Media Release

August 7, 2003

Media Contact:

Rosann Doran
Public Information Officer
303.438.6308

New consumer navigator helps job-seekers with disabilities

A new Consumer Navigator at the Broomfield Workforce Center is now on board to help people with disabilities find work.

Miranda Thompson, Broomfield’s new Consumer Navigator, is available to help customers with disabilities access the services and benefits they need to obtain and maintain employment.

Funds for the new position come from Project TRAIN, a federally funded, statewide initiative that brings together public and community-based organizations and businesses in a focused effort to provide employment and training services for people with disabilities.

The staff at the Workforce Center is excited at this expanded service which is designed to put everyone on an even playing field. When people with disabilities come in, according to Frank Schoengarth, the center’s director, “We’ll look at the whole person and their abilities and how we can market those abilities with employers. Miranda is the key for us. She really will help people navigate the job market.”

Thompson added that she will be helping with advocacy, too. “I’ll work with the customer and with benefits planning to figure out the best situation,” she said.

In addition, Thompson will be a coach for center staff as well as the job seekers. “We’re also building capacity for the Workforce Center,” Schoengarth said, “so all members of our staff can be helpful.”

Thompson will help troubleshoot problem areas, advocate for persons with disabilities, and serve as a resource on disability and employment-related issues to workforce center staff, community partners, and employers to help them learn how to interact with people with disabilities effectively.

Schoengarth said that this new position will help “build an infrastructure for the center to help us uncover and discover resources.”

Assistive technology has also been acquired. It includes text magnification systems, computer screen magnification and screen and text reading software, “Speak and Type” software programs, audio amplification equipment, software to enhance reading, writing and productivity and more. “One of our computers at the Center will be accessible,” Thompson said.

Thompson can be reached by calling 303.464.5822, or at mthompson@co.broomfield.co.us.