Back to Innovation Homepage
Breaking Down Barriers to Opportunity: SCION
At the New York State Department of Labor, we believe that everyone deserves an equal shot at achieving their career dreams. That's why we've launched the groundbreaking Systems Change and Inclusive Opportunities Network (SCION) - removing obstacles for New Yorkers with disabilities to fully participate in the workforce.
A Dedicated Support System
SCION builds upon years of innovative initiatives aimed at improving job access, training, and economic empowerment for those with disabilities. Its core mission: embed highly-specialized staff at DOL Career Centers statewide to directly advocate for and assist this community.
Introducing the Disability Resource Coordinators
Serving as career guides and accessibility champions, Disability Resource Coordinators (DRCs) at 48 Career Centers are now stationed across New York to create inclusive pathways to employment through:
• Personalized career counseling and job matching
• Facilitating coordination across educational, vocational, disability, and social service providers
• Conducting outreach to raise awareness of workforce development resources
• Ensuring accessibility of DOL facilities, services, and support systems
In their first year, DRCs have already uplifted over 1,800 New Yorkers with disabilities. But their impact radiates far beyond - in 2023, DOL's workforce system empowered over 5,100 customers with disabilities in total.
A Future of Equitable Opportunity
SCION represents a pivotal step in breaking down long-standing barriers. But it's only the beginning of DOL's commitment to cultivating a New York where disability is no obstacle to economic success and self-sufficiency.
Whether you're in need of workforce services or an organization looking to partner, we invite you to join us. Together, we'll continue shattering stigmas and forging new realities of empowerment for all New Yorkers.
Continue exploring UPLIFT Innovations