DOL Expands Initiative to Integrate Disability and Healthcare

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) recently announced $103 million in funding for return-to-work (RTW) demonstrations in the Retaining Employment and Talent after Injury/Illness Network (RETAIN) study. The goal is to develop comprehensive supports to help workers remain in the labor force after significant injuries or illnesses. The projects will apply practices similar to those in employer disability integration initiatives, such as training healthcare providers in occupational health; case management by RTW coordinators; and accommodation and job modification. Phase 2 of RETAIN will fund projects in Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Ohio, and Vermont with close coordination between employers, healthcare providers, and other resources. The DOL grants have a particular focus on underserved and underrepresented communities, both disproportionately hurt by the pandemic. As part of the study, the Social Security Administration will fund an independent evaluation of Phase 2 recipients while the DOL funds a contract to provide technical assistance for the program. To learn more about RETAIN, visit https://www.dol.gov/agencies/odep/initiatives/saw-rtw/retain.

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