“Transition
into High Demand Industries”Welcome to the 2006 National Employment Website.The 2006 Employment and Disability Conference was a great success. Thank you to all who attended. Conference materials will continue to be updated as information is received.
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
OFFICE OF SPECIAL EDUCATION AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES
THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY
Dear Colleague:
On behalf of the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, welcome to the Rehabilitation Services Administration’s 2006 National Employment Conference, “Employment and Disability: Transition into High-Demand Industries.” We are pleased to be hosting this conference in partnership with the Council for State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation for the sixth time since 1996. Thank you for participating in this exciting event.
Since our last Employment Conference in 2004, the economy has continued to grow, lending to the creation over the last two and one half years of more than 5.4 million net jobs. Through employer collaboration and a continued focus on transition, OSERS remains committed to significantly increasing the number of quality employment outcomes for people with disabilities. This year’s conference demonstrates a continuing commitment to build relationships between employers and vocational rehabilitation (VR) staff and an effort to bring business and industry leaders together with representatives of public VR agencies and other stakeholders.
It is essential that we ensure that people with disabilities are transitioning in ways that will prepare them with the training and skills they need to obtain jobs. Most importantly, we need to effectively collaborate with employers and link them with qualified job applicants. This Employment Conference features four high growth industries: hospitality and service industries, healthcare, banking and finance and science and technology. Through interactive training and small group sessions, you will have opportunities to learn effective strategies for achieving successful post-school outcomes for young adults with disabilities.
We all share an interest in the transition and employment of students and young adults. Your attendance at our 2006 National Employment Conference should empower you with strategies and knowledge that can be spread far and wide to help make certain people with disabilities achieve gainful employment. Please enjoy and help us spread the word.
Sincerely
John H. Hager
