The Mayor’s Office on Volunteerism, will award grants of up to $5,000 for National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM).  NDEAM, which is held every October, is a national, ODEP-sponsored initiative  that seeks to heighten awareness on disability employment issues as well as celebrate the contributions of American workers with disabilities.” This year’s theme is "Because We Are EQUAL to the Task."  Grants will be awarded to District-based service projects focused on disability inclusion. Eligible applicants are local nonprofit organizations, public or charter schools, universities, community groups, faith-based organizations, state and local units of government, and public organizations.

A DDS employment services provider is working with several organizations to provide technical assistance on customized employment and the process of becoming a waiver provider.   The initiative’s end goal, which aims to double in scope by the end of 2013, is to increase integrated employment opportunities for those served by RSA and DDA, and people with disabilities District-wide.