Located in:
- III. Operational Planning Elements
The Unified or Combined State Plan must include an Operational Planning Elements section that supports the State’s strategy and the system-wide vision described in Section II(c) above. Unless otherwise noted, all Operational Planning Elements apply to Combined State Plan partner programs included in the plan as well as to core programs. This section must include—
- b. State Operating Systems and Policies
The Unified or Combined State Plan must include a description of the State operating systems and policies that will support the implementation of the State strategy described in section II Strategic Elements. This includes—
- b. State Operating Systems and Policies
III. b. 8. Addressing the Accessibility of the One-Stop Delivery System for Individuals with Disabilities
Describe how the one-stop delivery system (including one-stop center operators and the one-stop delivery system partners), will comply with section 188 of WIOA (if applicable) and applicable provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.) regarding the physical and programmatic accessibility of facilities, programs, services, technology, and materials for individuals with disabilities. This also must include a description of compliance through providing staff training and support for addressing the needs of individuals with disabilities. Describe the State’s one-stop center certification policy, particularly the accessibility criteria.
Current Narrative:
The workforce center delivery system (including one-stop center operators and the workforce delivery system partners) will comply with section 188 of WIOA and applicable provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.) with regard to the physical and programmatic accessibility of facilities, programs, services, technology, and materials for individuals with disabilities. The State ensures that Arkansas Workforce Center system complies with section 188 of WIOA and applicable provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 through ADWS Policy No. WIOA I-B – 6.4 (Certification of Arkansas Workforce Centers Policy and Procedures) that outlines all requirements of the system. Reviews are conducted annually by the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services Equal Opportunity Office to make sure that workforce centers meet requirements. According to ADWS Policy No. WIOA I-B – 6.4 (Certification of Arkansas Workforce Centers Policy and Procedures), all Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance requirements must be met before a center is eligible to receive the Arkansas Workforce Center certification or use the Arkansas Workforce Center name and logo. In addition to the annual review by the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services Equal Opportunity Office, local workforce development boards must include evaluations of how well the one-stop center ensures equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities to participate in or benefit from the one stop center services as part of their certification review every three years. Representatives of Arkansas Rehabilitation Services (ARS) and the Division of Services for the Blind (DSB) who provide services in a workforce center are expected to bring to the attention of the One-Stop Operator any accessibility issues that they find in that center.
Furthermore, training is offered at least annually to equal opportunity officers of the local workforce development boards. To demonstrate compliance with this provision, the one-stop center operators and the delivery system partners will collaborate to develop and provide periodic and new-hire staff training and system-wide support for addressing the needs of individuals with disabilities. A rotating certification review team will be established, to provide scheduled evaluation, certification, and recertification of the physical and programmatic accessibility of facilities, programs, services, technology, and materials for individuals with disabilities and to address any compliance issues that arise.
DSB offices are located in the One Stop Centers. DSB works with local partners to ensure that offices are accessible and comply with all polices and regulations. DSB staff support by providing review and testing of accommodations for those who are Blind and Visually Impaired.