White House Announces Disability Employment Awarness Month

From THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release September 30, 2009
NATIONAL DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT AWARENESS MONTH, 2009

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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION

Fair access to employment is a fundamental right of every American, including the 54 million people in this country living with disabilities. A job can provide financial stability, help maximize our potential, and allow us to achieve our dreams. As Americans, we possess a range of vocational opportunities to make the most of our talents and succeed in a chosen career; those with disabilities are entitled to the same opportunities.

During National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we recommit ourselves to implementing effective policies and practices that increase employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

In the past half-century, we have made great strides toward providing equal employment opportunities in America, but much work remains to be done. As part of that continuing effort, we must seek to provide opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Only then can Americans with disabilities achieve full participation in the workforce and reach the height of their ambition.

My Administration is committed to promoting positive change for every American, including those with disabilities. The Federal Government and its contractors can lead the way by implementing effective employment policies and practices that increase opportunities and help workers achieve their full potential. Across this country, millions of people with disabilities are working or want to work. We must ensure they have access to the support and services they need to succeed.

Recognizing the need for equal employment opportunities, we must also strengthen and expand the educational opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act substantially increased funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and provided more than $500 million for vocational rehabilitation services, including job training, education, and placement. 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.

Each day, Americans with disabilities play a critical role in forging and shaping the identity of our Nation. Their contributions touch us all through personal experience or through that of a family member, neighbor, friend, or colleague. We grow stronger as a Nation when Americans feel the dignity conferred by having the ability to support themselves and their families through productive work. This month, we rededicate ourselves to fostering an inclusive work culture that welcomes the skills and talents of all qualified employees.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 2009, as National Disability Employment Awareness Month. I call on all Americans to celebrate the contributions of individuals with disabilities to our workplaces and communities, and to promote the employment of individuals with disabilities to create a better, more inclusive America, one in which every person is rightly recognized for his or her abilities and accomplishments.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.

BARACK OBAMA

Comments

[Bruce Cowan]

Bruce Cowan
1503 Fulton Avenue, Apt. #60
Sacramento, CA 95825-5135
bcowan2@Msn.com (916) 488-4166

I would like to help people like myself (anyway possible).

June 1990, California State University, Northridge - CA 91330
Bachelors of Science Degree, Environmental Science and Occupational Health

I am unemployed due do my disability (Complex Partial Epilepsy), and today I have better seizure control plus short if it happens. I face discrimination in our land of equal employment opportunity. Our employers’ discriminate people with disability and it has become a big problem in the USA. I try, try, and try to get a nice job. Where is the new change for Epileptics of America (all ) to get employed? I don’t need SSA; I just need a good secure job with BETTER SERVICE FROM THE REHABILITATION DEPARTMENT.

Since 1978 I have received rehabilitation department services to the present, and I feel the State Governors, and Rehabilitation Dept. counselors have never provided the proper employment outreach and education service to Americans with Epilepsy (all disabilities too).

Since graduation 1990 from Cal State University, Northridge I have been looking for employment opportunities in America. My background includes a B.S. degree in Environmental Science and Occupational Health. In 1993 my Rehabilitation Counselor, San Fernando Valley, CA found volunteer work (by one to one service) for the California Air Resources, Mobile Source Operations Division. I received 1.7 years of volunteer service with multi-assignments with them. To 2008 and 2009 I scored 95 twice on the Air Pollution Specialist examination with hire ranks of 3. In addition to 1993 and 1994 scored 95 and 97on verbal test. My seizures were seen twice doing volunteer service. Since 5/2009 I have sent approx. 15 applications for Air Pollution Specialist positions. 2008 and 2009, I scored 95 on the Air Pollution Specialist non-verbal examinations with the hire rank of 3.

[Bruce Cowan]

Appointment with Counselor Ms Pam Ossmann September 28, 2009 to review my file, and my last available choice to continue services from the Rehabilitation Dept.

1. Since all services were applied due to pass services I have only one option.

This would be called the Section 7014 Extended Evaluation, and means the exploration of an individual’s abilities, capabilities, and capacity to perform in realistic work situation, through the
provision of only those services that are necessary for the Department to determine

Extended Evaluation is performed by another agency) the following:

1. Since all services were applied due to pass services I have only one option.
This would be called the Section 7014 Extended Evaluation, and means the exploration of an individual’s abilities, capabilities, and capacity to perform in realistic work situation, through the
provision of only those services that are necessary for the Department to determine (Extended Evaluation is performed by another agency) the following:

Some info.
a. There is sufficient evidence to conclude that the individual can benefit from the provision of vocational rehabilitation services in terms of an employment outcome in an integrated setting;
or
b. There is clear and convincing evidence, as defined in Section 7004.6 of these regulations, that due to the severity of the individual’s disability, the individual is incapable of benefiting from vocational rehabilitations services in terms of an employment outcome in an integrated setting.

[Bruce Cowan]

The California Rehabilitation Dept. is not a good Service for Epileptic people, and goals to get off social security income, receive employment, and a B.S. degree.

[Ralph]

More discrimination from the federal government!!!!