Employment for People with Disabilities

Possibility of employment should be considered and planned for in childhood. If you wait until the last year in high school you won't have the best options available. Thought should be taken if the goal is a regular high school degree. Some special education students do not earn a regular degree.
- Certificate Program Vs. Regular Diploma
- Goal Setting and Attainment

Each state as a department that focuses on employment for people with disabilities.

Virginia's is called Department of Rehab Services (DRS)

They do assessments to determine what job is the best fit for the person. They provide access to computer labs and adaptive equipment needed for employment. Please note jobs they consider are limited. EX. Landscaping, food service, home care.
- DRS

Many colleges now are more accessible to people with disabilities. They maybe have specialized departments to help students with disabilities with college life.
- Think College
- Preparing for Postsecondary Education

They are tax incentives for businesses that hire people with disabilities.
- Click here
- Click here

Facts from national surveys about employees with disabilities: punctual and rarely miss work due to sickness, work safely, work independently, rarely seek special considerations, can be modestly accommodated, and considered assets by co-workers.
- The Campaign for Disability Employment
- Think Beyond the Label

The Federal Government is working extremely hard to hire people with disabilities. They have internships for college students.
- Workforce Recruitment Program

Know your rights in the workplace.
- Disability Discrimination Law