Resources Related to the Employment of People with Disabilities
This section contains resources related to the employment of people with disabilities that (a) are "gateways" to research or other resources, (b) provide foundational information, or (c) may be of assistance to educators working with youth with disabilities.
NEW! Let's Get Everyone to Work!
http://www.fddc.org/publications (scroll down to Employment section)
These videos, developed by the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council (FDDC), focus on preparing youth with developmental disabilities for employment and independence. Two 45-minute videos, the Resource Toolkit for Students and Families and the Teaching Toolkit for Pre-Service Professionals discuss employment and independence strategies, high expectations, person-centered planning, and support networks. The five-minute Marketing Toolkit for Employers video describes the benefits of hiring people with developmental disabilities and available employer supports. Youth success stories are included in each video.
Skills to Pay the Bills
http://www.dol.gov/odep/topics/youth/softskills/
This curriculum was developed by the Office of Disability Policy in the U.S. Department of Labor. It focuses on youth ages 14-21 and provides short videos and instructional modules with hands-on activities in six skill areas including communication, teamwork, problem solving, and professionalism. Users may download the full publication, individual modules, and the videos.
Disability Statistics
http://www.disabilitystatistics.org/
This website from Cornell University's Employment and Disability Institute provides national and state statistics that link employment and disability including employment rates, earnings, SSI, educational attainment, veterans, poverty, health insurance coverage, household income, and more.
PEPNet2's Getting a Job! Transition Resources
http://www.pepnet.org/resources/transition
PEPNet2's Getting a Job! resources--designed for students who are deaf or hard
of hearing transitioning to work and the professionals who work with them--are listed on this web page. Resources include
topical videos, supporting documents and related materials, educator's guides,
and role model videos. The videos incorporate American Sign Language, close
captioning, print, and voice.
JobTIPS
http://www.do2learn.com/JobTIPS//index.html
This free program and web site are designed to help individuals with
communication, socialization, and learning differences explore career interests,
seek and obtain employment, and successfully maintain employment. Individuals
with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), learning differences, ADD, speech or language
disorders, and other areas of exceptionality may find the site particulaly helpful. The program (printables, assessments, and videos) is also suitable for use by educators,
family members, clinicians, mentors, and job coaches.
USAJOBS - Individuals with Disabilities
http://www.usajobs.gov/IndividualsWithDisabilities
USAJOBS is the Federal Government's official one-stop source for Federal jobs and employment information and is maintained by the Office of Personnel Management. This page explains federal employment options for individuals with disabilities including competitive employment, noncompetitive appointments for veterans with disabilities, and noncompetitive schedule A appointments for individuals with mental retardation, severe physical disabilities, or psychiatric disabilities.
Employment Resources and Self-Help Guide for Individuals with Disabilities
http://www.faast.org/sites/default/files/FAAST%20Employment%20Resources_Self-Help%20Guide.pdf
Contains information for job-seekers with disabilities (government/private resources, laws and organizations that support transition to employment, resources for finding and applying for employment, and rights of employees with disabilities) and employers (employment laws and regulations including the Americans with Disabilities Act, employer incentives, and workforce investment resources in Florida.)
The Able Trust
http://www.abletrust.org/
A public-private foundation providing Floridians with disabilities (including youth) fair employment opportunities. It funds new and creative programs of existing organizations, associations and agencies that cannot otherwise be provided through a state agency with a priority on programs using effective cost-sharing or multiple funding sources.
Department of Education Disability Services
http://www.fldoe.org/disability/
Contains links to the Division of Blind Services, the Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services, and the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and their many resources and publications.
Department of Education Workforce Education
http://www.fldoe.org/workforce/ngosedu/
Contains information and links for career planning, career and technical education, the Apprenticeship Advisory Council, career academies, professional development, products, catalogs, technical assistance papers and more.
Disability.gov
http://www.disability.gov
Formerly DisabilityInfo.gov, this Web site provides information to people with disabilities on federal and state benefits, civil rights, community life, emergency preparedness, employment, health, housing, technology, and transportation.
U.S. Department of Justice – Americans with Disabilities Act Home Page
http://www.ada.gov/
Information and technical assistance on the ADA as well as links to other federal agencies with ADA responsibilities.
U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy
http://www.dol.gov/odep/
Provides national leadership on disability employment policy by developing and influencing the use of evidence-based disability employment policies and practices, building collaborative partnerships, and delivering authoritative and credible data on employment of people with disabilities.
Virginia Commonwealth University Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) on Workplace Supports and Job Retention
http://www.worksupport.com/
Research site studying supports that are most effective for assisting individuals with disabilities to maintain employment and advance their careers. Includes an "Ask Us" link for questions or comments.
Institute for Community Inclusion
http://www.communityinclusion.org
Offers training, clinical, and employment services, conducts research, and provides assistance to organizations to promote inclusion of people with disabilities in school, work, and community activities. Some documents are available in Spanish.
National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth
http://www.ncwd-youth.info
Provides information about employment and youth with disabilities including publications, best practices, and an on-line "feedback" form for comments, questions, and information requests.
National Center on Secondary Education and Transition
http://www.ncset.org
Coordinates resources, provides technical assistance, disseminates information related to secondary education and transition. Has a link for questions.
National Secondary Transition Technical Assistance Center
http://www.nsttac.org/
Helps states build capacity to support and improve transition planning, services, and outcomes for youth with disabilities; disseminates information; and provides technical assistance on scientifically-based research practices.
Division of Career Development and Transition, Council for Exceptional Children
http://www.dcdt.org/
Promotes efforts to improve quality of and access to career/vocational/transition services, increase the participation of education in career development and transition goals, and influence policies affecting career development and transition services for persons with disabilities. Publications and resources include a long list of related web links.
