Jobseekers with Disabilities
Disability Employment Initiative (DEI)
In 2012, Indiana was one of seven states to receive grant funding to implement the Disability Employment Initiative (DEI). The initiative is jointly funded and administered by the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) Employment and Training Administration and its Office of Disability Employment Policy.
DEI aims to improve education, training, and employment opportunities for adults with disabilities (ages 18-64) who are:
- Unemployed
- Underemployed
- And/or Receiving Social Security disability benefits.
DEI is currently administered in the following Northwest Indiana counties: Jasper, Lake, La Porte, Newton, Porter, Pulaski and Starke. To learn more about DEI, Northwest Indiana residents can contact the nearest WorkOne NWI office.
Employment Assistance: WorkOne provides services in both individual and group settings. Some locations may require you to attend an orientation session to identify the services you are eligible for or fit your individual needs. Visit your local WorkOne to find out how to get started.
Reasonable Accommodations: Materials in alternate formats and reasonable accommodations are provided to job seekers upon request. Depending on the specific request, advance notice may be required. Visit your local WorkOne office to inquire about reasonable accommodations and/or receive information on services offered. Examples of reasonable accommodations include:
- Materials in alternate formats
- An individual meeting rather than group orientation
- Assistance with filling out forms
Assistive Technology: WorkOne locations are equipped with a variety of accessible equipment. Please note that WorkOne locations differ in the types of equipment offered. Contact or visit your local WorkOne office to inquire about the availability of equipment. Examples of assistive technology include:
- Magnification software
- Adjustable desks
- Text Telephone / Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TTY / TDD)
- Large monitors
- Headsets
Click here to view WorkOne Northwest Indiana locations.
Other useful online sites include:
https://www.disability.gov/
http://www.gettinghired.com/
http://www.aapd.com/
http://www.dol.gov/odep/
http://www.iowaworkforce.org/access/index.html
http://eapd.weebly.com/
http://www.in.gov/dwd/2416.htm