[Njabs-talk] President Obama Announces New Initiatives during National Disability Employment

[Quintina M. Singleton]

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.

***

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
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