1. Expanding Employment Opportunities for People with Disabilities under WIOA

2. Today’s Agenda & Presenters
Tim Sappington
North Central MA Workforce Investment Board
Theresa E. Kane, Ph.D.
Polus Center for Social & Economic Development, Inc.
Welcome, introductions
WIOA Section 188
Disabilities Employment Initiative Overview
Assessments and Lessons Learned
Group discussion

4. Since 2010, DOL has awarded over $123 million for DEI projects
Since 2010, DOL has awarded over $123 million for DEI projects. DEIV has a Career Pathway focus and is fully aligned with the goals and objectives of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). 49 projects in 28 states, ours is #5 in Massachusetts

5. DEIV Massachusetts Age 18  Adults (not just transition age)
Disabilities Resource Coordinators
Age 18  Adults (not just transition age)
Credential-based career pathways
Job driven
For people ready/wanting to work, stay employed, earnings goals, 6+ months
Employer education
Workplace learning, internships, OJT
Job Search and placement support
DEIV Massachusetts
3 (WIB) regions:
North Central
Metro North
Central MA

6. Technical Assistance & Partners

7. What is Section 188?
Section 188 implements the nondiscrimination and equal opportunity provisions of WIOA. Section 188 prohibits discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation or belief, among other biases. Section 188 also requires that reasonable accommodations be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities in certain circumstances. Section 188 of WIOA contains provisions identical to those in Section 188 of WIA (*See Updates to 188 as of 01/03/17). The regulations for Section 188 of WIOA can be found at 29 CFR Part 38.
Summary from the LEAD Center

8. WIOA Section 188 Resource Guide
Providing universal access to programs and activities
Ensuring equal opportunity
Implementing universal access and equal opportunity

9. Providing universal access
Understanding local needs
Marketing and outreach
Partnerships and collaboration
Staff training
Intake, registration, disclosure of disability
Assessments and screenings
Service delivery

10. Ensuring equal opportunity
Prohibit discrimination
Provide reasonable accommodations
Provide reasonable modifications of practices and procedures
Most integrated setting possible
Effectively communicate with people w/disabilities
Communications technology
Prohibit discrimination in hiring practices

11. Implementing universal access
Designation of Equal Opportunity Officer
Notice and Communication
Assurances
Data collection and analysis
Monitor for compliance and continuous improvement
Complaint procedures
Correction action/sanctions

12. Training Programs & Internships
Build Partnerships
Engage Employers
Training Programs & Internships
Funding and Resources
Align Policies
Systems Change
DEIV CAREER PATHWAYS: SIX ELEMENTS

13. Build Partnerships State agencies, WIOA MOU Partners, such as
– MA Rehabilitation Commission, MA Commission for the Blind
Veteran’s organizations
Human Service agencies
Local colleges
Youth Council
Economic Development offices

14. Engage Employers
Manufacturing
Health Care
Banking/Financial Services
Hospitality

15. Training Programs & Internships
Industrial Readiness Training - Mount Wachusett Community College
Certified Nurse’s Assistant, Home Health Aide – American Red Cross
Patient Access – Quinsigamond Community College
“Snap Chef” – culinary arts staffing agency training and placement
Banking internships
Cleanroom Manufacturing training
Customer Service and Financial Literacy

16. Funding and Resources

17. Service Accessibility & ADA Assessment
Align Policies
Systems Change
Service Accessibility & ADA Assessment

18. Service Accessibility
General Communication
Materials
Evacuation Procedures
Marketing Materials and Outreach
Access to transportation
Notice on Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination
Staff Knowledge
Disclosure of Disability
Accommodation Requests
Registration and Orientation
Service Delivery
Assistive Technology
Website
Programmatic Access

19. General Conclusions: Service Delivery
Inconsistent; depends on who people work with: need consistent policies, training and enforcement
Emphasis on universal design: same questions for all customers
When looking at new or re-designed space, need private quiet areas
CC Seminar is packed but need to review/update slides about disability
Need clear accommodation alternatives
Need to review/update website and marketing materials

21. ADA Assessment – MA Office on Disability

23. Biggest Lessons and Challenges
Matching right referrals with in-demand jobs
Find people motivated to work, follow-through
Continue to engage and educate employers
Be creative about transportation
Be realistic about accommodations (e.g., JAWS)
Systems in transition– career center, employers, college – new beginnings/opportunities but difficult

24. Discussion Questions Your experiences with WIOA Section 188, DEI
Success stories and challenges
Other comments or suggestions

25. Contacts
Tim Sappington, Executive Director North Central MA Workforce Investment Board
Theresa E. Kane, Ph.D., Chief Operating Officer
Polus Center for Social & Economic Development
Cherie Fisher, Disability Resource Coordinator
North Central MA Career Center