Benefits 24-10
Employment support for people with disabilities
If you are a person with a disability and pursuing employment, you are not alone. You can find many agencies providing employment support and help you to reach your vocational goal.
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)
Is a federal-state program that helps people who have physical or mental disabilities get or keep a job. VR is committed to helping people with disabilities find meaningful careers.
Examples of VR Services:
• Medical and Psychological Assessment
• Vocational Evaluation and Planning
• Career Counseling and Guidance
• Training and Education After High School
• Job-Site Assessment and Accommodations
• Job Placement
• Job Coaching
• On-the-Job Training
• Supported Employment
• Assistive Technology and Devices
• Time-Limited Medical and/or Psychological Treatment
For more information visit the Vocational Rehabilitation website http://www.rehabworks.org/
Centers for Independent Living
Services are provided to maximize the leadership, empowerment, independence and productivity of individuals with disabilities. The services are intended to lead to the integration and full inclusion of individuals with disabilities into mainstream American society. A CIL is a consumer-controlled, not-for-profit local organization which provides at least four core independent living services. There are 16 CILs in Florida. To find a CIL close to you. Visit http://www.ilru.org/projects/cil-net/cil-center-and-association-directory-results/FL Centers for Independent Living – Florida Independent Living Council (floridasilc.org) Find a CIL – FACIL (floridacils.org)
Employment Networks
Employment networks are available to provide vocational training, job readiness training, resume writing classes, and other vocational services to SSDI and SSI beneficiaries. Some ENs specialize in providing services only to people with specific disabilities (such as developmental disabilities), while others serve all beneficiaries irrespective of the nature of their disabilities. Some ENs are businesses that rely on the EN system as a means to employ people with disabilities for their own businesses. These ENs are alternatives to the state departments of vocational rehabilitation. For a list of ENs doing business in your area, Find Help – Ticket to Work – Social Security (ssa.gov)
Disability Program Navigator Initiative
The Disability Program Navigator Initiative helps CareerSource Florida centers improve employability and increase career opportunities available to job seekers with disabilities.
Major Objectives of the Disability Program Navigator Initiative
• Increase employment and self-sufficiency for social security beneficiaries and individuals with disabilities; and help individuals understand how earnings may affect their social security benefits and other support programs.
• Create systemic change to transform the culture of how CareerSource Florida centers serve customers with disabilities.
• Facilitate linkages to the employer community so individuals with disabilities may access programs and services.
For more information please visit Disability Program Navigator (DPN) Initiative – (careersourcesouthwestflorida.com)
Other important resources:
Disability Rights Florida: advocates for SSA beneficiaries pursuing employment
Services to Individuals
• Information and referrals
• Self-advocacy support
• Technical assistance
• Investigations into complaints of abuse, neglect and rights violations
• Dispute resolution support
• Negotiation and mediation support
• Advocacy services
For more information check their website http://www.disabilityrightsflorida.org/
The Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
JAN is the leading source of free, expert, and confidential guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues. Working toward practical solutions that benefit both employer and employee, JAN helps people with disabilities enhance their employability, and shows employers how to capitalize on the value and talent that people with disabilities add to the workplace. Check their website https://askjan.org/links/about.htm
