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ETA News Release: [06/30/2006]
Contact Name: Michael Volpe or David James
Phone Number: (202) 693-4676 or x3984
Release Number: 06-1137-NAT

Department of Labor Awards $14.5 Million for Disability Program Navigators in 13 New States and D.C.

Funding for DPN Initiatives Will Continue in 17 States

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today announced nearly $14.5 million in grants to fund Disability Program Navigators (DPNs) in 13 states and the District of Columbia. The DPN initiative aims to assist individuals with disabilities in accessing employment through workforce system services.

"Disability Program Navigators offer hands-on, one-on-one counseling to assist workers with disabilities in accessing the employment opportunities and services available through the public workforce investment system," said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. "This $14.5 million in grants will help workers with disabilities succeed in the 21st century workforce."

First funded in 2003, the primary objective of the initiative is to increase employment and self-sufficiency for individuals with disabilities. Collaboration among the Department of Labor, the Social Security Administration, and state workforce investment boards helps provide access to programs and services that allow individuals with disabilities to enter the workforce.

"One-Stop Career Centers offer a wide range of valuable services to workers, including individuals with disabilities," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training Emily Stover DeRocco. "The DPN initiative is an effective way of fostering successful engagement between One-Stop Career Centers and individuals with disabilities, thereby providing them the services needed to help overcome barriers to employment."

Thirteen states — Alaska, Hawaii, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia, and the District of Columbia were awarded grants under this initiative.

In addition to the new recipients, 17 states — Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Massachusetts, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Vermont, and Wisconsin — will maintain their funding levels to continue their DPN programs.

For more information on the Department of Labor’s employment and training programs, please visit www.doleta.gov.

List of grantees.