Californians with disabilities, including Latinos, may find it a little easier to find jobs. California governor Gray Davis has signed legislation, AB 925, that is meant to create job opportunities for people with disabilities in California. The legislation also requires that services and agencies for job hunters in California must be made accessible to people who have disabilities.

"Everyone has value and everyone should have the opportunity to reach their goals," Gov. Davis said. "This bill establishes a chain of cooperation and coordination between state, federal, and local governments with the goal toward moving, creating, and sustaining employment opportunities for people with disabilities."

What Does the Bill, AB 925, Do?

The bill, AB 925, by Assembly member Dion Aroner (D-Berkeley), makes it easier for people with disabilities to work toward their educational and employment goals. It does this by coordinating efforts between state agencies to overcome institutional barriers that, until now, have been making it difficult for people with disabilities to use their services.

This bill establishes goals that will bring adults with disabilities into gainful employment at a rate that is as close as possible to that of the general population. It also allows state-funded personal care services to be available in the workplace.

AB 925 requires that Local Workforce Investment Boards that have "one-stop" employment centers to make these centers accessible to people with disabilities. These one-stop centers also must include people with disabilities on their boards. One-stop employment centers generally provide a wide range of services to people who are seeking employment.

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