Learning Disabilities

In the WDC strategic planning documents, we emphasize the importance of accessible and customized services to persons with disabilities. This strategic direction is in response to national statistics. Under and un-employed persons with disabilities represent a significant potential contribution to the workforce.

Recognizing the need to ensure better employment and training services to persons with disabilities, the WDC has been pursuing funding, developing programs, and creating systems linkages to assist the population of persons with disabilities seeking work.

To date, the WDC has accomplished the following milestones:

Participant in the Washington Workforce Association (WWA) Work Incentive Grant (WIG) – As a subcontractor to WWA, the WDC is implementing a pilot project linking special education and WorkSource services in King County. Award of $148,000 over 24 months.
Successful award of a Project With Industry (PWI) Grant – With this grant, the WDC and project partner CARES of Washington will provide disability specific case managers at WorkSource locations and linkages with businesses interested in hiring persons with disabilities. Award of $250,000 per year up to three years.
Funded CARES of Washington for WorkSource Disability Access – Through competitive RFP, CARES of Washington was awarded a WIA Adult contract to provide disability services at WorkSource North, Renton, and Redmond. Award of $213,684 for 12 months.
Awarded Youth with Hidden Disabilities Grant from DOL’s Office of Disability and Employment Policy – The WDC will pilot in and out-of-school WIA youth (ages 14-21) strategies for youth with hidden disabilities such as mental health disorders, personality disorders, and learning disabilities. Award of $500,000 over 24 months. This award was one of eight funded in the country.
Awarded a Work Incentive Grant from DOL - Grant will fund a Disability Navigator position for WorkSource to coordinate and convene the disability system on behalf of customers with disabilities. Services will include training to One-Stop staff, coordination of benefits counseling services, and assistive technology. Award of $300,000 over 24 months.
National Institute for Literacy (NIFL) Learning Disabilities Training Grant – Through NIFL funding, the WDC continues to provide comprehensive learning disability awareness and systems design training to employment and training systems throughout the country. Average funding of $175,000 per year. The project is in its fifth and final year of funding.
Incorporated Learning Disability Services as a Support Service in WIA contracts – In WIA contracts, the WDC has ensured that learning disability services are a qualified support service and that LD assessments do not detract from the overall support service allowance for any WIA enrolled customer.
Served on Board for Disability Access, Educational Testing Service/GED – WDC staff participate on the National Disability Board for the GED, ensuring disability access and accommodations for the GED exam nationwide.