Idaho Among States to Get Grant Helping Disable Youth Find Jobs

BOISE, Idaho (KLIX) Idaho is one of several states who will get funding to help young people with disabilities find jobs.

The U.S. Department of Labor is giving six states a combined total o f $14.9 million dollars as part of the Disability Employment Initiative. The Idaho Department of Labor says it will get $2.5 million for it's program aimed at improving employment opportunities for youth 14-24 years of age. The federal funding is part of an ongoing program since 2010.

These are some of the ways recipients will use the funding:

• Improve employment outcomes and increase the number of individuals with disabilities who earn credentials.
• Provide more and diversified job-driven training opportunities.
• Facilitate academic and employment transition among youth.
• Incorporate flexible approaches to designing and providing training and supportive services, including customized employment strategies to help jobseekers with significant disabilities.
• Build effective community partnerships and collaborations across multiple service delivery systems and the effective blending and braiding of resources.
• Promote more active engagement with the business sector.