The Updated Section 188 Disability Reference Guide

DOL recently published the updated guide, Promising Practices in Achieving Nondiscrimination and Equal Opportunity: A Section 188 Disability Reference Guide (2024), which builds on the previously published guide in 2019. This guide helps AJCs and their partners to provide services in accordance with nondiscrimination and equal opportunity requirements.

Additions to the updated guide include affirmative outreach to diverse populations; effective communication to increase access, including practices related to Deaf and hard of hearing individuals; strategies for nondiscriminatory use of newer technologies; and promising practices to respond to the needs of traditionally underserved communities in the design and delivery of services.

The updated guide provides the workforce system with additional practices, ideas, and resources that consider the systemic barriers individuals with disabilities may face because of intersecting identities to increase the cultural competence of the service providers who serve them. Moreover, for the first time, the guide addresses strategies for nondiscriminatory use of newer technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI).

While the updated guide focuses on AJC programs, it is a resource that will benefit anyone working to ensure nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in the workforce development system.