QUESTION: What is the Department of Labor's Office
of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP)?
ANSWER: ODEP is an agency within the U.
S. Department of Labor. ODEP provides national leadership to increase employment
opportunities for adults and youth with disabilities while striving to eliminate
barriers to employment.
With the ultimate goal of increasing the number of people with disabilities
who work, either as employees or entrepreneurs, ODEP provides policy analysis,
technical assistance, development of innovative practices and strategies, and
education and outreach to employers, employees and the disability community.
Related to these efforts, ODEP also conducts a variety of employment-related programs
and initiatives.
ODEP has awarded several grants
to develop innovative programs and provide technical assistance to improve
employment outcomes for adults and youth with disabilities.