Employment Resources

Resources

Vocational Rehabilitation: each state and most tribes have agencies that provide vocational rehabilitation services for people with disabilities.  These state agencies go by different names but have the same purpose- to assist with employment goals.   Some vocational rehabilitation agencies only have enough funding to provide services to people with the most significant disabilities and create waitlists due to this.  

JAN:  Job Accommodation Network is a resource on appropriate workplace accommodations.  It helps employers and employees learn more about potential accommodations.  JAN has compiled a partial list of accommodations for LPs as well.

Local Centers for Independent Living (referred to as CILs or ILCs depending on location) can assist with a variety of services including advocacy, independent living skills training, peer counseling, and information and referral to other agencies.  Some CILs provide employment services like mock interviewing and resume training.  A list of locations across the country is at: http://www.ilru.org/projects/cil-net/cil-center-and-association-directory

Assistance with Social Security (SSI/SSDI) and other benefits:  Want to work but don’t want to lose your benefits? If someone needs info on how going to work will impact SSI/SSDI benefits, WIPA (Work Incentives Planning and Assistance) programs provide a detailed analysis of options.  There are also programs that let you keep Medicaid while working.   More information can be found on this blog post at: choosework.ssa.gov 

The Social Security Disability Benefits With Dwarfism link explains two programs for people with disabilities provided by the Social Security Administration: 1) Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is for people who have worked before but are no longer able to maintain employment due to a disability and 2) Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, is for people of all ages who have never worked. 

Nursing Career Guide for People With Disabilities - Website that shares some of the benefits and challenges of a nursing career, tips on choosing an accessible nursing school, and examines different nursing career paths, their demands, and accommodations available. It also includes practical advice on job interviews, disclosing disabilities to employers, and understanding legal protections.