Knight Investments LLC Bolsters Support for US Department of Labor's "Add Us In" Initiative

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Recent regulatory pushes within the United States resulted in new programs to help the disabled obtain equal opportunity benefits with employers.

Regulatory Officials disclosed to Compliance Officials at Knight Investments LLC the "Add Us In" initiative. Under this initiative the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy awarded four two-year cooperative agreements that total more than $2.4 million to consortia.

The consortia will create replicable models and strategies that can be used nationwide by businesses and employers to reach out to people with disabilities in their communities.

Compliance Officials in KI noted that the consortia's goals would also be to build a national and local network of experts skilled in serving a diversity of individuals with disabilities, and improve employment opportunities and outcomes for diverse people with disabilities.

KI Officials stated that this was an important move for compliance seeking projects. Officials stated this primarily because it showed the US Government's willingness to ensure companies (giving disabled individuals jobs) succeed in grant appropriations.

According to recent data from the department's Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of August 2010, the percentage of individuals with disabilities participating in the labor force was 22.0 percent compared with 70.2 percent for individuals with no disability. About one in five people with disabilities is in the labor force, and the unemployment rate for those with disabilities remains much higher than the national average.

"This administration is committed to expanding job opportunities for all Americans, including individuals with disabilities," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "Add Us In will expand opportunities for workers with disabilities and help ensure that everyone who wants to work can find a good job."

(SOURCE US Office of Disability Employment Policy)

More than 10 million Americans who are members of ethnic and racial minority groups have long-lasting disabling conditions or impairments. When looking at the relationship between disability and employment, researchers have found that individuals with disabilities from these groups are often at increased risk for unemployment.

KI Officials recognized regulatory remarks that the Add Us In is an important step toward integrating disability and diversity into employers' workforce. KI Officials stated it is equally important in planning and addressing employment disparities for people with disabilities.

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Knight Investments LLC works as a private compliance firm to invest company assets on the behalf of promoting a vibrant community, low income housing, humanitarian causes, renewable energies, real estate developments, and project compliance solutions.