Wagner-Peyser Act

The Wagner-Peyser Act authorizes the establishment and operation of the federal-state employment security program to help individuals find jobs, and to assist employers in locating qualified workers. Under the Act, every local employment service office must designate at least one staff member to help individuals with severe disabilities.

Applicants are considered disabled if they have physical, mental, or emotional impairments that constitute an obstacle to employment. The goals of the program are:

• Equal opportunity for employment and equal pay in competition with other applicants
• Employment at the highest skill level permitted by an individual's occupational qualifications
• Satisfactory adjustment to his/her chosen occupation and work situation
• Employment that will not endanger others or aggravate the individual's own disabilities