OLYMPIA – A federal stimulus grant of $10.4 million gave employment programs for people with disabilities in our state a significant boost this month.

This one-time grant falls under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Vocational Rehabilitation State Grants program to "implement innovative strategies to improve employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities."

The Department of Social and Health Services Division of Vocational Rehabilitation will receive $8.8 million and the Department of Services for the Blind the remaining $1.6 million of the funds. The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation received 50 percent of their portion on April 1, 2009; the remaining balance is scheduled to be awarded Sept. 30, 2009.

The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation provides counseling and guidance, vocational planning, services and support for both youth and adults with disabilities to enter employment or learn new skills to re-enter the job market.

"The federal stimulus plan offers Washington an unprecedented opportunity to create and save jobs, jump-start the economy and promote economic recovery and growth," Lynnae Ruttledge, the Division's director explained, "While often overlooked, workers with disabilities bring added value to the workplace. The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation is ready to work with employers and partners to bring new workers to the workplace."

In 2008 Ruttledge and her staff received accolades from Gov. Chris Gregoire for achieving their goal of being one of the few vocational rehabilitation divisions in the nation to offer immediate access to services. Most states have waiting lists for career guidance and training that may stretch to five years or more before a person with a new or lifelong disability receives needed career guidance and job training.

Every client of the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation is given individual guidance and resources that may include assistive technology, job training, placement-related services, internships, peer mentors and other support.

The Division plans to collaborate with other stimulus projects and other Workforce Development programs so that individuals with disabilities can benefit from new jobs that support Washington's 21st century economy. These include careers in employment opportunities in energy, green economy jobs, and international trade and aerospace careers.

The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation is conducting outreach to unserved or underserved groups of individuals with disabilities, including those who recently lost a job, who need services to keep a job or who may be entering the work force for the first time.

To be eligible for vocational rehabilitation services, individuals must have a physical, sensory, cognitive or mental health disability that creates a barrier to employment. Information and services are offered across the state and can also be found at many offices in community colleges and WorkSource locations.

Military veterans who meet eligibility criteria may also receive services from the division under an agreement with the Veterans' Administration. Individuals with a disability who would like to apply for services can contact The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation through its Web site or call toll-free: 1-800-637-5627.

Gov. Gregoire created a Web site -- http://www.recovery.wa.gov -- so every Washingtonian can see where tax dollars are going and hold government accountable for the results, or click http://www.recovery.gov/ for information on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act on the federal level.

To track economic recovery funding invested through the Department of Social and Health Services, visit http://www.dshs.wa.gov/geninfo/StimulusImpact.html.

Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Director Lynnae Ruttledge, is available for media interviews. Media who would like to tour the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation training courses or learn about state-of-the art assistive devices and other resources can contact Deborah Schow, DSHS Communications, 360-902-7891.

Many clients and employers are also happy to tell their compelling stories about how career training through the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation has made a positive impact on their workplaces and life-changing differences for themselves and their families.

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DSHS does not discriminate and provides equal access to its programs and services for all persons without regard to race, color, gender, religion, creed, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, age, veteran's status or the presence of any physical, sensory or mental disability.