California DOE Mentoring Frequently Asked Questions
This page contains frequently asked questions regarding the WorkAbility I (WAI) Vocational Education Project.
State: California
California EDD Workforce Services Regional and Local Planning Guidance (2025)
Local workforce development plans are required to ensure a baseline level of WIOA core program alignment compliant with federal regulations at the local level, in and through AJCCs (the state’s One-Stop system) so that core program and mandated services are coordinated, and when appropriate, integrated to make accessible a menu of customizable services available to customers on the basis of their needs (e.g., programs should be accessible to individuals with disabilities and those that are limited English proficient and, in general, should be customer-centered such that customers can access the relevant services for which they are eligible).
California Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) Program CALVET
“Accordingly, the State of California established the Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) Program in 1989 under Public Contract Code 10115 to primarily help DVBEs compete more effectively for a portion of those dollars, and to promote self-reliance for California’s disabled veterans by offering veterans the opportunity to gain experience in business, while sharing their expertise with the citizens of California and provide a goal of awarding 3% of all state contracts to certified DVBEs. The State of California contracts billions of dollars for goods and services to ensure California’s economy stays healthy, strong, and prosperous and promotes business opportunities and participation for all of its citizenry. Small businesses, including veterans, disabled veterans, and disabled veteran business enterprises are instrumental to the good health of the State’s economy and a principal source of new jobs in California. The program also facilitates the integration of disabled veterans into California’s entrepreneurial economy because of their incomparable sacrifices made when they answered their Country’s call.”
California DDS: Home and Community-Based Services Programs
“Medicaid, known as Medi-Cal in California, is a jointly-funded, federal-state health insurance program for certain low income and needy people that includes long-term care benefits. In 1981, President Reagan signed into law the Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver program, section 1915(c) of the Social Security Act. The legislation provided a vehicle for California to offer services not otherwise available through the Medi-Cal program to serve people (including individuals with developmental disabilities) in their own homes and communities. The HCBS Waiver program recognizes that many individuals at risk of being placed in medical facilities can be cared for in their homes and communities, preserving their independence and ties to family and friends at a cost no higher than that of institutional care.”
California Press Release: Attorney General Becerra Establishes Bureau of Disability Rights
“Bureau to protect Californians with disabilities from discrimination and other harms
SACRAMENTO – California Attorney General Xavier Becerra today announced the establishment of the Bureau of Disability Rights (Bureau) within the Civil Rights Enforcement Section (Section) of the California Department of Justice. The Bureau will focus on matters that seek to ensure that the rights of persons with disabilities are advanced through specific investigations and litigation. The Bureau will also expand on the Section’s work to vindicate the rights of persons with disabilities on issues including discrimination in education, healthcare, employment, access to public services, and with regard to law enforcement involvement.”
California Civil Rights Department Employment Discrimination
“The Civil Rights Department (CRD) is responsible for enforcing state laws that make it illegal to discriminate against a job applicant or employee because of a protected characteristic (see “What is Protected” below).”
California SB 639: An Act to amend Labor Code relating to employment (minimum wages for persons with disabilities)(2021)
Enacted. Version date: 09/27/2021
“c) The State Council on Developmental Disabilities, in consultation with stakeholders and relevant state agencies, as appropriate, including, but not limited to, the Department of Finance, the Labor and Workforce Development Agency, the Department of Rehabilitation, the State Department of Education, and the State Department of Developmental Services, shall develop a multiyear phaseout plan with stakeholder involvement, by January 1, 2023, in accordance with the procedures set forth in subdivision (d), to pay any employee with a disability, by January 1, 2025, no less than the minimum wage otherwise required for an employee under Section 1182.12 or the applicable local minimum wage ordinance, whichever is higher.
(d) The multiyear phaseout plan, as described in subdivision (c) shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
(1) Benchmarks and desired outcomes for each year of the plan.
(2) A list of the resources necessary to ensure that employees with disabilities can receive services and support according to their needs and preferences of the individuals and in an integrated setting, regardless of the nature or severity of each individual’s disabilities, including an assessment of the financial investment needed to transition individuals to competitive integrated employment or other services, the development of new rates for new service models or additional rates necessary for competitive integrated employment supports, and suggestions for revenue streams.”
California Ready Willing and Able Apprenticeship Program (2025)
“Launching in 2025, Ready, Willing, and Able is a groundbreaking initiative developed by the California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) and the Institute for Workplace Skills and Innovation America (IWSI America). This program is dedicated to creating inclusive, skills-based apprenticeships that connect individuals with disabilities to high-demand careers across California.
What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a paid, structured training program that combines on-the-job experience with classroom learning, allowing participants to gain industry-recognized skills and credentials while earning a wage.
With a focus on key industries like healthcare, IT, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing, the program equips apprentices with industry-recognized training, mentorship, and career support. Employers benefit from a diverse and skilled workforce prepared to meet the challenges of an evolving job market. Through strategic partnerships and targeted outreach, Ready, Willing, and Able is not just building careers—it’s reshaping workplaces and communities for a more inclusive future.”
California Mental Health Cooperative Programs Employment with Support
“California’s Mental Health Cooperative Programs provide collaborative employment services to assist people with severe psychiatric disabilities enter or re-enter their community workforce. These community-based collaborations between local county mental health and Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) field offices provide improved access and specialized employment services and mental health supports for consumers historically un-served or under-served in vocational rehabilitation.”
California A 339: Qualified ABLE Program Age Limit (2023)
“Existing federal law, the Stephen Beck, Jr., Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2014 (ABLE Act), encourages and assists individuals and families to save private funds for the purpose of supporting eligible individuals with disabilities to maintain their health, independence, and quality of life by excluding from gross income distributions used for qualified disability expenses by a beneficiary of a qualified ABLE program established and maintained by a state, as specified. Under the ABLE Act, pursuant to the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, an eligible individual for a taxable year is an individual entitled to specified benefits based on blindness or disability or for whom there is a disability certification filed with the Secretary of the Treasury, and such blindness or disability occurred before the date on which the individual attained 26 years of age, or, on and after January 1, 2026, 46 years of age.”