Disability Program Navigator

About the Disability Program Navigator:

The Disability Program Navigator initiative is a demonstration project jointly sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration (DOL) and the Social Security Administration’s Office of Program Development and Research (SSA).

An outgrowth of President Bush’s New Freedom Initiative of 2001, the Disability Program Navigator initiative is a comprehensive program to promote employment and community participation of individuals with disabilities in all areas of society by increasing access to assistive and universally designed technologies, expanding educational and employment opportunities, and promoting increased access into daily community life.

What is the Role of the Disability Program Navigator?

• To increase employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities through coordination of services, promoting access to programs and services, and enhancing a seamless system of community service providers.
• Assist people with disabilities to access and navigate the complex provisions of programs that impact their ability to gain, return to, or retain employment.
• Increase employment and self-sufficiency for Social Security beneficiaries and others with disabilities by assisting individuals to understand how earnings affect their social security benefits and other support programs.

What the Disability Program Navigator can do for you:

• Increase employer awareness and develop linkages and collaborate with the employer community to facilitate job placements for individuals with disabilities.
• Provide referrals and information for benefits planning, child care, housing, transportation, medical and employment services.
• Provide information about training programs, adaptive technology, and accommodations.
• Identify Federal and State tax incentives available to employers when hiring an individual with a disability.

How to Contact the Disability Program Navigator:

The Disability Program Navigator serves all three ETR One-Stop Career Centers – in Marlborough, Newton, and Norwood.

For additional information please contact:

Arthur Gallagher
Disability Program Navigator
(781) 769-4120, Ext. 119
agallagher@detma.org

Page last updated on July 17, 2006