WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor announced the award of $8 million to support a four-year cooperative agreement with the National Disability Institute to operate a policy development center focused on employment for people with disabilities.
Administered by the department’s Office of Disability Employment Policy, the cooperative agreement awards about $2 million each year, with a total availability of approximately $8 million during its 48-month term.
Funded under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, the center will complement the work of ODEP’s National Center on Leadership for the Employment and Economic Advancement of People with Disabilities.
“Working with the National Disability Institute and Social Policy Research Associates, we look forward to ensuring people with disabilities have equal and inclusive access to opportunities to succeed,” said Assistant Secretary for Disability Employment Policy Taryn Williams. “This effort will raise awareness about disability employment data collection and improve financial empowerment and career pathways. By doing so, we can help create more competitive integrated employment opportunities for people with disabilities.”
The institute and Social Policy Research Associates – a provider of evaluation, organizational development and facilitation services – will establish and manage the policy development center. It will seek to promote greater and more equitable access to WIOA programs and services, competitive integrated employment opportunities and economic advancement resulting in improved outcomes for individuals with disabilities.
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