The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is a vital law that helps people with disabilities to gain skills, find meaningful work, and achieve economic independence. However, WIOA expired in 2020 and is currently funded through temporary extensions. Congress must act now to strengthen and reauthorize this critical legislation!
Reauthorizing WIOA would:
Expand Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE):
WIOA reauthorization would strengthen provisions that phase out subminimum wages and increase funding for alternate employment programs, including supported and customized employment programs. Read more about alternatives to subminimum wage employment in our article: Expanding Fair Employment for Persons with Disabilities.
Improve Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Services:
WIOA reauthorization would expand Pre-Employment Transition Services for students with disabilities and increase funding to reduce wait times and improve service quality, ensuring young people with disabilities receive the support they need to successfully transition into CIE.
Enhance Workforce Development Programs:
Increase accessibility at and invest in apprenticeships, on-the-job training, and technical education.
Strengthen Disability-Related Data and Accountability:
Improve tracking of employment outcomes and reinforce nondiscrimination policies. The only way to ensure that progress is happening is to track it!
Support Inclusive Workforce Policies:
Expand employer partnerships, self-employment opportunities, and inclusive job training programs.
How can you help?
Tell Congress to reauthorize WIOA and invest in the future of disability employment. Contact your members of Congress now and urge them to support a stronger, more inclusive workforce for all. Every call/email and every voice makes a difference!
You can call the U.S. Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121 to be connected to your two Senators and Member of the House of Representatives, or you can use the links below to find their contact information.
- Find the name and contact information for your Member of Congress
- Find the name and contact information for your two U.S. Senators
Sample Scripts and Email Templates
For your Member of Congress:
For your Senators:
