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Access to Good Paying Jobs and Business Opportunities

The labor force participation rate of American adults with disabilities is approximately half of that of the population of adults without disabilities, and the unemployment rate is approximately double. Through the increased hiring, promotion, and retention of people with disabilities along with the utilization of businesses owned by people with disabilities these inequities can be properly addressed. 

Disability Policy Priorities to Enable Access to Good Paying Jobs and Business Opportunities

As part of DOT’s Disability Policy Priorities, adopted in July 2022 during a celebration of the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Department has committed to the priority actions below to enable access to good paying jobs and business opportunities.  

DOT Priority 

Goal 

Incorporate standard language on encouraging hiring of people with disabilities in discretionary DOT Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) and explanatory materials. 

Increase hiring, promotion, and retention of people with disabilities in DOT funded discretionary and formula grant projects 

Engage state, local, and private sector leaders to encourage programs that prioritize hiring of people with disabilities in DOT-funded projects 

Promote Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program to the disability community 

Inform businesses owned by people with disabilities of the DBE program’s applicability to  discretionary and formula grant projects
 

Incorporate standard language encouraging hiring of people with disabilities in DOT direct contracts 

Increase hiring, promotion, and retention of people with disabilities in DOT direct contracts

Coordinate with other federal agencies on regulatory and policy actions to expand broadband Increase access to broadband, which would allow people with disabilities to work remotely and shop online