WASHINGTON - The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) today recognized IRS Acting Commissioner Linda Stiff for the agency�s ongoing partnership with Lions World Services for the Blind and its efforts to employ persons with visual impairments.

Through the partnership, the IRS and Lions World Services for the Blind train blind and visually impaired candidates for positions within the IRS. Training includes the use of adaptive technologies and presentation of tax materials in alternative media.

�The IRS is committed to enhancing the spirit of diversity, inclusion and equal opportunity for all of its employees,� said Richard Morgante, Commissioner of the IRS Wage & Investment Division, who accepted the EEOC Freedom to Compete Award on behalf of Stiff.

Each year the EEOC presents the Freedom to Compete Award in recognition of employers who have established programs designed to increase access to employment.

"In today's competitive global economy, employers must cast a wide net to attract the most diverse range of talent available," said Naomi C. Earp, Chair of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

"The Freedom to Compete Award showcases the most innovative employer programs to promote fair and open competition in the 21st century workplace without regard to race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age or disability,� Earp said. �We applaud the 2007 winners, whose practices serve as models for employers across the nation."