Are you looking for an opportunity to engage with peers locally and nationally across the workforce system to pilot innovative solutions to address disability and employment issues?  ETA is pleased to announce another exciting cohort challenge that will address three topic areas: 1) Accessibility; 2) Customer Service; and 3) Employer Engagement.  Let’s brainstorm and develop solutions together to support individuals with disabilities enter, stay in, or return to the labor force.

Here is the link to the Workforce Innovation Cohort Challenge Resource Page. Follow the steps to apply!

Each of the three cohorts will examine the following challenge questions:

Accessibility Cohort; How might we further maximize physical and programmatic access for customers with disabilities using the services of an American Job Center?

  • Your team composition may have up to 6 individuals – WIOA Title I (Adult, Dislocated Worker, Youth programs with program representatives partnered with leadership/staff from a comprehensive AJC); WIOA Title II (Adult Education and Literacy – Department of Education); WIOA Title III (Wagner Peyser Employment Services). Two of the members must include WIOA Title IV (State Vocational Rehabilitation Program) and the Equal Opportunity Office.

Customer Service Cohort; How might we ensure individuals with disabilities experience seamless customer service across WIOA programs at American Job Centers?

  • Your team composition may have up to 6 individuals – a member of each core program must be included WIOA Title I (Adult, Dislocated Worker, Youth programs); WIOA Title II (Adult Education and Literacy – Department of Education); WIOA Title III (Wagner Peyser Employment Services); and WIOA Title IV (State Vocational Rehabilitation Program). 

Employer Engagement Cohort; How might we more effectively engage employers with recruiting, hiring, and training job seekers with disabilities as an integrated strategy of the American Job Center Service Delivery?

  • Your team composition may have up to 6 individuals – WIOA Title I (Adult, Dislocated Worker, Youth programs); WIOA Title II (Adult Education and Literacy – Department of Education); WIOA Title III (Wagner Peyser Employment Services); WIOA Title IV (State Vocational Rehabilitation Program), Economic Development, and other disability partners. 

The application deadline is October 15th.