Seven states awarded more than $20 million for disability employment initiative

September 21, 2012

The Disability Employment Initiative, which already supports 16 state projects, added seven more state grants yesterday to implement exemplary employment services for individuals with disabilities in the workforce, reports WCTV.

“Everyone should have the opportunity to contribute to today’s workforce,” said the assistant secretary of labor for disability employment policy. “Enhancing the workforce system’s ability to provide effective coordinated and collaborative service delivery will help to ensure that people with disabilities have access to the employment training and supports they need to achieve self-sufficiency.”

To improve education, training, and employment opportunities for unemployed youth and adults with disabilities, underemployed and/or receiving Social Security disability benefits, the U.S. Department of Labor awarded $20,654,352 to seven states on September 20.

The new grants have been awarded to Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. The states with continuing grants under the initiative are Alaska, Arkansas, California, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.

“This program represents our strong commitment to assisting people with disabilities in securing good jobs and providing career pathways,” said the Secretary of Labor. “These Employment and Training Administration grants will expand the capacity of the public workforce system to provide training and employment services to people with disabilities.”

If you or someone you know needs help with disability claims, contact a Social Security Disability attorney at Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin.