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November 7, 2004    DOL Home > ODEP > About US   

About Us

Mission

In the FY2001 Department of Labor appropriation, Congress approved an Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) to be headed by an Assistant Secretary. ODEP's mission is to provide leadership to increase employment opportunities for adults and youth with disabilities. ODEP is a federal agency in the Department of Labor. Its customers include:

  • Individuals with disabilities and their families
  • Private employers and their employees
  • Federal, state, and local government agencies
  • Educational and training institutions
  • Disability advocates
  • Providers of services and government employers

ODEP focuses on both the supply and demand side of the labor market related to employment of people with disabilities.

-- On the supply side, ODEP works to increase opportunities by expanding access to training, education, employment supports, assistive technology, integrated employment, entrepreneurial development, and small-business opportunities.

-- On the demand side, ODEP builds partnerships with employers and state and local agencies to increase awareness of the benefits of hiring people with disabilities, and to facilitate the use of effective strategies.

Vision

The Office of Disability Employment Policy will provide the national leadership to increase employment opportunities for adults and youth with disabilities while striving to eliminate barriers to employment. ODEP will support the creation of expanded work options and meaningful employment, promote economic opportunities and independence, encourage self-determination, and support inclusion of people with disabilities in their communities.

Key Personnel and Phone Numbers

 

 



Phone Numbers