Employment

New Editions provides technical assistance, dissemination services, and a wide range of other support to Disability Innovation Fund (DIF) grantees under the National Clearinghouse of Rehabilitation Training Materials (NCRTM) DIF Supplement. These services are specifically tailored to enhance the impact of the DIF Program, one of the Rehabilitation Services Administration's (RSA) flagship initiatives, which was authorized by Congress through the Consolidated Appropriations Act.

New Editions provides Technical Assistance (TA) services to state, Tribal, and local leaders to strengthen career and technical education (CTE) and provide opportunities to identify and share national Best Practices. In order to accomplish this critical goal, the U.S.

New Editions provides technical assistance (TA) services to 27 grantees awarded under the Disability Innovation Fund--Creating a 21st Century Workforce of Youth and Adults with Disabilities Through the Transformation of Education, Career, and Competitive Integrated Employment Model Demonstration Project. DIF grantees are working to enhance state programs that create and expand opportunities for high-quality competitive integrated employment (CIE) by engaging with employers across various sectors – including traditional, non-traditional, flexible, and freelance opportunities.

New Editions provides accessibility support services to the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL). We conduct assessments of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), deliver reports, accessibility training sessions, and consultancy services tailored to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and Section 508 standards as required.

As the leaves put on a daring display, we are reminded of the innovative spirit built into every cell of nature including ourselves. Innovation is at the forefront of October’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), which celebrates the contributions of America’s workers with disabilities past and present and showcases supportive, inclusive employment policies and practices.

Since 1945, Congress has sought to educate the public about the role of people with disabilities in the labor force. Originally known as “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week,” Congress broadened its celebration and instituted “National Disability Employment Awareness Month” (NDEAM) as an annual October celebration in 1988.

In 2020, the onset of the COVID-19 virus accelerated a move to a remote and digitally dependent workforce. Many companies were able to accommodate employees working from home by providing a few technological changes and additional equipment to enable workers to maintain communication with their colleagues, supervisors, and clients. Some even found that productivity increased for employees working from home. The success of this remote workforce revealed a side benefit for people with disabilities.

Seventy-five years ago, in response to the large number of service members with disabilities returning home from World War II, Congress passed a law establishing the first week in October of each year as “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.” Over the years, this week-long national observance has undergone several changes in name, focus and duration: In 1962, the name was changed t