Expanding Employment Opportunities for People with Disabilities under WIOA

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

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

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

Technical Assistance & Partners

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Engage Employers Manufacturing Health Care Banking/Financial Services Hospitality

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

Funding and Resources

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

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

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

ADA Assessment – MA Office on Disability

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

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

Contacts Tim Sappington, Executive Director North Central MA Workforce Investment Board tsncmwib@comcast.net,978-534-1023 Theresa E. Kane, Ph.D., Chief Operating Officer Polus Center for Social & Economic Development tkane@poluscenter.org, 978-270-2457 Cherie Fisher, Disability Resource Coordinator North Central MA Career Center cfncmwib@comcast.net, 978- 534-1481