A statewide team of specialists who help workers with disabilities find jobs has received the highest award possible from the International Association of Workforce Professionals.
Eight regional Idaho Department of Labor navigators under the supervision of Lead Navigator Gordon Graff “continue to rise to the occasion and send the message to clients and partners in the community, ‘It’s ability, not disability, that counts,’” the association’s newsletter said.
The regional navigators are Susan Fauntleroy in Coeur d’Alene, Misti Sullivan in Lewiston, Melisa Bryant in Grangeville, Jeff Tesch in Canyon County, Julie Sherry in Boise, Sandy Hacking in Twin Falls, Beth Larson in Pocatello and Windy Melgaard in Idaho Falls.
“This honor for these men and women is a reflection of their commitment to erasing the barriers people with disabilities face in finding meaningful employment,” Department of Labor Director Roger B. Madsen said. “They have set a standard that the entire department strives to meet in serving the workers and businesses of Idaho.”
Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration labeled Idaho’s Disability Program Navigator initiative one of the most effective in the nation.
The project began two years ago under a $1 million federal grant to assist people with disabilities navigate the often-complex programs intended to help them get and retain jobs. In March Graff and his team – acknowledged nationally as leaders in disability assistance – provided an Internet-based training session on collaboration among navigators and others in the work force system to assist disabled veterans.