Conn. to hire “navigators” for disabled job seekers

The U.S. Department of Labor has granted Connecticut $1.2 million to help people with disabilities find jobs, part of a $14 million nationwide expansion of the Disability Program Navigators initiative.

Complex rules surrounding entitlement programs, along with fear of losing cash assistance and health benefits, can discourage people with disabilities from seeking employment.

The program provides staff and support at work-force investment boards such as The Workplace Inc. in Bridgeport.

New York and Massachusetts were among the initial states to participate in the Navigators program when it was established in 2003.