Disability Unemployment and Employment Participation Statistics Released

Office of Disability Employment Policy

According to Bureau of Labor Statistics’ data for March 2009, the unemployment rate for people with disabilities is 13.1 percent compared to 8.9 percent for the general population. The percent of people with disabilities in the labor force is 22.8 percent compared to 70.9 percent for the general population.

NCWD/Youth and Workforce Strategy Center release Career-Focused Services for Students with Disabilities at Community Colleges

Career-Focused Services for Students with Disabilities at Community Colleges

Our nation’s changing economy requires workers to attain increasingly higher job skills. Leaders in education, workforce development, and economic development recognize the need to help workers meet this challenge and to help employers find qualified employees. This case study report examines the efforts of community colleges to function as intermediaries in meeting the local workforce development needs of employers. Moreover, it identifies promising practice models of collaboration between career services and disability student services to promote career opportunities and job attainment for students with disabilities.

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Funds

One of the requirements of the ARRA is that every department must create a webpage describing how their department’s dollars will be spent and that provides guidance to grantees/contractors. Below you will find the links to the Department of Labor and Education’s pages.

Department of Labor Information Related to the ARRA

This page includes information on the initial plans for the implementation o the Workforce Investment Act and state-by-state breakouts.

Department of Education Information Related to the ARRA

This page includes information on the Title I, Part A Recovery Funds for Grants to Local Educational Agencies, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Vocational Rehabilitation State Grants, and Independent Living Services.

National Consortium on Leadership and Disability for Youth Releases Disability History Guide

Disability History Timeline: Resource and Discussion Guide

This guide is designed to assist those with and without disabilities to learn about the rich history of people with disabilities. Although designed primarily for youth and emerging leaders with disabilities, the guide can be used in multiple ways to educate a broader audience as well. Starting shortly after the United States was founded, the guide features examples of the remarkable diversity, creativity, and leadership that has shaped the disability community and American culture.

National Consortium on Leadership and Disability for Youth Releases Spanish Language Versions of Documents

Spanish language versions of the following documents are now available:

Office of Disability Employment Policy Releases Disability History Fact Sheet

Disability History: An Important Part of America’s Heritage

Teaching children about the contributions of particular populations to our nation’s history, such as women and people of various ethnic backgrounds, has been recognized as important through the declaration of dedicated months as well as other educational programs. Disability history, however, has been largely ignored in school curricula. This fact sheet details what young people with disabilities across our country are doing to promote the inclusion of disability history in mainstream public education. In addition, it provides resources for educators and others to use to enhance awareness and understanding of disability history and the contributions of people with disabilities.

National Council on Disability Makes Recommendations to Create More Federal Job Opportunities for People with Disabilities

Federal Employment of People with Disabilities

The report examines the employment status of people with disabilities in the Federal government, and makes recommendations for improving Federal hiring and advancement of employees with disabilities. The paper summarizes relevant legal authorities and policy guidance, describes the responsibilities of various Federal agencies charged with ensuring equal opportunity in Federal employment, identifies barriers to hiring and advancement, and highlights provisions for reasonable accommodations and agency initiatives.

The Family Support Center on Disability

Don’t be out there alone. Speak up by joining a BRAND NEW online discussion forum sponsored by the Administration on Developmental Disabilities, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. for people with disabilities and their families. This forum provides a cross country and cross generational opportunity to bring everyone together.to talk about their aspirations, dreams, ambitions, difficulties, needs and concerns. Sign up and join the family.

Partner’s Highlight

The Center on Education and Work

Afternoon Tea Series

The Afternoon Tea conversation series, coordinated by The Center on Education and Work at the University of Wisconsin, provides an engaging forum for learning about contemporary career and workforce development issues from dynamic national and international scholars. Scholars will speak about their research, theoretical ideas, publications, and/or considerations for practice on a variety of career-related topics.

Intersection: Navigating the Road to Work