PLATTSBURGH, Nov 09, 2008 (The Press-Republican - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) –

A recent hire at OneWorkSource in Plattsburgh is dedicated to helping the disabled find employment and support.

Janelle Shepard was named Disability Program coordinator at OneWorkSource in Plattsburgh in mid-August.

“Things are going great. I love this job and love helping people,” she said.
“My job is to help the OneWorkSource staff and our customers to navigate the agencies and programs for people with disabilities.”

COORDINATION
Shepard said she was able to work with 15 customers in October. Disabilities can range from mental illness to dyslexia to physical disabilities.

Shepard can also work to find what employers can do to accommodate a potential employee’s disability.

There is no guide on how to do the job, Shepard said, but training resources are available to help. She said Kevin Nickerson, who has been a Disability Program navigator in the Ithaca area for 14 years, is acting as her mentor as she learns the job.

She is developing partnerships with the local agencies, as well.
“I refer many customers to VESID (Vocational Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities). They are a big partner with me because they work with people with disabilities.”

MAINTAINING BENEFITS
Some people worry that if they go back to work, they could lose their Social Security disability insurance or income benefits. Shepard wants to have a workshop to explain to them what the differences are and how they can work and retain their benefits.

“I’ve been quite busy coming up with different projects to do,” she said.
She recently surveyed staff for feedback and found many want to learn how to use adaptive technology, such as computer software that helps the blind use a computer and phone systems for the deaf.

LOCAL TIES
Shepard graduated from Northeastern Clinton Central School in 1998 and earned a bachelor of arts degree in speech communications from Plattsburgh State in 2006.

She worked as a support and employment counselor at Northwestern Counseling and Support Services in St. Albans, Vt., from October 2007 until she returned to Plattsburgh in August.

The Disability Program Coordinator Initiative is a collaboration between the U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. Social Security Administration. The two agencies agreed to jointly fund, implement, pilot and evaluate the initiative, starting in 2002.

OPENING EYES
Clinton County OneWorkSource Manager John Masella said this is the first time a Disability Program coordinator has worked in the OneWorkSource office in Plattsburgh. The position received funding through a grant obtained by the North Country Workforce Investment Board.

Masella said Shepard definitely hit the ground running. For example, she sends e-mails with a scenario involving a disabled person and multiple responses on how it should be managed, Masella said, then follows up with explanations when a wrong response is given.

“She’s already made us aware of the different needs and that people with disabilities are the same as everybody else.”

READY TO HELP
OneWorkSource is located at 194 U.S. Oval, Plattsburgh. Disability Program Coordinator Janelle Shepard is available 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. No appointment is necessary.

Clinton County residents can call 561-0430 for more information.
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