Employment Resources for People with Intellectual and Physical Disabilities

Finding meaningful employment is a significant step toward independence, personal growth, and financial stability. However, individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities often face additional challenges in securing job opportunities. Thankfully, there are numerous resources, platforms, and websites dedicated to helping people with disabilities find employment that aligns with their skills, abilities, and interests.

Below, we’ve compiled a list of resources to help individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities navigate the job market. We've categorized them based on whether they support people with intellectual disabilities, physical disabilities, or both.

Resources for Individuals with Both Intellectual and Physical Disabilities

1. AbilityJobs.com

   • Overview: AbilityJobs is a leading platform for job seekers with disabilities. The site connects employers with talented individuals who have a range of disabilities, including both intellectual and physical.

   • Features:

     • Dedicated job board for people with disabilities.

     • Resume posting and job application tools.

     • Resources for disability-friendly employers.

   • Website: www.abilityjobs.com

2. The Arc: Employment Services

   • Overview: The Arc is a national organization that supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), including physical disabilities. Their employment programs help connect people with disabilities to job training, placement, and ongoing support.

   • Features:

     • Job placement and training services.

     • Job coaching and support in the workplace.

   • Website: www.thearc.org

3. Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP)

   • Overview: WRP is a recruitment and referral program for college students and recent graduates with disabilities, including those with intellectual and physical disabilities. It offers internships and full-time employment opportunities within federal agencies and private-sector employers.

   • Features:

     • Job opportunities with the federal government and private sector.

     • Support for recent graduates.

   • Website: wrp.gov

4. Job Accommodation Network (JAN)

   • Overview: JAN provides free, expert guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues. It offers job seekers with both intellectual and physical disabilities resources to secure and maintain employment.

   • Features:

     • Guidance on workplace accommodations.

     • Free consulting services for employees and employers.

   • Website: www.askjan.org

   

Resources for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities

1. National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) – Employment Programs

   • Overview: NDSS offers employment programs specifically tailored to individuals with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities. Their employment program helps job seekers find inclusive workplaces and offers training and advocacy support.

   • Features:

     • Job coaching, skill development, and placement services.

     • Resources for self-advocacy in the workplace.

   • Website: www.ndss.org

2. Best Buddies Jobs Program

   • Overview: Best Buddies International provides employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), helping them find jobs in various industries. The program also offers job training and support.

   • Features:

     • Career coaching and workplace readiness training.

     • Job matching and placement services.

   • Website: www.bestbuddies.org/jobs

3. Specialisterne USA

   • Overview: Specialisterne focuses on placing individuals on the autism spectrum or with other neurodiverse conditions into meaningful employment. They partner with employers who are committed to creating inclusive environments for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

   • Features:

     • Job training and placement.

     • Focus on technology and business services industries.

   • Website: www.specialisterneusa.com

Resources for Individuals with Physical Disabilities

1. Disability Employment Initiative (DEI)

   • Overview: DEI is a program of the U.S. Department of Labor that focuses on improving education and employment outcomes for people with disabilities, including physical disabilities. They collaborate with the workforce system to provide job training and placement.

   • Features:

     • Workforce training and career development.

     • Access to local American Job Centers.

   • Website: www.dol.gov/odep/topics/dei.htm

2. USAJOBS – Individuals with Disabilities

   • Overview: USAJOBS offers federal employment opportunities for individuals with physical disabilities through their "Schedule A" hiring authority. This platform is tailored to assist those who may require reasonable accommodations in the workplace.

   • Features:

     • Federal jobs database for people with disabilities.

     • Support for requesting accommodations during the hiring process.

   • Website: www.usajobs.gov

3. Getting Hired

   • Overview: Getting Hired is a job board that connects individuals with physical disabilities to inclusive employers. It also provides information on job readiness, resume building, and interview preparation.

   • Features:

     • Accessible job postings for people with physical disabilities.

     • Professional development resources.

   • Website: www.gettinghired.com

4. Career OneStop – Job Accommodations

   • Overview: Career OneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, offers job seekers with physical disabilities resources on workplace accommodations, job searching, and career planning.

   • Features:

     • Accessible job search tools.

     • Support for requesting workplace accommodations.

   • Website: www.careeronestop.org

     

Preparing for the Job Search

Before diving into the job search, it’s essential to take a few steps to set yourself up for success:

1. Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to understand your workplace rights and protections.

2. Build a Strong Resume: Highlight your skills, experience, and accomplishments, and be prepared to explain how you’ll contribute to your desired workplace.

3. Request Accommodations: Don’t hesitate to request any reasonable accommodations you may need to succeed during the hiring process or in the workplace.

   
   

Conclusion

Job seekers with intellectual and physical disabilities have access to a variety of resources, platforms, and support services that can help them find meaningful employment. Whether you’re looking for job training, placement services, or workplace accommodations, these resources are here to help you every step of the way.