The One-Stop Career Center system established under the Workforce Investment Act can play a vital role in helping individuals with disabilities enter jobs or return to work.
On February 1, 2001, President Bush announced the New Freedom Initiative, an effort to eliminate barriers to equality that many Americans with disabilities face. One of five key components of this initiative is integrating Americans with disabilities into the Workforce. This priority includes expanding educational and employment opportunities and promoting full access to community life for people with disabilities. The Employment and Training Administration (ETA) is committed to achieving this goal. ETA leads and participates in many inter-agency activities to improve services and outcomes for people with disabilities who are served through the One-Stop Career Center system. ETA also administers a number of programs focused on achieving this end.
DisAbility Online: This site contains information on ETA Grant Program activities to serve individuals with disabilities through One-Stop Career Centers, including: Work Incentive Grants; the Disability Program Navigator Initiative; and Hurricane Katrina Assistance, Resources and Information for People with Disabilities. The site also links to additional resources for persons with disabilities and those serving individuals with disabilities.
Government Accountability Office (GAO) Reports and Outcomes: The GAO has issued reports relating to services to individuals with disabilities through the One-Stop Career Center system. A recent report, "Labor has Taken Several Actions to Facilitate Access to One Stops for Persons with Disabilities, but These Efforts May Not Be Sufficient" lead to the creation of a multi agency workgroup that is working to address some of the issues identified in the report.
Disability Program Navigator Initiative: This site provides information about the Disability Program Navigator Initiative which promotes comprehensive services and work incentive information for Social Security Administration beneficiaries and other people with disabilities through the One Stop system. Preliminary finding regarding this initiative is available in both PDF and PowerPoint format.
Disability Video: The video "Serving Individuals with Disabilities in One-Stop Career Centers" is available in Windows Media and Real Player.
