Clinton Offers Job Options for Disabled

WASHINGTON — President Clinton announced steps Saturday that are intended to improve career opportunities for disabled workers in U.S. government jobs, providing what he hopes will be a model for private industry.

In his weekly radio address, Clinton said the federal government, the largest U.S. employer, with almost 1.8 million workers, will increase recruiting efforts, open up opportunities and provide reasonable accommodations for disabled employees.

Clinton directed the government to implement the plan immediately.

“I’m releasing the first-ever government plan to ensure positive career paths for people with disabilities in our federal work force,” Clinton said.

Vice President Al Gore, seeking to succeed Clinton as president, took some of the credit for the announcement, saying he had asked the White House Office of Personnel Management last year for a plan to bring more adults with disabilities into the White House.

“Every American ought to be able to contribute to their full measure, and people with disabilities should be respected for their abilities,” Gore said in a written statement.

Clinton also urged Congress to move quickly to send him legislation to make it easier for disabled people to keep their full federal health benefits.

A measure called the Work Incentives Improvement Act, which was passed in the Senate, 99-0, and awaits attention in the House, would let states offer federal insurance to disabled people who fear losing comprehensive coverage for personal assistance and other services if they work and are forced to take their employer’s insurance.