To celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month, the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) is highlighting projects and initiatives funded by the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) and the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitative Research (NIDRR) that improve employment outcomes for people with disabilities, including transition-aged youth.

Building on a strong education foundation is the key to launching the future success of young people with disabilities. Thank you for all you are doing to support and encourage individuals with disabilities as they work towards realizing their career and life goals.

Sincerely,

Alexa Posny, OSERS Assistant Secretary

“ Utilizing the talents of all Americans is essential for our Nation to out-innovate, out-educate, and out-build the rest of the world. During National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we recognize the skills that people with disabilities bring to our workforce, and we rededicate ourselves to improving employment opportunities in both the public and private sectors for those living with disabilities. ”

Barack Obama
President, United States of America
White House Proclamation of October 2011 as
National Disability Employment Awareness Month

“ The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 was notable because it provided comprehensive services and funding for employment and independent living that truly enabled people with disabilities to work and live in the community as never before. ”

Arne Duncan
Secretary, U.S. Department of Education
Statement on National Disability Employment Awareness Month
October 2011

| DEAM 2011 Home |
| Proclamation and Press Releases | Success Stories |
| DoED Resources | Additional Federal Resources |

• White House Proclamation of October 2011 as National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

• U.S. Department of Education Press Release and Statement by Secretary Arne Duncan on National Disability Employment Awareness Month October 2011.

Here are some success stories (with more to be added throughout the month of October) 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.

• "Max—Youth Transitions into Health Care Careers" (Oct. 3, 2011)

• "Miranda—A Go-Getter With Determination" (Oct. 12, 2011)

• "Frank—A Go-Getter With Attitude" (Oct. 24, 2011)

• "Sheronda’s Participation In Pilot Internship Program Launches Career" (Oct. 31, 2011)

To view more 2011 success stories, please visit the following websites:

• http://rsa.ed.gov/commis_corner.cfm - Commissioner's Corner

• http://www.usbln.org/

• http://www.rehabnetwork.org/success_stories/success_stories.htm

Below are some links to the various programs, services and resources offered through the U.S. Department of Education. These resources assist individuals with disabilities in finding meaningful employment and help to improve student outcomes and better prepare students for college (or other postsecondary education and training) and the workforce.

• 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)

• Randolph-Sheppard Program

• The IDEA Partnership Project’s Transition Community of Practice

• The National Dropout Prevention Center for Students with Disabilities

• The National High School Center

• The National Postschool Outcomes Center

• The National Secondary Transition Technical Assistance Center

• The Postsecondary Education Programs Network (PEPNet)

• Transition and Postsecondary Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities

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 Resources at U.S Department of Labor (DOL)

• Employment & Training Administration's Disabilities Program

• Disability.gov Web site for Federal Disability Services