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Disability Program Navigators are workforce development professionals who specialize in helping job seekers and businesses with disability-related services. This story is an example of how these strategically-located staff members can make a difference - one person at a time.
One day in early summer, Ontario Navigator Gwen Judy was driving out of the Wal-Mart parking lot. She noticed an individual holding a cardboard sign that read "Hungry." Gwen approached the gentleman and rather than offering him food and/or money, she asked him if he needed assistance. His reply simply was "Yes." Gwen gave the gentleman her business card and told him to come down to the local WorkSource Oregon Career Center and she would see what she could do to help him.
Gwen had her doubts that the gentleman would show up but she felt she needed to do something to help him long-term rather than just give him a handout that would last less than a day.
The very next morning, the gentleman showed up at the local Career Center and asked to speak to Gwen. Gwen helped him navigate multiple systems and was able to assist him in getting emergency assistance through the food bank. She was also able to connect him with mental health services and got him an appointment with the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (OVRS). Through these connections, the gentleman was also able to obtain Food Stamps through the Department of Human Services Self Sufficiency Program.
Because of the assistance Gwen provided in connecting him with multiple resources, this gentleman is no longer holding a sign in a busy parking lot. Instead, he is living in his own apartment and is participating in an On the Job Training program with OVRS. As Laura Farah, with the University of Iowa's Law, Health Policy and Disability Center, stated, "It really personifies what a true seamless system should be like, i.e., you come through one door and get connected with a variety of services. It also again shows the value-added impact of individuals like Gwen who, through their services, truly do help people with disabilities navigate the system."
Oregon currently has Navigators located in six worksource region throughout the state who are helping workforce organizations and disability-related service providers work together to better the lives of Oregonians with disabilities and others who experience multiple barriers to employment, by helping them find and retain jobs.
To find the Navigator closest to you or for additional information, please contact one of the Navigator State Leads, listed below.
Brian Ingram
Navigator State Program Lead
Work Systems, Inc.
111 SW 5th Avenue, Suite 1150
Portland, OR 97204
503-478-7317
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Rachel Soto
Navigator State Administrative Lead
Oregon Department of Community Colleges and Workforce Development
255 Capitol Street NE, 3rd floor, Public Service Building
Salem, OR 97310
503-947-2438
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Click here to read more about the Disability Program Navigators.
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