We applied for and were awarded a U.S. Department of Labor Office of Disability and Employment Policy Grant for 1.6 million dollars/ year for five years to provide technical assistance, policy and research for employers on best practices in the hiring and retention of people with disabilities. We currently provide telephone and e-mail technical assistance, and are beginning an array of 100 specific activiites to support this effort.
impact statement issue
Most people desire – and all have the right --to maximize their contributions to society and gain economic self-sufficiency. This is no less true for people with disabilities. Yet to date, compared to their non-disabled peers, people with disabilities have been significantly disadvantaged in initial employment participation and opportunities for advancement once employed. Many factors contribute to this labor participation disparity, but one key factor is discrimination throughout the employment process, from recruitment and application through to socialization, advancement, and development processes.
impact statement response
Planned Goals and Objectives for this USDOL project to date: To identify the specific employment policies and practices for people with disabilities that are unique to the federal government; study how these policies and practices impact employment outcomes for people with disabilities; learn how supervisory behavior and workplace social networks maximize inclusion for employees with disabilities in the federal workforce; inform and support the current federal LEAD initiative to increase employment participation of people with disabilities; and further inform scientific inquiry.
impact statement summary
The purpose of this study is to identify workplace policies and practices which present barriers and also facilitate maximal inclusion of people with disabilities in the workplace. Our focus is on how both formal policies and leadership, and more informal climate and social networks, shape workforce participation, engagement, and success for persons with disabilities.
