September 25, 2009 – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced an additional $540,000 for nine Michigan Works! Agencies (MWAs) to continue the Disability Program Navigator Initiative until June 30, 2010.  Work Incentive Grants fund the D PN Initiative which assists individuals with disabilities in accessing employment and training through workforce system services.

Nine MWAs have been allocated $60,000 each to continue to employ Navigators at local One-Stop Career Centers with high concentrations of job seekers with disabilities.  The Navigators will continue to help increase employment and self-sufficiency opportunities for persons with disabilities, by developing new and ongoing partnerships to achieve seamless and integrated access to employment and training services available through the One-Stop Career Centers.

"As we work to transform the state's economy and create jobs, we want to help people with disabilities gain the skills they need to find a good paying job, too," Granholm said. "The Disability Program Navigator Initiative connects individuals with the services they need to overcome barriers to employment and achieve financial independence."

The Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth, Bureau of Workforce Transformation (DELEG/BWT) administers the D PN services which are consistent with the No Worker Left Behind program.  Granholm announced the No Worker Left Behind ( NWLB) initiative on August 1, 2007; an innovative plan to train 100,000 citizens in three years for jobs in high demand occupations, emerging industries, or entrepreneurial endeavors.  In the program's first 23 months (August 2007 ? June 2009), 81,677 people have entered training through No Worker Left Behind. 

DELEG/BWT is investing in Michigan's future by helping to create the jobs of today and tomorrow, ensuring that our children and adults have the skills these jobs demand, making Michigan a better place to do business, and training and employing those who need jobs now.

A table is attached with the specific funding amounts for each of the nine MWAs.  To view an interactive map of the state's Michigan Works! regions and the counties included in each region, go to http://www.michiganworks.org.

Program Year 2009 Allocations
Disability Program Navigator
July 1, 2009, through June 30, 2010