Feds Give Connecticut $3M for Job Programs for People With Disabilities

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy announced last week that the U.S. Department of Labor awarded the state Department of Labor’s Office of Workforce Competitiveness more than $3 million for job education, training and employment opportunities for youth and adults with disabilities.

The $3,058,706 grant, a release from the governor’s office said, will be “used to better connect those individuals who need assistance and related servces that help them overcome barriers to employment.”

“Connecticut has a diverse and talented labor force, and a competitive marketplace that benefits from the skills these workers provide,” said Governor Malloy.  “This grant will allow our state to build upon the employment and training services currently offered for youth and adults with disabilities and better connect them with employers who can greatly benefit from their skills and experience.”

Connecticut was one of eight states that received grants totaling $18.5 million under the U.S. DOL’s Disability Employment Initiative.  As a recipient, Connecticut’s Labor Department is required to introduce Disability Resource Coordinators into the local career centers, known as American Job Centers, who will work with residents seeking employment assistance that can include job search skills, training, education or finding solutions to physical, programmatic or communications accessibility workplace barriers.

“One of our goals is to help individuals with a disability move into careers and not just a job,” said state Labor Commissioner Sharon M. Palmer.  “This grant allows us to increase our efforts to reach out and work one-on-one with job seekers who may have a disability, but with certain accommodations or training, would most definitely make valuable contributions to the workplace.”