# Presentation: 212708

## Partnering with Disability Program Navigators

- Presented by:
- Patrick Loeber,
- Disability Program Navigator Coordinator
- 		Colorado WIN Partners/UCHSC

- NVTI  Denver

## What is a Disability Program Navigator?

**Disability Program Navigators** (DPNs) guide Workforce Center staff in helping people with disabilities access and navigate the complex provisions of various programs that provide the services and supports needed to obtain and maintain employment.

- NVTI  Denver

## What a DPN is...

- A systems change agent
- A problem solver
- A relationship builder
- A resource
- A facilitator

- NVTI  Denver

## WHAT A DPN IS NOT...

- Not a case manager
- Not a front-line staff person in a workforce center
- Not a Benefits Planning and Outreach Specialist
- Not a Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist

- NVTI  Denver

## The DPN will...

- Guide One-Stop staff in helping people with disabilities access and navigate the complex provisions of various programs that impact their ability to gain/retain employment.
- Develop linkages and collaborate on an ongoing basis with employers to facilitate job placements for persons with disabilities.

- NVTI  Denver

## The DPN will...

- Develop partnerships to achieve integrated services, systemic change, and expand the capacity to serve customers with disabilities.
- Facilitate the transition of in- or out-of-school youth with disabilities to secure employment and economic self-sufficiency.
- Conduct outreach to agencies and organizations that serve people with disabilities.

- NVTI  Denver

## The DPN will...

- Serve as a resource on SSA’s work incentive and employment support programs and the provision of services through Benefits Planning, Assistance and Outreach organizations (BPAOs); Protection and Advocacy systems (P&As); and SSA’s employment-related demonstration projects.

- NVTI  Denver

## The DPN will...

- Serve as a resource to the workforce development community to ensure the availability of comprehensive knowledge of Federal, State, local and private programs that impact the ability of persons with disabilities to enter and remain in the workforce.

- NVTI  Denver

## DPNs and DVOPs/LVERS

- DPNs throughout the country are currently working closely with DVOPs and LVERS in workforce centers.
- The DPNs are actively working to develop relationships with community partners including VETS grantees and their customers.

- NVTI  Denver

## DOL-SSA DPN states include:

| Alaska (new)
Arizona 
California 
Colorado 
Delaware
District of Columbia (new)
Florida 
Hawaii (new)
Illinois 
Indiana (new)

 | Iowa 
Maryland 
Massachusetts
Michigan (new)
Minnesota (new)
Mississippi 
Missouri (new)
Nebraska (new)
New Jersey (new)
New Mexico | New York 
Oklahoma 
Oregon 
Rhode Island (new)
South Carolina 
Tennessee (new)
Texas (new)
Vermont
Virginia (new)
West Virginia (new)
Wisconsin 

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| --- | --- | --- |

- NVTI  Denver

## DPN Video

_**Serving Persons with Disabilities in the One-Stop Center **_video highlights the activities of DPNs around the country.
_**http://disability.law.uiowa.edu/dpn/video/dpn_eta/movwmv.asp?MediaName=eta200505&AgendaNumber=1**_

- NVTI  Denver

## To Locate a DPN Near You

- DPNs are now in 31 states. A National Directory of DPNs is available at:http://disability.law.uiowa.edu/dpn/grant/dpn_docs/dpn_wigs_contacts0406.doc
- University of Iowa Law, Health Policy and Disability Centerhttp://disability.law.uiowa.edu/

- NVTI  Denver

## To Locate a DPN Near You

- DPNs are now in all regions of the state. There are a total of 19 DPNs in the state of Colorado.
- Directory of DPNs is available at:_[http://www.cowinpartners.org/Consumer-navigator.asp](http://www.cowinpartners.org/Consumer-navigator.asp)__ _

- NVTI  Denver

## Contact Information

**Colorado Disability Program Navigators**
- Patrick Loeber: (303) 315-0446
- 	Patrick.loeber@uchsc.edu
- Website: http://www.cowinpartners.org

- NVTI  Denver

## Questions/Comments

- NVTI  Denver

## Thank You

- NVTI  Denver