The Arlington, Va-based Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (RESNA) has reportedly received a grant from the US Department of Labor (DOL) to establish the Office of Disability Employment Policy’s Accessible Technology Action Center. The national resource is designed to facilitate and promote the use of accessible technology in the hiring, employment, retention, and career advancement of individuals with disabilities. 

“We are extremely excited about the creativity and expertise RESNA will bring to our newest effort to promote accessible technology in the workplace,” Kathy Matrinez, assistant secretary of labor for Disability Employment Policy, emphasizes. “The development and adoption of accessible, universally designed technology is vital to ensuring that individuals with disabilities are hired and successful at work,” Martinez adds.

The $950,000 grant will allow the Accessible Technology Action Center to expand access to information and communication technologies in the workplace for people with disabilities. It is intended to promote the knowledge, technical skills, tools, and leadership strategies needed to address accessibility issues. The Center will also aim to increase awareness of the impact vital accessible workplace technologies have on competitive employment opportunities. 

Source: DOL