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ODEP News Release: [05/29/2003]
Contact Name:
Michael Volpe
Phone Number: (202) 693-7880
Department Of Labor Announces Grant Solicitations
Totaling $3.0 Million For Home Modification, WorkFORCE Action
WASHINGTON -- Two grant solicitations were published in the
May 29, 2003 Federal Register by the Office of Disability Employment Policy,
Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao announced today.
The grants, totaling $3.0 million, will be available for Home
Modification and Working for Freedom, Opportunity and
Real Choice through Community Employment
(WorkFORCE) Action. These two categories are related to the
implementation of the Supreme Court's Olmstead decision, which ensures that
individuals with significant disabilities have the opportunity to transition
from institutional settings to independent living in the community and
employment.
"These grants will help to promote the goal of the President's New
Freedom Initiative to advance the inclusion of Americans with disabilities into
the 21st Century workforce," Secretary Chao said.
ODEP's Assistant Secretary of Labor, Roy Grizzard, whose agency
administers the grants added, "These initiatives will go a long way towards
supporting individuals with disabilities as they seek and maintain
employment."
A total of up to $2.5 million dollars for up to 6 competitive
grants will be awarded by ODEP under WorkFORCE Action. Additionally, the
agency, in partnership with the Department's Center for Faith-Based and
Community Initiatives, is making up to $500,000 available to award up to ten
competitive grants for Home Modification to facilitate employment outcomes. For
people with disabilities, an often-cited barrier to participation in work and
community life is the lack of affordable home modifications, such as ramps,
widened doorways, lowered countertops and cabinetry accessible to those who use
wheelchairs. These grants seek to provide home modifications so that
individuals may live and work in their communities.
Application and eligibility information for each grant is posted
in the Federal Register notice, which can also be accessed through
www.dol.gov/odep.
ODEP is the nation's first Assistant Secretary-led office that
specifically addresses policies that impact upon the employment of people with
disabilities. It acts as a catalyst to stimulate new ideas about employment
through research and development, policy analysis, grant awards, technical
assistance, and the promotion of effective business practices.
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