"If we are to build a world free from unnecessary barriers, stereotypes, and discrimination, we must ensure that every American receives an education that prepares him or her for future success."

Barack Obama
President, United States of America
White House Proclamation of October 2009 as
National Disability Employment Awareness Month

“Students with disabilities who graduated high school in June are members of the ‘ADA Generation,’ a new generation of Americans with disabilities growing up with an expectation of academic achievement, employment, and the opportunity to give back to their community.”

Arne Duncan
Secretary, U.S. Department of Education
Address on the Anniversary of the ADA at the Justice For All Awards, July 22, 2009

President Obama and Secretary Duncan both recognize the critical role that education plays in empowering the next generation of Americans with disabilities with a strong foundation and expectation of academic achievement, employment and the ability to give back to others and their communities. American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding represents an unprecedented investment in students with disabilities and the administration’s commitment to helping young people with disabilities achieve success in school and work.

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• White House Proclamation of October 2009 as National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
  PDF (343KB)

• U.S. Department of Education Press Release on National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

Below is a list of success stories of people with disabilities finding successful employment with the assistance of various programs, services and resources offered through the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services.

• "Then the Sign Said: FOOD LION COMING SOON!" (Oct. 6, 2009)

• "Cooking Up Success with Hyatt" (Oct. 8, 2009)

• "CORC Revealing Profiles in Discrimination" (Oct. 15, 2009)

• "The Evidence on Evidence-Based Practices in Secondary Transition" (Oct. 15, 2009)

• "In Support of Rapid Job Placement" (Oct. 21, 2009)

• "Banana Belt Kelly" (Oct. 21, 2009)

• "The Helpfulness of Employment Service Systems Research and Training" (Oct. 28, 2009)

Below are some links to the various programs, services and resources offered through the U.S. Department of Education resources to assist individuals with disabilities find meaningful employment.

• Vocational Rehabilitation State Grants Program

• Vocational rehabilitation field agencies near you.

• American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services Program

• National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR)

• Projects with Industries Grants Program

• Randolph-Sheppard Program

Below are some links to additional federal government resources that can assist individuals with disabilities to find meaningful employment.

• Ticket to Work Program

• Job Accommodation Network

• One-Stop Career Centers

• Disability.gov Web site for Federal Disability Services