Employment Options For Adults With a Disability

Competitive employment refers to a full- or part-time job that pays minimum wage or above. Competitive employment is possible for many individuals with disability-related needs, especially when provided appropriate training and accommodations.

An entrepreneur or someone who is self-employed owns and operates their own business. You can become an entrepreneur by establishing a business in a field you’re knowledgeable in. For more information and assistance with starting a business, visit the Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy website.

Supported employment helps those with disabilities learn the skills and behaviors required for specific jobs, find positions that meet individual needs and provide support during the hiring process. Through supported employment, those with disabilities can receive hands-on training and ongoing support from trained job coaches as they master a specific job. Visit your state’s Vocational Rehabilitation Services Program website for additional information on supported employment.

A mobile work crew is a small group of employees, led by trained supervisors, who travel from one location to another performing certain tasks, such as cleaning or grounds maintenance. Mobile work crews provide paid employment opportunities for those with disabilities in a variety of community settings and are funded through the Rehabilitation Services Administration, Medicaid or local community programs.

Day activity centers help those with disabilities move toward supported and competitive paid employment. Participants can develop employment skills while strengthening daily living abilities in a supervised, structured environment. Day activity centers are primarily funded by Medicaid.

Installation employment assistance programs help individuals reach their employment and career goals by providing the tools and skills necessary to identify and actively pursue employment that matches individual needs and skills.

Military OneSource can identify local resources and perform local searches for employment agencies that specialize in your personal career interests. It also provides links to websites and publications that advertise job opportunities and has a variety of articles and resources about finding employment and career building.

Networking is a great way to connect with employers and individuals in your chosen field. Connecting with family, friends, community members or even business you frequent can lead to job opportunities. You can also connect with others, get advice and find employment opportunities through social networking sites such as Facebook and LinkedIn.

The State Vocational Rehabilitation Services Program provides grants to states operating statewide vocational rehabilitation programs. These help adults with disabilities create employment plans based on their needs, skills and interests. These include education or training and employment goals, supports needed to achieve those goals and estimated time frames for achieving them.

While most Vocational Rehabilitation services are free or offered on a sliding-fee scale, costs and access to services vary by state. CareerOneStop is a VR service that provides job training and education along with job search and placement assistance, labor market information, skills and needs assessments, and follow-up to help maintain employment.

Local or state employment agencies or workforce commissions offer free assistance with job searching and specialize in job-seeker and employer services, unemployment benefits, employment training services and job market information.

The Job Accommodation Network provides guidance on accommodations for employers, employees and future employees along with information on interviewing, resumes and tips on self-disclosure. JAN also has a Searchable Online Accommodation Resource.

The Work Incentives Planning and Assistance program helps evaluate how employment will impact eligibility for employment incentive programs and benefits for those receiving Social Security.

In addition to the Work Incentives Planning and Assistance program, the Social Security Administration offers the Plan to Achieve Self-Support program, which helps individuals set aside income or resources for a specific period to achieve a work goal. Money set aside is not counted by the SSA when determining Supplemental Security Income payment amounts.

The SSA also offers the Ticket to Work program, which supports career development for those who receive Social Security disability benefits and want to work. It offers access to meaningful employment with the assistance of authorized employment service providers.

Impairment-Related Work Expenses are costs for items or services that you need in order to work because of your disability. Social Security will deduct the costs of IRWE from your countable income when determining your eligibility for Social Security disability benefits.