Empowering All Workers: Assistant Secretary Taryn Williams' Groundbreaking Approach to Disability Employment Policy, AI, and the Future of Work

As we celebrate Labor Day and honor our nation’s workforce, it is fitting to highlight the transformative leadership of Assistant Secretary Taryn Williams at the Department of Labor. Over the past three years, Williams has spearheaded a shift in disability employment policy for the Biden-Harris administration, advocating for a labor market that not only accommodates workers with disabilities but empowers them to thrive. Her vision advocates for a workforce where the success and inclusion of all workers is a moral imperative and a strategic advantage, especially in an era marked by rapid technological advancements and AI-driven disruption.

Transforming Disability Employment Policy

Assistant Secretary Taryn Williams’ approach to disability employment policy is rooted in the belief that all individuals, regardless of their abilities, deserve the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the workforce, civil society, and community. “Good jobs change lives,” Williams has stated. “[A]ll workers — including disabled people — deserve the opportunity to prepare for success in high-quality, good-paying jobs in workplaces free of discrimination.” Under her leadership, the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) has launched groundbreaking initiatives to dismantle barriers and create employment pathways for people with disabilities, particularly those from underserved communities.

One of the cornerstone initiatives under Williams’ leadership is the Equitable Transition Model Demonstration grants, which provide substantial funding to develop strategies that help disabled youth overcome barriers to employment. With an investment of up to $67.1 million, these grants are designed to identify the most effective methods for supporting young people with disabilities as they transition from school to college or career. “These cooperative agreements will help us identify the most effective strategies for dismantling these barriers, ensuring all young people with disabilities are supported and empowered to successfully navigate the transition from school to college or a career,” Williams emphasized, underscoring her dedication to fostering a more inclusive workforce.

In addition, Williams has expanded the National Expansion of Employment Opportunities Network (NEON) initiative, which seeks to increase competitive integrated employment across the nation. The initiative’s strategy involves selecting 12 states and the District of Columbia as "core states," partnering with state intermediary organizations, and driving policy changes to make competitive integrated employment a reality for more disabled people. By focusing on strategic planning, benefits counseling, and effective data analysis, NEON reflects a comprehensive approach to creating more inclusive workplaces nationwide. Williams has stated, “With the selection of 12 states and the District of Columbia as ‘core states’ and the continued partnership with state intermediary organizations, we can continue to accelerate needed policy change and make competitive integrated employment a reality for more disabled people”.?

Inclusive Workforce Initiatives

Williams’ commitment to an inclusive workforce extends beyond policy changes. She has been a vocal advocate for high-impact, low-cost accommodations for workers with disabilities. Citing the findings of the report “Accommodation and Compliance: Low Cost, High Impact,” Williams noted, “[A]ccommodations for disabled workers are indeed a low-cost, high-impact strategy for supporting and retaining valued talent.” The report revealed that nearly half of all workplace accommodations cost nothing, and the rest require a median one-time expense of just $300. These accommodations significantly boost productivity and retention, proving that creating an accessible workplace benefits employees and employers.

To further support inclusive employment practices, the Department of Labor has enhanced the Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN) initiative. With a $2 million award to Cornell University, EARN provides employers with the tools and resources to build disability-inclusive workplace cultures. The initiative’s redesigned website offers comprehensive resources, including online training, policy guides, and checklists to assist employers across sectors in recruiting, hiring, retaining, and advancing employees with disabilities. “As employers continue searching for qualified workers to fill job openings, people with disabilities offer a motivated and skilled talent pool,” Williams remarked. EARN “will continue its efforts to strengthen America’s economy by helping employers build inclusive workplaces that afford all disabled workers access to good jobs.”

Empowering Disabled Youth

A significant part of Williams' vision involves empowering disabled youth and young adults. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by this group, the Department of Labor has renewed its commitment to advancing employment opportunities through various cooperative agreements. A notable example is the $7.5 million cooperative agreement awarded to the Center for Advancing Policy on Employment for Youth, aimed at funding research, developing partnerships, and sharing evidence-based best practices to create new career pathways. “This cooperative agreement will fund research, develop partnerships and share evidence-based best practices to help identify new career pathways and improve transition outcomes for these young people”, Williams highlighted, reflecting her commitment to fostering an inclusive workforce from an early age.

Williams is also leading efforts to address systemic barriers that youth and young adults with disabilities face in the job market. Through innovative programs and funding opportunities, the Department is identifying policies and practices that enable these young people to transition to employment successfully, fostering a more equitable and inclusive workforce. “The funding opportunity announced today will help us identify policies and practices that enable these young people to transition to employment successfully and move us toward a more equitable and inclusive workforce,” Williams stated.

Guiding AI's Influence on the Future of Work

As the workplace evolves with technological advancements, Williams has taken proactive steps to ensure that artificial intelligence (AI) is used inclusively and ethically. The Department of Labor's Partnership on Employment & Accessible Technology (PEAT) collaborates with cross-sector partners to develop a robust risk management framework for automated employment decision tools. This initiative aligns with the principles of the Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights, released by the Office of Science and Technology Policy, which seeks to ensure that AI tools promote equitable hiring practices and prevent discrimination in the workplace. Williams emphasized the importance of this effort, stating, “By collaborating with our cross-sector partners, we can harness the power of AI and create a robust risk management framework for automated employment decision tools. Our vision includes creating a profile that guides inclusive hiring for all Americans, including people with disabilities and other underserved groups.”

Addressing Mental Health in the Workplace?

Mental health is another critical focus area for Williams in creating a more inclusive workforce. She recognizes work's profound impact on mental health and overall well-being and has led initiatives like the "Mental Health Matters: National Task Force on Workforce Mental Health Policy" and the "Mental Health at Work: What Can I Do?" campaign. These efforts aim to reduce stigma and improve access to care for underserved communities, promoting a holistic approach to worker well-being. “Work is a key factor in a person’s mental health,” Williams noted, affecting overall well-being and access to care. ODEP is committed to creating workplaces that are supportive and inclusive of mental health needs.

Williams has also emphasized the importance of public participation in shaping inclusive employment policies. Through the ePolicyWorks online dialogues, the Department has gathered diverse perspectives to enhance equity, access, and worker protections. “The experiences and ideas shared by people who participate in these dialogues will help the task force develop resources and policy frameworks needed by state and local policymakers," Williams noted, underscoring the value of inclusive policymaking.

Strengthening Worker Rights and Fostering Inclusive Policies

Williams' leadership has also been marked by a strong emphasis on strengthening worker rights. To commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Department of Labor has intensified efforts to educate workers on their rights to job-protected leave. These efforts are mainly focused on supporting workers with disabilities and those caring for family members with disabilities, ensuring they do not have to choose between their jobs and caring for a loved one. "The Family and Medical Leave Act enables the U.S. Department of Labor to support disability-inclusive workplaces, for workers with disabilities and those with family members with disabilities," Williams stated. By hosting online discussions and launching a new webpage, the department aims to address caregivers' barriers and provide resources to navigate FMLA protections.

Williams’ initiatives also extend to fostering inclusive apprenticeship programs. Under her guidance, the Department of Labor has emphasized the importance of public participation in shaping employment policies through programs like the "Advancing the National Apprenticeship System" dialogue. This participatory approach aligns with the department’s ongoing efforts to ensure that all communities benefit from the opportunities that apprenticeships provide, fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in the workforce.

Building a Future of Inclusive Employment

Williams' efforts at the Department of Labor reflect a broader commitment to equity and inclusion in the workforce. Her work is expanding opportunities for disabled workers and fostering a more inclusive economic landscape. By promoting diversity as a strategic asset, especially in an era of AI-driven disruption, Williams is helping shape a future where all workers can thrive.

Conclusion: The Road Ahead

Williams' leadership is set to continue influencing disability employment policy profoundly. Her focus on inclusivity—from AI and mental health to youth employment and workplace accommodations—ensures that the Department of Labor remains at the forefront of creating an equitable labor market. As the workforce evolves, so will the need for policies that reflect all workers' diverse talents and needs. Williams' vision for a more inclusive future is a guidepost for building a more robust, equitable economy that benefits everyone. Her leadership is paving the way for a labor market where diversity is not just a goal but a foundational principle that drives innovation, resilience, and economic success.

Notes:

Tagging colleagues who appreciate Assistant Secretary Taryn Williams' leadership: Reginald D. Williams II , Eldridge Gilbert , Leta Obertacz, MPA , Butch Trusty , Jina Moore Ngarambe , Rajesh Nayak , Sejal Hathi, MD, MBA , Russell Malbrough , George Cigale , Nancy DeSousa , Andrea M. O'Neal , Shareef Porterfield-Jackson , Marvin Barksdale , Daniel Widome , Greg Moffitt , Vladimir Paul-Blanc , Natalie Foster , Azibo Smith , Cyrus Dugger , Lola Brown, PhD , Jamie McKee , William Rodgers , Carlos Lejnieks , Edward Smith , Lauren Linder , John MacPhee , Rebecca Weintraub , Dave A. Chokshi, MD , Izetta Autumn Mobley , Ph.D. , Priya Gaur , Jamie Pullman , Rachel Dinkes, PhD , Elena Silva , Angelica Allen-McMillan, Ed.D. , Christopher McLaren , James L. Moore III , Keith C. , Serena Lowe , Kelly F. , Daniel Gohl , Naomi G. Housman, EdM , Heather Harding , Anna Kimsey Edwards , Kate Kreamer , Jackie Boddie, Ed.D , Marty Blank , Gabe Amo , Lyndsay P. Brown, Ed.L.D. , Jordyn Zimmerman, M.Ed. , John Kraman , Karen J. Pittman , Marla Ucelli-Kashyap , Dr. Helen Janc Malone , Kelly Phipps , Lisa Thomas, Ed.D , Shital C. Shah , Lenox Waciuma Wanjohi , Ed Dieterle , Josh Bleiberg , Ji Soo Song , Pedro A. Noguera , David Donaldson , Joel Madrid , Will Baker , Linda Listrom , Caitie Whelan , Scott Heimlich , Zachary Kaufman , Joe Scantlebury , Fritz Edelstein , Jennifer Engle , Rodrick Echols , Amy Kaslow , Lindsay Jones , Jacqueline Rodriguez , Lindsay Kubatzky , Betsy Brand , Kaya Henderson , Jennifer Brown Lerner , Monica R. Martinez , Nick Beadle , Janet Santos , Perry Green, III , David Haselkorn ,

Urban Debate connection: Having collaborated with Taryn Williams at the Rhode Island Training School and the Rhode Island Urban Debate League, I have seen firsthand her commitment to empowering all learners and workers. As a founding member of the National Association for Urban Debate Leagues, Taryn helped build a network serving Black, Latino, and economically disadvantaged students nationwide. Our work together in Rhode Island and through urban debate initiatives highlights her impactful leadership at the Department of Labor. Tagging colleagues from urban debate who will appreciate Taryn's continued leadership: Atlanta (James Roland ), Bay Area (Mya Whitaker ), Boston (Kimberly Willingham ), Chicago (Anthony Bolden ), Dallas (Cindi Timmons ), Denver (Jessica Clark-Daugherty ), Detroit (John Lawson ), Houston (Jim Summers ) DEBATE- Kansas City (Jane Rinehart ), Los Angeles , Memphis, Miami-Dade ( Kalyn Lee, M.A. ), Minnesota (Amy Cram Helwich ), Nashville (Bill Wilson ), New York City (Amisha Mody Mehta ), Portland (Mallory Copeland ), Rhode Island , Sacramento , Silicon Valley (Rolland Janairo ), Tulsa (Ross Faith ), and Washington (David Trigaux ). It's been fueled by the leadership of Melissa Maxcy Wade , Will Baker , Beth Breger , erlin Ibreck , Les Lynn . The leadership of the National Association for Urban Debate Leagues has invested two decades in supporting the established of these scientific foundations which is a testament to the staff (Rhonda Haynes , Luke Hill , Madalyn Messer-Brooks , Sara Sanchez ) and Board members include (Jennifer Wade , Stuart Singer , Jeffrey Allred , Eric Ball , Kevin Donaldson ??JD MBA , Kelly P. Dunbar , Wayne Firestone , Mark Gidley , David Glass , Michael Gottlieb , Kelsey Hilbrich , Bobbie L. King Jr. , Mark Koulogeorge , George LeMieux , Meredith McClintock , Tammy McCutchen , Nirav Patel , Stephen Perry , James Roland , Randal Sandler , Scott Segal , John Stubbs , Shaun Van Horn ).

Tagging good colleagues who can might appreciate reading about Taryn William's' leadership: Jean Desravines , Phoebe Boyer , Osarugue Michelle Odemwingie , Shalinee Sharma , Lisette Nieves , Jennifer Bell-Ellwanger , Carlos Watson , Alix Guerrier , Gwen Baker , Orpheus Williams, Ph.D. ,Jeremy Chiappetta , Alex Sarlin , Bill Clarke , Amber Oliver , Dakarai I. Aarons , Richard Buery , Josh Edelman , Adam Freed , Sujata Bhatt , Sonia C. Park , Darryl Cobb , Stacy Kane , Jim Flanagan , Charissa Fernández , Carrie Irvin , Nancy Poon Lue , Michael Casserly , Saskia Levy Thompson , Gene Pinkard , Jonathan Howard , Ellen Moir , Julia Rafal-Baer , Babak Mostaghimi, Ed.L.D., MPP , Carolyne Quintana , Jim Balfanz , Dacia Toll , Denise Forte , Brad Bernatek , Caprice Young, Ed.D. , John King , Ajoy Vase , Brooke Stafford-Brizard , Lisa Thomas, Ed.D , Michael Horn , Michael H. Levine , Susan Asiyanbi , Brenda Santos , Chris Maher , Roblin Webb , Mike Johnston , Rob Sand , Richard Barth , Ben Marcovitz , Stephanie Rowley , Rebecca Kockler , Nirvani Budhram , Judy Wurtzel , Dan Gordon , Eric Waldo , Dr. Andrew Cunningham , Jessica Sutter , Elisa Villanueva Beard , Michael Magee , Jennie Niles , Sharhonda Bossier , Lacey Robinson , Frances Messano , Dena Simmons , Dewayne J. McClary , Travis J. Bristol, Ph.D. , Greg Sommers , Leah Hamilton , Sharon Contreras , Kim Smith , Devin Vodicka , Hanna Skandera , Sharif El-Mekki , Mary Ryerse , Ron Rapatalo , Yusuf Ahmad , Stephen Pham , Robert Espinoza , Fernando Snowden-Lorence , Layla Pe?a , Cherian Koshy , Jin-Soo Huh , Virgel Hammonds , Shannon Garfield , Javaid Siddiqi , Shawn Dove ,

Tagging additional colleagues who work in this space: David McCool , Karyl Levinson , Steven Lee , Lindsay Kruse , Gwen Baker , Shannon Garfield , Rob Thompson , Heather Graham , Thackston Lundy , Ian Connell , Anu Malipatil , Elisabeth Stock , Jeff Livingston , Jonathan Flynn , Cameron White , Jabali Sawicki , Brent Maddin , Barbara Martinez , Jeff Wetzler , Scott Frauenheim , Arun Ramanathan , Jared Joiner , Melanie (Waits) Dukes , Erik Burmeister , AJ Gutierrez , Maria Teresa Kumar , Ron Rapatalo , Maria Flynn ,

Tagging 美国布朗大学 connected colleagues, to celebrate Taryn's success: Andrea Casta?eda , Suzanne Smith , Steve Ritter , Ryan Baker , Peter Asen , Daniel Schneider , George Kane , Janet Isserlis , Eric Westendorf , Marion Orr , Joshua Marland , Te-Ping Chen , Ross Cheit , Kath Connolly , Ron Beller , Edward Hui , Jennifer Moses , Dr. Marcia Chatelain , Dulari Tahbildar , Diana Rhoten , Andrew Frishman , Sasha Polakow-Suransky , Carrie Irvin , Tony Siddall , Langston Dugger , May Mark , Nina Keough , Christopher Bizzacco , Joseph L. Tucker Edmonds , Shael Polakow-Suransky , Philissa Cramer , Anna Spinner , Jim Stigler , Regis Anne Shields , Brownsyne Tucker Edmonds , Matt Jerzyk , Josue Cofresi , Chip McGee , Tad Heuer , Warren Simmons , Leora Johnson , Elizabeth McNamee , Parker VanValkenburgh , Shiyin Wang , Rosanna Castro , Dmitri Seals , Josh Mandelbaum , Matt Dunne , Bina Venkataraman , Eric Rodriguez , Anna Galland , Andres Idarraga , Adam Reich , Mackay Miller , Daniel Kertzner , Jordan Carlos , Evelina Ng , Sean Thomas, PT, DPT , Dorick Scarpelli , Adam Kuruvilla Lelyveld , Adam Fisk , John Mermin , Ariana Green , Amy Hsieh , Dawn Herrera , Kerrissa Heffernan , Asaf Bitton , Cristina Gallo , Chas Walker , C. Malik Boykin, Ph.D. , Malika Ali , Prudence Carter , David Flink , Arthur Samuels , Jon Skolnick, Ed.L.D , Ebony Lee , Roger Nozaki , Heather Flewelling, MSW , Greg Moffitt , Jeremiah Kittredge , David Stevenson , Shalinee Sharma , Eric Waldo , Sonja Santelises , Beth Breger , Jason Tristan Brown , Cassidy Puckett , Hanna Rodriguez-Farrar , Will Packer , John Seely Brown