Understanding and Implementing the Disability Program Navigator Initiative Building Employment Opportunities for People with Disabilities Region V: Training Forum March 3-4, 2004

“A Day in the Life…” Jimmy Weber Disability Program Navigator Siouxland Tri-State Workforce Development Center Sioux City, Iowa

Two Key Words Knowledge Relationships

Know about Disability Learn About Disability Issues – ADA, Olmstead Decision, 504 Plans, curb-cuts, TTY etc Experience Disability – Borrow a wheelchair – Sensitivity training classes People First language – Reflects that we see the person before their disability – Vocabulary DOES reflect attitude

Know ….. Co-workers Other Navigators Partners Employers People with disabilities Area Organizations and Agencies who work with people with disabilities Federal Incentives Staff of University of Iowa College of Law; – Law, Health Policy, and Disability Center What not to do

Beyond “Knowing”

Takes time… ……….……….and Hard work

Developing working relationships with…. One Stop Staff Other Navigators Other Agencies and Organizations People with disabilities Employers State Staff Federal Staff Staff of University of Iowa College of Law; Law, Health Policy, & Disability Center

“Victories” Taxi Cabs Transit & Paratransit Habitat for Humanity Employment Networks Several more people employed ADA/IT in Kansas City

“The moral test of government is how it treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children, those who are in the twilight of life, the aged, and those who are in the shadows of life, the sick, the needy, and the handicapped.” – Hubert H Humphrey – Former Senator and Presidential Candidate

“Wherever a door is closed to anyone because of a disability, we must work to open it. Wherever any job or home or means of transportation is unfairly denied because of a disability we must work to change it. Wherever any barrier stands between you and the full rights and dignity of citizenship, we must work to remove it, in the name of simple decency and simple justice.” – President George W Bush – February 1, 2001 – New Freedom Initiative Announcement Speech