Disability Program Navigator

2010

The Disability Program Navigator (DPN) Initiative is a program that grew out of the US Department of Labor(DOL) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) in order to help people with disabilities to "navigate" through the enormous challenges of seeking work. Complex rules surrounding entitlement programs, along with fear of losing cash benefits or health Alaska is one of 45 states to have a Disability Program Navigator program within its' One Stop Job Centers. We have 5 DPN's currently employed at the following Job Centers: Muldoon Job Center, Fairbanks Job Center, Juneau Job Center, Kenai Job Center, and Mat-Su Job Center. All of the DPN's work at least half time in this capacity to help customers with disabilities to connect with resources and services that they may need, as well as assist staff in making our employment services accessible an welcoming to all. We advise job seekers about the work support programs available, as well as the work incentives available to them as they make their decision to seek out employment. The DPN's are available to provide training for staff or employers on disability awareness, job accommodations, work incentives and training on the Universal workstations in many of our Job Centers which have some assistive technology on them to assist customers who experience vision loss, hearing loss, learning difficulties and more. The expected benefits are that most of the Job Center staff will be educated and will assist in achieving seamless, comprehensive and integrated access to services, thus creating systematic change, and expanding the workforce development system's capacity to serve customers with disabilities and employers.

Performing Technical Assistance and/or Training, Developing & Disseminating Information

Employment-Related Activities, Other - Leadership

Students/Trainees (long or intermediate trainees), Professionals and Para-Professionals

None

Regional, National, International

N/A