frequently asked questions about the directory

WHAT IS FOCUS ON ABILITY?

Focus on Ability is a web-and CD-based education and training initiative produced for Minnesota WorkForce Center staff and for employers to help them better understand, serve, and work with people with disabilities. The initiative has three components:

• Training modules which use extensive documentary video
• A collection of basic information on disabilities
• A directory of organizations that provide employment-related services to people with disabilities in Minnesota

WHO SPONSORED FOCUS ON ABILITY?

Focus on Ability is sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Security (DEED). The initiative was created with financial support from the U.S. Department of Labor.

WHO IS FOCUS ON ABILITY FOR?

The primary audiences for Focus on Ability are the staff members at all the WorkForce Centers across the state, and employees of all employers (for-profit, non-profit, government). In addition, the directory of employment service providers will be useful for people with disabilities who are seeking employment, and for employers seeking help in hiring people with disabilities.

WHAT KINDS OF ORGANIZATIONS SHOULD ENTER THEIR INFORMATION IN THIS DIRECTORY?

Any organization that provides employment-related services to people with disabilities in Minnesota is encouraged to become part of the directory. Eligible organizations can be small, large, public, private, non-profit, for-profit, or a government agency. If you know of other organizations that should be listed, please pass this information along.

HOW WILL THE INFORMATION BE ACCESSED AND USED?

Your information will be accessed online from the Focus on Ability web page: www.focusonability.net. The information will be used by WorkForce Center staff, employers seeking to hire people with disabilities, by employment and training counselors, by people with disabilities, and by the general public.

The site is free and open to the public. The directory is available to anyone who visits the site.

WHY SHOULD WE JOIN THE DIRECTORY?

Your entry will increase your visibility among potential customers, who will be actively searching the directory for the kind of services you offer. Plus there's no risk. It's free.

HOW DO I ENTER MY INFORMATION?

Fill out the form located at www.focusonability.net/directory.

HOW CAN I UPDATE THE INFORMATION I'VE ENTERED?

To update your entry, just return to the Focus on Ability web site at www.focusonability.net/directory and follow the directions given.

For security reasons and to prevent unauthorized changes in your entry, your updates will be reviewed by our staff before your listing is posted.

Each organization is responsible for updating its own information as needed.

I'VE ENTERED MY INFORMATION. NOW WHAT?

You will receive a confirmation email that repeats the information you entered. After our staff reviews your information (to guard against mischief like false entries), your organization will be listed in the directory.

I HAD A PROBLEM ENTERING MY INFORMATION. WHO CAN HELP ME?

Please send an email to deed.focusonability@state.mn.us if you have questions or concerns.

THANK YOU FOR BECOMING A PART OF FOCUS ON ABILITY.