FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Senators unanimously voted in support of Senator Amanda Shelton's amendment to fund and protect job coaches for individuals with disabilities serving the Government of Guam .
"A robust workforce includes individuals of all abilities. Job coaches help individuals with disabilities maintain gainful employment and contributes to their long-term financial security and self-esteem," said Senator Shelton. "When adults with disabilities want to work and want the satisfaction of providing for themsevles, we must do what we can to support them with the resources they need."
Funding for job coaches were cut by a fourth (1/4) in this year's budget for the Department of Integrated Services for Individuals with Disabilities. Senator Shelton with her co-sponsor, Speaker Tina Muña Barnes offered the amendment to authorize a continuing appropriation from FY2020 funds.
This appropriation will provide job coaches through the DISID to allow these individuals with disabilities to work and lead a life of more independence and financial security. A job coach is an individual who is employed to help individuals with disabilities learn, accommodate, and perform their work duties. A job coach may work with individuals one-on-one and/or in a small group.
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For more information contact our office at
officeofsenatorshelton@guamlegislature.org or 969-2574/989-2572