The Department of Labor (DOL) has made available to employers a free database of nearly 2,000 job candidates with disabilities seeking employment in a wide variety of fields. The Workforce Recruitment Program for College Students with Disabilities compiled the database by sending recruiters to college campuses across the country to interview eligible undergraduate and postgraduate students as well as recent graduates.
“Historically, people with disabilities consistently have experienced difficulties finding employment regardless of the economic climate,” said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. “Providing an internship or first job to someone with a disability can provide a real jumpstart in launching a successful career. The Workforce Recruitment Program offers top talent while enabling college students and recent graduates the opportunity to gain invaluable work experience.”
When using the database, an employer can set the criteria for each candidate search by specifying location, college/university, degree program, position type, and length of appointment. Employers should be able to find job seekers representing many high-demand fields of study, including accounting, administration, business, communications, computers, criminal justice, education, engineering, human resources/equal employment opportunity, health care, law, the social sciences, and the sciences.
Federal employers can tap into this ongoing recruitment resource online at http://WRP.gov. Employers in the private sector, state and local governmental agencies, and nonprofit organizations should contact the DOL’s Employer Assistance and Recruiting Network at (866) 327-6669 to access the database.