Inclusive Workforce: What Can YOU Do?” The theme promotes the benefits of a diverse workforce that includes workers with disabilities, who represent a highly skilled talent pool. Read more…

May 7, 2012– US Labor Department’s Office of Disability Employment Policy signs alliance agreement with National Organization of Nurses with Disabilities

Assistant Secretary of Labor for Disability Employment Policy Kathleen Martinez and National Organization of Nurses with Disabilities President Beth Marks have signed an alliance agreement during National Nurses Week to promote the employment of individuals with disabilities in the health care industry. Read more…

February 27, 2012 – Campaign for Disability Employment Announces Video Contest Prizes

Would YOU like to win an Apple® iPad® or cash prize? The Campaign for Disability Employment’s (CDE) nationwide video contest is your chance to try! Announced in January, the CDE’s "What can YOU do?" Video Contest was launched to promote the talent and skills that people with disabilities bring to America’s workforce and economy. This is your opportunity to promote positive change by producing a video that illustrates that at work, it’s what people CAN do that matters. Read more…

January 31, 2012 – Campaign for Disability Employment Announces Nationwide Video Contest

Can YOU promote positive change and challenge misconceptions about disability employment? Show us! The Campaign for Disability Employment (CDE) has launched a nationwide “What can YOU do?” Video Contest to promote the talent and skills that people with disabilities bring to America’s workforce and economy. This is your opportunity to produce a video that illustrates that at work, it’s what people CAN do that matters. The deadline for entry is March 30, 2012.
Read the press release…

January 9, 2012 – Customs and Border Protection, Labor Department Sign Disability Hiring Alliance

Assistant Secretary of Labor for Disability Employment Policy Kathleen Martinez and U.S. Customs and Border Protection Acting Commissioner David Aguilar signed an alliance agreement aimed at increasing the hiring of people with disabilities by federal agencies. “Today’s alliance is an opportunity for ODEP and CBP to demonstrate disability employment practices that will not only result in increased hires at CBP but easily can be replicated by other federal agencies seeking to fulfill the requirements of their executive order plans,” said Martinez in a Jan. 6 statement. Read more…

December 12, 2011 – Labor Department Seeks to Improve Job Opportunities for Americans with Disabilities

The U.S. Department of Labor is proposing a new rule that would require federal contractors and subcontractors to set a hiring goal of having 7 percent of their workforces be people with disabilities, among other requirements. The department’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) invites public comment on this proposal, which will be published in the Dec. 9 edition of the Federal Register. To read the notice of proposed rulemaking or submit a comment, visit the federal e-rulemaking portal at http://www.regulations.gov. Read more…

November 17, 2011 – Campaign for Disability Employment “I Can” PSA Wins International MarCom Award

The Campaign for Disability Employment (CDE) today announced that its “I Can” public service announcement (PSA) has been recognized with a 2011 MarCom Award. The PSA, which challenges com­mon misconceptions about disability and employment, was recognized in the Gold category for “exceeding the high standards of the industry norm.” This marks the fourth industry honor for “I Can,” which was previously recognized by PRWeek, the Public Relations Society of America and PR News. Read more…

September 22, 2011 – Everyday Health TV Series to Feature Sparkle Effect Founder, Sarah Cronk, and Superstar Cheerio Cheerleader from GLEE, Lauren Potter

Everyday Health has a new TV series that profiles ordinary people who overcome extraordinary obstacles and who are helping others lead healthier, happier lives. Episode 4 airs this Saturday, September, 24th on local ABC stations, and features Sarah Cronk, the inspirational teenager who founded The Sparkle Effect as well as Lauren Potter, the superstar Cheerio cheerleader on the hit show Glee. The Sparkle Effect is an innovative, student-run program that helps high school students across the country create cheerleading squads that include students with disabilities. For more details on the show, recap episodes, and other information, check out: http://www.everydayhealth.com/tv.

September 15, 2011 – Don’t Miss the US Business Leadership Network’s 14th Annual Conference & Expo

The US Business Leadership Network (USBLN) will host its 14th Annual Conference & Expo, “Unlocking Key Business Drivers: Disability in the Workplace, Marketplace, and Supply Chain – Strategies for Business Success” on October 16 -19, 2011 at the Louisville Marriott Downtown hotel in Louisville, Kentucky. This is the preeminent national business-to-business event that brings corporate, government, disability-owned businesses, and BLN Affiliates together to create workplaces, marketplaces, and supply chains where people with disabilities are fully included as professionals, customers, and entrepreneurs. Don’t miss the camaraderie, solution-sharing, enhanced networking, and all-star line-up of speakers! For full conference details and to register today, visit www.usblnannualconference.org.

August 8, 2011 – 2011 National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) Posters Now Available

Held each October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is a national campaign that raises awareness about disability employment issues and celebrates the many and varied contributions of America’s workers with disabilities. The theme for NDEAM 2011 is Profit by Investing in Workers with Disabilities, which promotes the valuable contributions people with disabilities make to America’s workplaces and economy. 2011 NDEAM posters are now available to download or order.

July 11, 2011 – Campaign for Disability Employment “I Can” PSA Wins Second National Award

The Campaign for Disability Employment’s (CDE) “I Can” public service announcement (PSA) was recently recognized by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), the world’s largest and foremost organization of public relations professionals. The PSA, which challenges com­mon misconceptions about disability and employment, was awarded a PRSA Bronze Anvil Award of Commendation (AOC). This marks the second national honor for “I Can,” which was previously recognized by PRWeek in March 2011.  Read more…

June 7, 2011 – Registration Open for Universal Design and Workforce Development Professional Competencies

This webinar will be hosted by the NTAR Leadership Center on Tuesday, June 28th at 2:00 PM EDT and will explore the skills, habits, and knowledge required by staff to serve a diverse range of businesses and career seekers. Within the field, Universal Design means ensuring the service structure of the nation’s One-Stop Career Centers is designed to better meet the needs of a wide variety of customers, from diverse backgrounds and with numerous potential barriers to employment. At its most basic level, this means providing services and programs that are inherently accessible to the greatest number of customers without the need for separate or disparate basic services. Register for this webinar with the NTAR Leadership Center.

May 31, 2011 – US Labor Department Announces About $20 million to Fund State-Run Programs Aimed at Improving Employment Outcomes for People with Disabilities

The Department of Labor’s (DOL’s) Employment and Training Administration (ETA), in coordination with DOL’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) announces the availability of approximately $20 million for a second round of cooperative agreements to state agencies that administer the Workforce Investment Act (WIA). These funds provide an opportunity for states to develop and implement a plan for improving effective and meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in the workforce. Read more…

May 24, 2011 – “I Can” PSA Participant Appointed to U.S. Access Board

“I Can” public service announcement (PSA) participant, Mathew McCollough, was recently appointed by President Obama as a new member of the U.S. Access Board. As a member of the Board, Mat will put his communications talents and skills to work to improve accessibility and compliance with laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act. By working hard and using his abilities to succeed, Mat demonstrates that at work, it’s what people CAN do that matters.

Mat currently serves as Executive Director of the District of Columbia (DC) Developmental Disabilities Council, which promotes independence and equal opportunity for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Read more…

May 12, 2011 – US Labor Department’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance (OFCCP) Publishes Proposed VEVRAA Regulation Revisions to Strengthen Employment Protections for Veterans

Increasing numbers of veterans, with and without disabilities, are returning from duty in Iraq, Afghanistan and other places around the world only to face substantial obstacles in finding employment. In the spirit of ensuring that all Americans have equal access to good jobs and that America’s workplaces are equitable, OFCCP published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). The NPRM recommends revisions that strengthen Federal regulations implementing the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 (Section 4212), as amended, commonly referred to as VEVRAA. Comments on the notice of proposed rulemaking must be submitted by June 27, 2011. Visit the federal e-rulemaking portal, http://www.regulations.gov, to submit comments. Read more…

May 3, 2011 – Office of Disability Employment Policy Announces 2011 Theme for National Disability Employment Awareness Month

The Office of Disability Employment Policy has announced the official theme for October’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month: “Profit by Investing in Workers with Disabilities.” The theme honors the contributions of workers with disabilities and serves to inform the public that they represent a highly skilled talent pool that can help employers compete in today’s global economy. Read more…

April 26, 2011 – White House Monthly Disability Call Scheduled for Thursday, April 28

In order to keep the public more informed, the White House hosts monthly conference calls to provide updates on various disability issues and to introduce persons who work on disability issues in the federal government. The next call will begin at 2:00 PM Eastern on Thursday, April 28. To participate, dial (888) 428-4479 and use “White House Disability Call” as the entry code. Live captioning will be available at the start time of the event. Please dial into the conference call 5 minutes early.

March 17, 2011 – Work Without Limits Supports the Campaign for Disability Employment by Launching Local Disability Awareness Initiative

A partnership agreement with the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) allows Work Without Limits to customize the existing national CDE campaign materials and build upon the strong “What can YOU do?” brand for a Massachusetts-specific public awareness disability employment campaign. Read more…

March 15, 2011 – Campaign for Disability Employment “I Can” PSA Honored at National Awards Ceremony

The Campaign for Disability Employment (CDE) received Honorable Mention in the category of Best Use of Audio/Video for the “I Can” video public service announcement (PSA) at the 2010 PRWeek Awards held in New York City, March 10, 2011. Each year, PRWeek awards corporate, nonprofit, agency and educational institutions in recognition of excellence in public relations activities. Read more…

March 8, 2011 – US Department of Labor makes available Web-based toolkit for federal agencies to increase employment of people with disabilities.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy today posted an online toolkit comprised of resources to assist federal agencies in recruiting, employing and retaining individuals with disabilities. The kit is available at http://www.dol.gov/odep/federal-hire.

ODEP, in collaboration with the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, designed a five-step process that agencies can readily follow to ensure an inclusive workplace for employees with disabilities. The steps are: employer training, creating a welcoming environment, recruitment, hiring and retention. Topics include "do’s and don’ts" for interviewing, accessibility and accommodations, how to find technical assistance and creating a pipeline of candidates.

Read more…

January 7, 2011- AAPD Expands Summer Internships Program

What can YOU do? Apply for a summer internship with the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and gain invaluable hands-on experience in government by working in public service on Capitol Hill and at federal agencies this summer. College students, law students, and other graduate and professional students with disabilities may apply for AAPD’s Summer Internships Program, which is sponsored by Walmart, the Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation (MEAF) and the HSC Foundation. Interns receive a stipend, travel to and from DC, and fully-accessible housing. Apply by January 24, 2011! Read more…

December 30, 2010- Campaign for Disability Employment “I Can” PSA Selected as 2010 PRWeek Award Finalist

The Campaign for Disability Employment (CDE) is proud to announce that its "I Can" video public service announcement (PSA) has been selected as a finalist for a 2010 PRWeek Award in the category of “Best Use of Audio/Video.” Each year, PRWeek Awards are awarded to corporate, nonprofit, agency and educational institutions in recognition of excellence in public relations activities. Winners will be announced on March 10, 2011 in New York City at the PRWeek Awards 2011 ceremony. Read more…

December 8, 2010- US Labor Department’s Office of Disability Employment Policy announces new outreach tools from Campaign for Disability Employment

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy today announced a series of new products through the Campaign for Disability Employment that are designed to promote the hiring, retention and advancement of people with disabilities, and dispel negative stereotypes about disability and employment. Read more…

December 7, 2010- Business $ense, December 2010, Benefit from Tomorrow’s Workforce — Today!

Help is available for businesses interested in recruiting interns — and shaping the nation’s future workforce. The Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP) offers private employers and government agencies access to a database of more than 2,000 pre-screened, qualified college students and recent graduates with disabilities. Read more…

October 26, 2009 - Best Buy and the Campaign for Disability Employment Announce National Video Contest Winner – MS Word version

Today, Best Buy and the Campaign for Disability Employment, a newly-formed collaborative of leading disability organizations, announced the winner of the What Can YOU Do? Video Contest. The national competition, which attracted more than 130 videos promoting the talent and skills that people with disabilities bring to America’s workplaces and economy, was won by Mississippi native Blake Watson. Click here to see the winning videos or read more…

September 18, 2009 - Leading Disability Organizations Launch Campaign for Disability Employment

Last evening at the U.S. Business Leadership Network’s (USBLN) Annual Conference and National Career Fair, several leading disability organizations launched the Campaign for Disability Employment, a new collaborative effort to promote positive employment outcomes for people with disabilities. Read more ...

April 18, 2013 – St. Petersburg College Program Places Students with Disabilities in the Job Market

Sixteen students with disabilities have landed jobs in the past nine months thanks to the Student Employment Project at St. Petersburg College. The Project, funded by a three-year grant from the Able Trust in Tallahassee, Fla., is intended to find employment opportunities that match the skill sets, majors and aspirations of graduating students with disabilities. The grant requires that the Student Employment Project work with 60 students in the three-year period and place 15 students in full-time jobs in the first year. So far, the program has worked with 96 students and made 16 placements, though some of those are internships and part-time jobs. Read more

April 8, 2013 – LEAD Center Launches New Website

The LEAD Center, which promotes public policy, employment and economic advancement outcomes for all people across the spectrum of disability, recently launched a new website. The site features the latest LEAD Center news and initiatives, a comprehensive resource center, a national calendar of events and trainings, and information on the Center’s free webinar series. New resources, events, news and information will be added to the site regularly with guest blogs and other features coming soon. Read more

February 12, 2013 – New Chair Appointed to the National Council on Disability

President Obama recently appointed Jeff Rosen as chairperson of the National Council on Disability. Rosen is a third-generation deaf person active in the disability movement. The Council advises the President, Congress and other federal agencies regarding disability issues and policies. In addition to Rosen, three other new members were appointed to the 15-member council. Read more

January 26, 2013 – Author of the Americans with Disabilities Act Plans to Retire from the Senate

Iowa Senator Tom Harkin plans to retire in 2014, but the author of the Americans with Disabilities Act intends to spend the remainder of his term working to increase the employment of individuals with disabilities. Read more

January 7, 2013 – Campaign for Disability Employment Releases "Because" PSA

To help millions of people recognize what they can do to make a difference in the lives — and future careers — of young people with disabilities, the U.S. Department of Labor's Campaign for Disability Employment has released a new video public service announcement titled "Because." Learn more.