The (Navigator) Initiative is a two year demonstration project which is jointly funded by the Department of Labor and the Social Security Administration. Massachusetts is 1 of 14 pilot states for this DOL/SSA initiative. The program funds 15 Disability Program Navigator positions statewide and is designed to help disabled jobseekers enter into the One-Stop Career Center system. The Disability Program Navigators also provide support to the Career Center staff on by providing ADA education and ensuring equal access through the section 188 of the WIA

Navigators are responsible to provide seamless and comprehensive services to persons with disabilities in One-Stop Career Centers. Listed below are the primary responsibilities of the Navigator's:

• Provide education and training to one-stop career center staff on disability programs, linkages and etiquette.
• Serve as a resource to the workforce investment community to ensure the availability of comprehensive knowledge concerning Federal, State, local and private programs that affect the ability of persons with disabilities to enter and remain in the workforce.
• Serve as a resource on SSA�s work incentive and employment support programs and the provision of services through Benefits Planning, Assistance and Outreach organizations (BPAOs); through Protection and Advocacy systems (P&As); and SSA�s employment-related demonstration projects.
• Increase employment and self-sufficiency for Social Security beneficiaries and others with disabilities.
• Facilitate access to programs and services.
• Facilitate linkages to the employer community.
• Facilitate the transition of in- or out-of-school youth with disabilities to secure employment and economic self-sufficiency.
• Conduct outreach to agencies and organizations that serve individuals with disabilities.
• Expanded partner relationships (public) with:
  • Mental Health Programs
  • Mental Retardation / Developmental Disability Programs
  • Independent Living Centers
  • Medicaid
  • BPAO
  • Housing
  • Transportation
  • Vocational Rehabilitation
  • Other Mandated One-Stop Partners
  • Expanded relationships with employers