U.S. Department of Labor Announces Funding Opportunity for New Center for Employer-Focused Disability Policy and Technical Assistance

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR ANNOUNCES FUNDING OPPORTUNITY FOR NEW CENTER FOR EMPLOYER-FOCUSED DISABILITY POLICY AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the availability of approximately $2 million in funds for the first year of a cooperative agreement for an employer-focused disability policy development and technical assistance center. The solicitation is a re-competition of an existing cooperative agreement. The deadline to apply is June 24, 2019. Administered by the Department’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), the funding opportunity anticipates the availability of approximately $8 million in funds for a 4-year budget period (subject to the availability of federal funds at $2 million per year). Seeking to build upon the prior work of ODEP’s Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN), the new center will conduct research; engage with the business community; identify effective policies and practices that support business needs; and provide resources, technical assistance, and training to help public- and private-sector employers (including federal contractors) recruit, hire, retain, and advance individuals with disabilities. “America’s workforce is stronger when all Americans participate,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Office of Disability Employment Policy, Jennifer Sheehy. “Understanding effective policies and practices benefits employers as people with disabilities bring their skills and talents to the workplace.” The full announcement will be available at www.grants.gov. Visit ODEP’s website for more information. Direct link on grants.gov: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=315140 Agency Office of Disability Employment Policy Date April 22, 2019. Release Number 19-0507-NAT Contact Bennett Gamble Phone Number (202) 693-4667 Email Gamble.Bennett@dol.gov

The Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN) is a resource for employers seeking to recruit, hire, retain and advance qualified employees with disabilities. It is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy under a cooperative agreement with The Viscardi Center. For more information, visit AskEARN.org Preparation of this material was funded by the Office of Disability Employment Policy, U.S. Department of Labor, Grant No. [OD-26451-14-75-4-36]. This document does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Office of Disability Employment Policy, U.S. Department of Labor, nor does the mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.