At Mobility Trust Group, we understand that employment is a key to independence and fulfillment for individuals with disabilities. While challenges exist to gain good jobs, numerous resources are available to help individuals navigate their employment journey, from finding a job to advancing in a career.
1. Vocational Rehabilitation (VR):
VR programs offer job training, placement services, and career counseling tailored to individuals with disabilities. Every U.S. state provides VR services, which help with everything from skill-building to securing employment.
2. Job Accommodation Network (JAN):
JAN provides free expert advice on workplace accommodations, ensuring that employees with disabilities have the tools they need to perform their job functions. JAN also helps employers create more inclusive work environments.
3. Disability:IN:
This nonprofit is dedicated to disability inclusion and offers a wide range of resources for both employees and employers, including the Disability Equality Index (DEI), which assesses businesses' efforts to create accessible workplaces.
4. Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP):
WRP helps college students and recent graduates with disabilities find internships and jobs, particularly in the federal government and private sector. The program connects qualified candidates with employers eager to build a diverse workforce.
Additional Resources:
5. Ticket to Work Program:
Offered by the Social Security Administration (SSA), this program assists beneficiaries in returning to work without immediately losing disability benefits. Participants receive career counseling, job placement, and support services.
6. American Job Centers (AJCs):
AJCs provide employment services to people across the U.S., including those with disabilities. They offer resources for job searching, resume building, and skills training through local centers nationwide.
7. U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC):
The EEOC enforces laws against workplace discrimination and provides guidance on the legal rights of individuals with disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). They also help individuals resolve disability-related workplace disputes.
8. RespectAbility:
RespectAbility is a nonprofit organization working to combat stigma and advance opportunities for people with disabilities. They offer an online job portal and resources to help candidates connect with inclusive employers across various sectors.
9. United Spinal Association’s Pathways to Employment (PTE) Program:
The Pathways to Employment (PTE) program, by United Spinal Association, provides comprehensive support for wheelchair users seeking employment. From personalized career guidance to job training and placement services, PTE empowers individuals to achieve their professional goals. It also offers resources for navigating workplace challenges, ensuring long-term career success.
You can learn more and apply here.
These programs aim to dismantle barriers, enabling individuals with disabilities to find meaningful employment that aligns with their skills and passions. At Mobility Trust Group, we advocate for greater access and inclusivity in workplaces everywhere, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to thrive professionally.
Whether you're looking to enter the workforce for the first time or seeking new opportunities, know that support is out there.