Welcome to the Employment Development Department

Quick Links

Contact Workforce Services Branch

  • Online
  • By Phone
    • (916) 654-7799
    • TTY Users, please call the California Relay Service at 711.

Disability Program Navigator Initiative
Description of Services

About DPN, Contact DPN, Description of Services, Resources

Navigating through the myriad programs available to persons with disabilities and understanding how employment can impact benefits is complex and confusing. Oftentimes, this deters persons with disabilities from entering the workforce. Disability Program Navigators (DPNs) are a resource to persons with disabilities, large and small employers, non-profits, community- and faith-based organizations.

DPNs can assist persons with disabilities to take advantage of available training and employment opportunities, as well as navigate through the complex provisions of the many programs in which they may be participating. DPNs can also provide expertise and serve as a resource for large and small employers and community- and faith-based organizations in reasonable accommodations, tax incentives and other employment-related requirements.

DPNs are trained and skilled in facilitation, training staff in disability etiquette, problem resolution, locating and leveraging resources, initiating system changes, conducting outreach, developing linkages and building infrastructure. Programs that DPNs are familiar with include: