Policy in Action: State-Level Innovation with Deaf and Hard of Hearing Job Seekers at American Job Centers

This webinar is designed to help state workforce development boards and American Job Centers (AJCs) improve access for job seekers who are Deaf or hard of hearing. The session moves beyond basic service strategies to statewide coordination, focusing on how statewide policies and systems, both short and long term, can strengthen communication access and ensure consistent service delivery for Deaf customers.  

Presenters highlight state-level successes, including California’s collaboration with the Greater Los Angeles Agency on Deafness (GLAD), Kansas’ implementation of a pilot communication access fund (CAF) through the Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and Delaware’s use of a dependable video remote interpreting solution. Attendees learn how to apply state-level structures and partnerships to enhance the effectiveness of workforce services for the Deaf and hard of hearing population. 

During this webinar, participants: 

• Discover how state-level leadership and coordinated efforts can improve communication access and service consistency for Deaf and hard of hearing job seekers.  

• Learn about effective statewide strategies and partnerships that support consistent, reliable service delivery. 

• Examine real-world examples of policy implementation, including California’s work with GLAD, Kansas’ CAF, and Delaware’s approach to video remote interpreting.

This webinar is intended for AJC staff, state and local workforce development board members, policy makers, vocational rehabilitation professionals, and representatives from Deaf and hard of hearing service organizations. Anyone involved in improving communication access and strengthening service delivery for Deaf and hard of hearing job seekers will find this session valuable. 

Featured speakers 

• Sarah Loizeaux (Moderator), LEAD Center, National Disability Institute (NDI) 

• LaMia Chapman, Senior Policy Advisor, Office of Workforce Investment, Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor 

• Stacey Bragg, Deputy Director, Delaware Division of Vocational Rehabilitation 

• Tawny Holmes Hlibok, Esq., White House Fellow, Office of Disability Employment Policy, U.S. Department of Labor 

• David Evans, Program Manager, Greater Los Angeles Agency on Deafness (GLAD) 

• Robert Cooper, Executive Director, Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing