The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has formed an interagency work group for the purpose of increasing the number of persons with disabilities in the federal workforce, according to a DOL press release. The group is "part of a continuing commitment to encouraging opportunities for workers with disabilities."

Disability Employment Policy Assistant Secretary of Labor Neil Romano established the project under the direction of Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao. Eighteen federal agencies sent representatives to the initial working meeting. The information regarding this meeting has been released shortly after a previous notification by the DOL on a survey which found a majority of larger businesses are hiring people with disabilities, and in addition discovering that costs for accommodations are not significantly different from the general employee population.

Romano was quoted in the press release regarding the initial meeting: "We need to encourage leaders in every federal agency to take strong, proactive and immediate steps to bring more people with disabilities into the federal workforce, ensure that they are receiving the most effective accommodations available, and be supported as they work and advance their careers."
According to the press release, the 40 attendees in this initial meeting engaged in discussions and were given presentations on: comprehensive centralized accommodations funding programs; tools for recruiting, hiring, retaining and advancing people with disabilities in the federal workforce; and leadership and innovative practices in federal employment for people with disabilities.

Deputy Labor Secretary Howard Radzely is also quoted, commenting on behalf of the secretary of labor, "We in the federal government have the opportunity to be a role model for all employers in the employment of people with disabilities."

The work group plans to meet again in the next few months.

More information can be found on the website for the Office of Disability Employment Policy, www.dol.gov/odep. ODEP's work involves employers and the workplace; workforce systems; and employment-related supports, including education and training, health care, reliable transportation, affordable housing and assistive technology.

Adapted from a news release by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Link: http://www.dol.gov/opa/media/press/odep/odep20090062.htm

Survey story mentioned in the story: http://www.dol.gov/opa/media/press/odep/odep20090011.htm

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