Alaska limits disability employment training to 50 care coordinators

The Alaska Division of Senior and Disabilities Services is offering a free online course on advising, assisting and advocating for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities seeking employment to the first 50 care coordinators who register.

The division announced May 15, 2026, that registration for the course is first-come, first-served and will close after 50 care coordinators have signed up. The course, developed in partnership with the University of Massachusetts Boston, the Institute for Community Inclusion, and NASDDDS, provides six continuing education hours required for care coordinators.

Alaska News previously reported that the state sought public input on disability job services at a May meeting and has faced a special education crisis with 200 teaching positions unfilled statewide.

The course emphasizes the critical role care coordinators play in ensuring opportunities to experience competitive integrated employment. Topics include Employment Foundations, Employment Pathways, Employment Process, and Collaborating with Vocational Rehabilitation.

Care coordinators who complete the course by the June 30, 2026, deadline will receive six continuing education hours through SDS Training. The course is available now and is completely online.

To pass, learners must score 80 percent or better on all four course quizzes. Each learner has three attempts to pass each quiz. Learners need internet access and a browser other than Internet Explorer.

The division did not explain why the course is capped at 50 participants or whether additional sessions will be offered.

Care coordinators interested in the course can enroll at https://elearning.communityinclusion.org/browse/seln/courses/seln-ak-supporting-a-vision-for-employment. Questions about the course can be directed to [email protected].

The Division of Senior and Disabilities Services is part of the Alaska Department of Health, which provides services including Medicaid and senior care.