Director’s Message
American society has come a long way in the six decades since we began observing October as a month dedicated to opening employment opportunities to people with disabilities - but we still have far to go. Now, as we once again mark National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we should rededicate ourselves to the vision of a society open to the full inclusion of people with disabilities in the workplace and in every other aspect of life.

The people of the Employment Development Department are committed to completing this journey quickly, to making the vision of a fully inclusive society a reality in this generation. This process is a two-way street. On the one hand, employers must open themselves to acknowledging the skills and values that people with disabilities bring to the workplace. On the other hand, workers with disabilities must prepare themselves to compete successfully in the world of work.

The EDD family works hard to open employment opportunities to people with disabilities regardless of age. This year we focus on the young. Our theme is "A Showcase of California's Successful Youth with Disabilities," and our Web site includes profiles of successful Californians who have participated in the annual Youth Leadership Forum for people with disabilities.

These young people are taking the lead in changing the way society views workers with disabilities. They are speaking out on behalf of their community and opening up more and better job opportunities. Each of these new leaders is unique but they all share a passion to make a difference.

Nationwide, 14 million working age Americans have a disability. Eighty percent of them are unemployed. Those bleak numbers must be changed. EDD strives to change those bleak numbers. We offer services to help people with disabilities find jobs and we support activities that raise the awareness of all Californians to the need to open up the workplace.

In observance of Disability Employment Awareness Month, our Web site includes a virtual toolbox to help employers find workers to fill their needs and to help job seekers with disabilities find jobs that match their talents. The Web site also gives you a chance to meet participants in the Youth Leadership Forum who have gone on to success in a wide variety of careers - entertainment, graphic arts, employment, community organizing, higher education.

PATRICK W. HENNING
Director

Each October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month spotlights the employment of people with disabilities. The national theme for 2006 – Americans with Disabilities: Ready for the Global Workforce – highlights that workers with disabilities are an underutilized and ambitious group of Americans eager to pursue their career dreams.

According to the National Organization on Disability, only 32 percent of Americans with disabilities aged 18 to 64 are working, although two-thirds of those unemployed would rather be working. Employment offers greater freedom, independence, and the chance to fully participate in and contribute to society.

Work opportunities give people with disabilities the ability to secure affordable, accessible housing; transportation; health care; assistive technology; education; and opportunities to socialize and participate in community and political life.

Employers who hire people with disabilities find they have tapped into a talented, skilled, and diverse pool of workers, who often bring a unique perspective of diversity to the workplace.

Whether you are an employer looking for an outstanding employee or a job seeker looking for a rewarding job, the Employment Development Department (EDD) can help meet your needs with a variety of recruitment, training, and job search services. Explore our site and learn about our no-fee services and information for both employers and job seekers.