According to the US Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Policy (ODEP), a new grant has been made available to establish the National Center on Leadership for Employment and Advancement of People with Disabilities (LEAD). The $1.1 million grant would help fund the national technical assistance center and its goal to improve employment outcomes and promote the economic advancement of individuals with disabilities.

Kathy Martinez, assistant secretary of labor for disability employment policy explains that the new center, “will identify and promote successful retention and return-to-work strategies for individuals with disabilities, particularly mature workers, and also serve as a central repository of information on best practices necessary to increase employment opportunities.”

An ODEP news release notes that a key component of the LEAD center’s work will use demonstration projects and research to pinpoint and translate emerging and successful solutions into policy and practices. The release also notes that the center and ODEP will work together in order to encourage innovative practices, facilitating their implementation at both the workforce system and individual levels.

The DOL adds that applications will be accepted until August 31, 2012.

For more information, visit http://www.grants.gov

Source: Department of Labor