Mission

The Disability Program Navigator (DPN) Initiative is a positive outcome of the Workforce Investment Act. The DPN mission is to improve employment outcomes, self-sufficiency and quality of life for jobseekers with disabilities, by ensuring that they have equal access to all services offered through Virginia’s Workforce Network. Navigator Quick Reference Guides were customized by the DPNs for each Local Workforce Investment Board Area to focus on employment, career education, training & workforce support services. To locate the Guides go to: http://www.vccs.edu/Default.aspx?tabid=789.

The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) - Workforce Development Services System (administrator of WIA) with the Department of Rehabilitative Services (DRS) are implementing the Disability Employment Initiative (DEI). The DEI employs Disability Resource Coordinators (DRC) to increase the employment opportunities and economic self-sufficiency of persons with disabilities. The DEI will build on the strengths and lessons learned from the activities of Virginia’s Disability Program Navigator (DPN) Initiative and will support the continuation of those DPN activities. The DPN will continue its’ best practices with a focus on Youth services. Visit the web site: http://www.vccs.edu/Default.aspx?tabid=693 .  Scroll to the bottom and click on Disability Employment Initiative (DEI).

DPN/DRC's add disability expertise at Virginia’s Workforce Centers, by focusing on: service collaboration, training and education, relationship building with employers, guidance to workforce center staff, accessibility problem solving, assistive technology resources, community outreach, information/referral; and making referrals to SSA Work Incentives and employment support programs. For additional information about services, please contact your local DPN/DRC.

The Disability Access Symbols were produced by the Graphic Artists Guild Foundation with support and technical assistance from the Office for Special Constituencies, National Endowment for the Arts.

Virginia's Disability Program Navigators & Resource Coordinators

Note: Numbers marked with an asterisk (*) = Workforce Center Phone