U.S. Office of Personnel Management - Ensuring the Federal Government has an effective civilian workforce

2008 Presidential Award for Management Excellence

Department of Defense

Expanded E-Government Innovative and Exemplary Practices

The U.S. Department of Defense is the United States' principal agency for providing the military forces needed to deter war and to protect the security of the Nation. The Military Health System's (MHS) Office of the Chief Information Officer provides the right information to the right customers at the right time in order to improve and maintain health status across the entire continuum of military health care operations.

MHS's Computer/Electronic Assistance Program (CAP) has worked since 1990 to provide assistive technology to allow DoD and other Federal employees with disabilities, as well as their employers, to access electronic and information technology. Since its inception, CAP has filled over 66,000 requests for accommodations for Federal employees and wounded Service members with visual, hearing, manual dexterity, communication and cognitive disabilities, including traumatic brain injuries. In addition to serving the Military Departments and Defense agencies, CAP partners with 65 other Federal agencies.

To meet growing program demands, CAP created eCAP, the world's first online accommodation process. eCAP provides free needs assessment, accommodation selection, and request submission capability, for Federal employees with disabilities. This online information and referral resource ensures a one-stop-shop for assistive technology accommodation, giving people privacy as they review options for assistive technology. eCAP's self-directed, online process expedited customer requests, allowing CAP to meet growing program demands and provide thousands more accommodations than in previous years. By enabling customers to access information and services directly, CAP received over 90 percent "Excellent" or "Above Average" satisfaction ratings from CAP customers.

By giving its users a conduit to communicate what products or services they felt best assist them, eCAP expanded access to employment and improved the quality of work life for those needing accommodation - particularly returning war fighters.