Businesses Can Access Information About More Than 1,000 Pre-Screened Job Candidates with Disabilities.

Private sector employers may take advantage of a new, free resource to identify potential employees with disabilities for their job openings and internship opportunities. A database with current profiles of more than 1,000 job seekers with disabilities is now available from the President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities.

"Employers constantly tell us that they want to know where to find qualified job seekers with disabilities. Our Workforce Recruitment Program provides information about more than 1,000 real people with disabilities who are ready to go to work," said President's Committee Chairman Tony Coelho.

Job candidates are skilled in a wide variety of fields, including computer science, business, communications, engineering, the sciences, and office administration. Many are seeking internship opportunities, while others desire permanent employment following graduation.

From the comfort of their offices, businesses may use their own computers to search by field, state or school. Each search generates a list of potential applicants for a given position. Employers are free to conduct independent interviews and are under no obligation to hire.

Hot off the press, the 1999 database is available immediately. Employers should fax requests on company letterhead to the attention of "WRP Manager" at [phone].

The Workforce Recruitment Program for College Students with Disabilities, co-sponsored by the President's Committee and the U.S. Department of Defense, recently visited 143 colleges and universities in 34 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico to interview students and recent graduates with disabilities. The recruitment process will take place annually, resulting in a new database each spring.

The President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities is a small federal agency based in Washington, DC. The committee's 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. It also operates the Job Accommodation Network (JAN), a toll-flee information service on workplace accommodations and the employment provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Additional information about the President's Committee is available on the Internet at www.pcepd.gov.