US Department of Labor announces release of new study on Disability Program Navigator Initiative

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today released an evaluation study of the Disability Program Navigator Initiative titled "Use of One-Stops by Social Security Disability Beneficiaries in Four States Implementing Disability Program Navigator Initiative." The study measures whether the public workforce system, particularly the One-Stop Career Center system, is helping people who are receiving Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance find jobs in the workplace. The study was conducted in Colorado, Iowa, Maryland and Oregon, and used both Workforce Investment Act Adult and Dislocated Worker, and Wagner-Peyser database information for program years 2002 through 2007.

"This administration is focused on reducing the number of people receiving Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income, with the goal of increasing job opportunities," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training Jane Oates. "The public workforce investment system's role in serving people with disabilities, and reducing the unemployment and underemployment of people with disabilities, is critically important. For the first time, we have data clearly documenting that thousands of Social Security disability beneficiaries are seeking and receiving services from One-Stop Career Centers in four states."

This study demonstrates that the One-Stop Career Centers are serving a large share of individuals receiving Social Security disability benefits. The public workforce system is providing important support for beneficiaries who want to work and increasing their employment opportunities. The report is available online at http://disability.workforce3one.org/view/2001018107873517795/info.