On July 22, 2014, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) was signed into law (Public Law No. 113-128). The Act—which supersedes the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA) and amends the Rehabilitation Act of 1973—reaffirms the role of the customer-focused one-stop service delivery system. It also enhances coordination among several key employment, education, and training programs delivered by what are known as American Job Centers (AJCs).
Within WIOA is a provision stating that all comprehensive AJCs and affiliated sites must be physically and programmatically accessible to individuals with disabilities. More specifically, information and communication technology (ICT) designed, procured, maintained, and used by AJCs must comply with the nondiscrimination and equal opportunity provisions of Section 188 of WIOA and its implementing regulations.
This means that AJCs must use technologies that are accessible to individuals with disabilities—and PEAT is here to help in these efforts.
Check out the following resources designed to help AJCs understand their tech-related responsibilities under WIOA, along with the nuts and bolts of making their ICT accessible to customers.
American Job Centers and Digital Access: A Guide to Accessible ICT
This guide helps AJCs ensure that their websites, online systems and courses, and applications are accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities, as required by WIOA. It serves as the foundational resource for the following supplemental materials.
WIOA and Accessible Technology: Five Things AJCs Need to Know
This fact sheet offers AJCs an “at-a-glance” overview of the tech-related implications of WIOA, and where to find assistance in meeting accessible ICT responsibilities.
Digital Accessibility Checklist for American Job Centers
AJCs can use this handy one-pager to reference ICT accessibility best practices related to websites, online systems, and other tools.
WIOA and Accessible Technology: A Presentation Deck for AJCs
Designed for internal staff presentations within AJCs, this ready-to-share presentation deck is a perfect tool to train staff on WIOA and accessible technology best practices.
