Introduction

Workforce Investment Act of 1998

What is the Disability Program

Navigator Initiative?

Navigating through the myriad of programs that impact one’s ability to return to work can be a nightmare and knowing how employment can impact their current benefits is complex. Fear of losing cash assistance and health benefits can often discourage people with disabilities from working.

Ø Disability Program Navigators (DPN) will assist One-Stop Career Center staff with accurate information:
Appropriate referrals that will guide individuals to goal attainment.

Ø In July 2003 Massachusetts was one of fourteen states awarded funds to hire DPN’s to work in the state’s 32 One-Stop Career Centers. Funded jointly by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and the Social Security Administration (SSA), this two year initiative is designed to strengthen connections between the disability resources and Career Centers.

Ø DOL and SSA have established the DPN initiative to better inform beneficiaries and other individuals with disabilities about the work support programs now available at DOL-funded One-Stop Career Centers. These centers provide information, training and other employment-related services at a single customer-friendly location

Ø For job seekers, the Navigator will be an additional support within the workforce development system that can help them to access services and overcome barriers. The Navigator will collaborate with the disability agencies and providers, working to strengthen the link between tat network and the Career Centers. The Navigator addresses the needs of people with disabilities seeking training and employment opportunities through the Career Centers by:

· Assisting individuals with disabilities to access the services that can help them find, return to, or keep a job

· Serving as a resource on Social Security Work Incentives and assist people with disabilities to access benefits planning and related services.

· Serving as a resource to the workforce development community for information about federal, state and local programs that impact the ability of individuals with disabilities to work.