The President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities

The President's Committee is a small federal agency whose chairman and vice chairs are appointed by the president of the United States. The chairman appoints the other executive board members and members of the six standing subcommittees. Directed by the chairman and executive board, the committee achieves its goals through the work of its subcommittee members and 37-member agency staff, in close cooperation with the Governor's Committees in the states, Puerto Rico and Guam and with Mayor's Committees throughout the United States.

Mission

The President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities' mission is to communicate, coordinate and promote public and private efforts to enhance the employment of people with disabilities. The committee provides information, training and technical assistance to America's business leaders, organized labor, rehabilitation and service providers, advocacy organizations, families and individuals with disabilities. The President's Committee reports to the president on the progress and problems of maximizing employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

Recognition program

The President's Committee annually sponsors a Recognition Program, which includes an awards program designated for individuals who have significantly advanced and/or enhanced disability employment, as well as a scholarship program sponsored by various private sector partners.

Traditionally, the President's Committee sponsors the President's Award, America's highest honor recognizing a person who has demonstrated outstanding achievements in enhancing the employment and empowerment of people with disabilities. In cooperation with the Small Business Administration, the President's Committee also sponsors the Evan Kemp Entrepreneurship Award, which confers national recognition on an individual with a disability who has displayed exemplary skills, energy, leadership and initiative in establishing and operating a successful business.

Nomination and application materials for the Recognition Program are generally available in January of each year.

Employment fairs

The President's Committee, with support of business leaders participating in the Business Leadership Network, sponsored four employment fairs for people with disabilities during 2000. If you are an employer looking for motivated workers who meet your job requirements, don't miss these opportunities. If you have a disability and are looking for a job, you are invited to interview with top companies.