Partnering with Disability Program Navigators Presented by: Patrick Loeber, Disability Program Navigator Coordinator Colorado WIN Partners/UCHSC VETS Annual Grants Conference 080206

What is a Disability Program Navigator? Disability Program Navigators (DPNs) guide Workforce Center staff in helping people with disabilities access and navigate the complex provisions of various programs that provide the services and supports needed to obtain and maintain employment. VETS Annual Grants Conference 080206

VETS Annual Grants Conference 080206 What a DPN is… A systems change agent A problem solver A relationship builder A resource A facilitator VETS Annual Grants Conference 080206

VETS Annual Grants Conference 080206 WHAT A DPN IS NOT… Not a case manager Not a front-line staff person in a workforce center Not a Benefits Planning and Outreach Specialist Not a Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist VETS Annual Grants Conference 080206

VETS Annual Grants Conference 080206 The DPN will… Guide One-Stop staff in helping people with disabilities access and navigate the complex provisions of various programs that impact their ability to gain/retain employment. Develop linkages and collaborate on an ongoing basis with employers to facilitate job placements for persons with disabilities. VETS Annual Grants Conference 080206

VETS Annual Grants Conference 080206 The DPN will… Develop partnerships to achieve integrated services, systemic change, and expand the capacity to serve customers with disabilities. 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 people with disabilities. VETS Annual Grants Conference 080206

VETS Annual Grants Conference 080206 The DPN will… 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); Protection and Advocacy systems (P&As); and SSA’s employment-related demonstration projects. VETS Annual Grants Conference 080206

VETS Annual Grants Conference 080206 The DPN will… Serve as a resource to the workforce development community to ensure the availability of comprehensive knowledge of Federal, State, local and private programs that impact the ability of persons with disabilities to enter and remain in the workforce. VETS Annual Grants Conference 080206

VETS Annual Grants Conference 080206 DPNs and DVOPs/LVERS DPNs throughout the country are currently working closely with DVOPs and LVERS in workforce centers. The DPNs are actively working to develop relationships with community partners including VETS grantees and their customers. VETS Annual Grants Conference 080206

DOL-SSA DPN states include: Alaska (new) Arizona California Colorado Delaware District of Columbia (new) Florida Hawaii (new) Illinois Indiana (new) Iowa Maryland Massachusetts Michigan (new) Minnesota (new) Mississippi Missouri (new) Nebraska (new) New Jersey (new) New Mexico New York Oklahoma Oregon Rhode Island (new) South Carolina Tennessee (new) Texas (new) Vermont Virginia (new) West Virginia (new) Wisconsin VETS Annual Grants Conference 080206

VETS Annual Grants Conference 080206 DPN Video Serving Persons with Disabilities in the One-Stop Center video highlights the activities of DPNs around the country. http://disability.law.uiowa.edu/dpn/video/dpn_eta/movwmv.asp?MediaName=eta200505&AgendaNumber=1 VETS Annual Grants Conference 080206

VETS Annual Grants Conference 080206 To Locate a DPN Near You DPNs are now in 31 states. A National Directory of DPNs is available at: http://disability.law.uiowa.edu/dpn/grant/dpn_docs/dpn_wigs_contacts0406.doc University of Iowa Law, Health Policy and Disability Center http://disability.law.uiowa.edu/ VETS Annual Grants Conference 080206

VETS Annual Grants Conference 080206 To Locate a DPN Near You DPNs are now in all regions of the state. There are a total of 19 DPNs in the state of Colorado. Directory of DPNs is available at: http://www.cowinpartners.org/Consumer-navigator.asp VETS Annual Grants Conference 080206

VETS Annual Grants Conference 080206 Contact Information Colorado Disability Program Navigators Patrick Loeber: (303) 315-0446 Patrick.loeber@uchsc.edu Website: http://www.cowinpartners.org VETS Annual Grants Conference 080206

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VETS Annual Grants Conference 080206 Thank You VETS Annual Grants Conference 080206