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Community and Internet Resources


Employment: Employment Services
(Assessment / Training / Placement)

If you are a Disabled Veteran, please also visit Disabled Veteran Support: Employment.

National

Employment Services by State:
AL / AR / CA / DE /FL / GA / IL / IN / MD / MA / MI / MN / MT / NJ / NY / OR / PA / OH /SD / TX / UT / VA /DC / WI

(Official USPS State Abbreviations)

National

APSE was once named the Association for Persons in Supported Employment but now known as APSE is the only national organization with an exclusive focus on integrated employment and career advancement opportunities for individuals with disabilities. APSE is a growing national non-profit membership organization. HR Connect offers consultation services to help businesses reach out to and partner with one of the strongest labor and customer pools in the country:  the disability community. Membership in APSE is a must for anyone interested in ensuring that persons with disabilities get real work with real pay. APSE provides evidence-based employment research, cutting-edge training conferences, and a place where advocates from all walks of life can get together to discuss employment issues.

Career One Stop is the on-line presence for the Department of Labor's One Stop Career Centers. Located in every state, "One Stops" offer a range of employment services from career assessment to resume preparation. For more information, visit their website or call (877)-US-2JOBS (877-872-5627) (Voice), or (877) 348-0501 (TTY).

Goodwill Industries International is a network of 207 community-based member organizations worldwide that serve people with workplace disadvantages and disabilities by providing job training and employment services. Local Goodwill agencies offer skill assessments, career and skills training, occupational skills training and work experience, job placement and support services. To locate an agency near you, call (800) 664-6577.

Helen Keller Services for the Blind National Center provides orientation, mobility and job training as well as education programs and adaptive technology for legally blind people.

HirePotential is an employment firm specializing in the employment of people with disabilities, mature workers, veterans and individuals from other niche groups. They can help potential employees find an employer that will best meet their needs and talents. Their website features a listing of helpful employment resources and also offers an opportunity to search current job openings. For more information, call (888) 590-8808.

Source America works to create employment opportunities for people with severe disabilities by securing Federal contracts through the Ability One Program. They work through a network of more than 1300 non-profit agencies. To locate an agency that may have employment opportunities available in your area, use the Source America Offices Locator. Learn more about the Ability One Program.

Your State Vocational Rehabilitation Office offers a wealth of resources related to employment options for people with disabilities. Vocational Rehabilitation assists individuals with disabilities secure gainful employment through local job searches and awareness of self-employment and telecommuting opportunities. To locate your state office, visit the Job Accommodation Network Directory of VR Agencies.

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State Listings

Alabama

The ARC of Tuscaloosa County offers the PESE (Palk Enterprises Supported Employment) program. A program funded by the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services that provides community-based assessments, job development, job coaching, and extended support to meet the employment needs of the individuals served. For information, contact Tim Green, Program Coordinator, (205)758-1875.

Arkansas

Mays Mission for the Handicapped, Inc., located in Herber Springs, Arkansas, offers on the job training to people with disabilities. The Mission operates a large 4-color web press, designs packages in its prepress and graphic arts department, cuts, folds and stitches paper and books in the bindery department and inserts all this into envelopes in the lettershop department. There are also data entry and pen assembly departments. Each department offers employment opportunities to people with disabilities. For more information about their programs and services, call (501) 362-7526 or e-mail info@maysmission.org.

California

City of Pasadena Human Services and Recreation Department offers the Career Services program, through which they provide vocational training and job placement assistance to economically disadvantaged youth, adults and laid off workers. Training includes clerical, medical occupations, computers, truck driving, construction trades, and other job fields that correspond with the needs and job availability of local employers. Services are provided in Arcadia, Duarte, Monrovia, Pasadena, Sierra Madre and South Pasadena. For more information, call (626) 584-8381.

DPI, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to prepare people with disabilities for a career in Information Technology (IT). DPI offers three programs to help residents of San Jose, California including, the Computer Training Program, the School-to-Career Program, and a Computer Access Technology Lab. For more information, call (408) 278-2000.

Project Hired assists individuals with disabilities in finding competitive employment while also offering a number of workshops and programs to build essential employment related skills. Services offered to potential employees include specialized workshops, job search counseling, post-hire follow up, resume analysis and critique, and job referrals. Also offered, are a number of programs such as the Mentor Program and the Corporate Training Partners Program. Beyond the on-site services, the website offers a number of disability related links. Project Hired is located at 1270 Franklin Mall, Santa Clara, California 95050. For more information please call (408) 557-0880 or fax (408) 557-0710.

West Side Center for Independent Living offers the Computer Training Project, in which people with disabilities are trained as computer specialists. This project brings people with disabilities together with a Business Advisory Council of executives from major Southern California companies who help design coursework, assist with student selection and evaluation, provide student mentors, and actively hire students when their coursework is completed. For more information, call (888) 851-WCIL (9245).

WorkLink a program of TransCen, Inc., has a primary goal to "provide the training and support individuals with disabilities need to obtain career-oriented employment, access their communities and participate in events they enjoy, advocate for themselves, and become as independent as possible in their daily lives." They offer career counseling, skills assessment and development, and job placement services. They also offer a community work program in which clients have an opportunity to work and gain on-the-job experience. For more information, call (415) 979-9520 or e-mail worklink@sbcglobal.net.

Delaware

Kent-Sussex Industries, Inc. (KSI) located in Milford, Delaware, offers rehabilitative and employment programs for individuals with disabilities. Such programs include a Facility-based Work Service Program, Community-based Work Service Program, the Follow-Along Program as well as a Community Inclusion Program. KSI also offers full employment evaluation and training before placement is made. For the details of each program, visit their website or call (302) 422-4014.

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Florida

Dan Marino Foundation (DMF) is a results-driven nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of persons with autism or other developmental disabilities. At the core of the Foundation's initiatives is Marino Campus, an intensive 10-month post-secondary educational program to help young adults with autism or other developmental disabilities bridge the gap between high school and employment. To contact the FORT LAUDERDALE OFFICE | 400 North Andrews Ave. | Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 or Phone: 954-368-6000. MIAMI OFFICE | 11200 SW 8th St. PG6 Ste.150 | Miami, FL 33199 or Phone: 786-817-2323 or send Email to: info@DanMarinoFoundation.org

Seagull Industries for the Disabled, Inc. is a private, non-profit social services agency serving individuals with physical, mental and emotional disabilities in Palm Beach County, Florida. They assist people with disabilities gain valuable employment skills and experience by providing temporary labor, piecemeal work and assembly, landscape maintenance, bulk mailing and other similar light labor services. For more information, call (561) 842-5814 or e-mail main@seagull.org.

Seminole Work Opportunity Program (SWOP) is a private non-profit organization providing sheltered vocational, educational and community based employment training to adults with developmental disabilities in Seminole and Orange Counties since 1980. SWOP creates employment opportunities by partnering with local businesses in need of contract work. For more information, call (407) 699-4419.

Georgia

Hi Hope Service Center, of Lawrenceville, Georgia, offers people with developmental disabilities access to employment via their Community Employment program. Clients are prepared for employment and then placed in paid positions with various local corporations. For more information, call (770) 963-8694.

Illinois

Project Enable, a project of the Pilsen Workforce Center and the Mid-South Workforce Center in Chicago, Illinois, aims to improve the employability of people with developmental disabilities. Two rehabilitation specialists are on hand at each site to assist disabled Chicagoans improve their employment skills. For more information, call (312) 746-7777 (Voice), (312) 746-7769 (TTY) or visit either workforce center mentioned above.

Trinity Services, Inc. is a non-profit organization that serves individuals with disabilities. They offer Career Access Network, a service that allows individuals to explore a variety of employment options. Services include employment opportunity analysis, personal employment plans, personal consulting and training, job-preference development, disability awareness training, job development and placement, coaching services, as well as follow-up consulting and assistance. For more information, call (815) 717-3770.

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Indiana

Abilities Services, Inc., serving Montgomery and Clinton Counties in Indiana, provides training opportunities in work centers. Specific services include Job Seeking Skills Training (completing applications, interviewing, résumés, etc.), Job Placement (assistance obtaining a job), Supported Employment (assistance getting, learning and keeping a job), Follow-Along (intervention as needed to keep a job), and Mentoring / Job Coaching. For more information, call (800) 362-4021 or e-mail abilities@wico.com.

Maryland

Alliance, Inc. prepares individuals with disabilities for the workforce through a variety of methods, including: career assessments, assessments to hire, work adjustment training, skills instruction and community based assessments. Individuals have the opportunity to develop skills in floral arrangements and horticulture, custodial skills including floor care, customer service, machine repair and day care. For more information, call (410) 282-5900.

Massachusetts

Resource Partnership is a non-profit agency serving individuals with disabilities in the Massachusetts community. They assist disabled individuals with skills assessment, resume and reference development, interviewing and job seeking training, up to date information on the job market and by direct referral to employers. For more information about these services, contact them at 251 W. Central St, Natick, MA 01760-3758, or call (508) 647-1722.

Triangle, Inc., serving adults with disabilities in the Greater Boston area, offers a range of employment services. Programs include the Vocational Evaluation and Assessment Program, which provides comprehensive screening and evaluation aimed at assisting the individual served in establishing a realistic vocational goal. Their Job Placement Program provides job development, on-the job training, and follow-along services. They serve individuals with a wide range of disabilities including mental retardation, traumatic brain injury, blindness, visual impairment, physical disability, mental illness, and substance abuse. For more information, call (781) 322-0400 or e-mail triangle@triangle-inc.org.

Work Inc. is a non-profit organization that offers rehabilitative services to individuals with disabilities of all ages. They "assist individuals to define their employment objectives and help them with career exploration, training, education, counseling and job placement." They also offer work centers at which individuals can develop their employment skills while sampling a variety of jobs. They offer a wide variety of programs not only aimed at increasing the employability of individuals with disabilities but also aimed at increasing life satisfaction and the overall independence of each individual. For more information, call (617) 691-1500.

Michigan

Hope Network, serving adults with disabilities throughout Michigan offers a range of vocational services to assist persons with barriers to employment gain work experience and ultimately to obtain permanent employment. Services include paid work in a factory setting, job exploration and job seeking skills training, vocational counseling, and math and reading tutoring. For more information, call (800) 695-4843.

Minnesota

Minnesota Resource Center (MRC) is a private agency affiliated with Resource, Inc. providing vocational services to potential employees with disabilities. They provide job seekers with a vocational evaluation, computer training, specialized placement, as well as with employment retention services. For more information about these services, call (612) 752-8118.

Minnesota Workforce Center, via Rehabilitation Services, works with individuals who have disabilities, providing a variety of services including vocational planning, employment information and referral service and guidance in maintaining employment. Services are available statewide. For more information, call (888)-GET-JOBS (438-5627).

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Montana

Job Connection Inc. (JCI) is a non-profit, supported employment agency located in Billings, Montana. Program participants will be thoroughly assessed and assigned a job coach, which will work with them to obtain and sustain employment. Specifically, JCI helps each individual find a job, learn job duties, adjust to changes at work, guide development of a work ethic, arrange transportation and finally to understand Social Security. For more information, visit their website or call (406) 245-6323.

New Jersey

Abilities of Northwest Jersey, Inc., a private, non-profit, vocational training agency, serves people with disabilities residing in Warren, Northern Hunterdon and Western Morris Counties of New Jersey. They offer a number of employment services including, job sampling / shadowing, job development and placement, job coaching as well as follow along services. Services are administered based upon a referral from one of several agencies. For more information, visit their website or call (908) 689-7640.

New Jersey WINS (New Jersey Work Incentive Network Support) is non-profit organization that offers a support for people with disabilities who would like to seek employment but need more information and technical assistance about income or medical benefits.

New York

Ace Employment Services serving Erie and Genesee Counties with offices in Batavia and Buffalo, assists individuals with psychiatric disabilities to choose, get and keep satisfying employment. Services include the assessment of work-readiness skills, resume development,mock interviewing, mobility training, and career development counseling. They also offer support services for those placed with a company. For more information, call the Erie County office at (716) 884-5216 or the Genesee County Office at (585) 343-9162.

Fedcap is a non-profit organization with a mission to "help people with disabilities and barriers to employment achieve independence and full participation in the economic mainstream." Fedcap provides assessment, basic education, training and job placement for individuals that face barriers to employment due to their disability. They offer a number of specific training programs as well via their Career Design School. For more information, call (212) 727-4200 (Voice), (212) 727-4384 (TTY) or e-mail info@fedcap.org.

Just One Break (JOB), located in New York, New York is a not-for-profit, no-fee employment placement service for people with disabilities that has been helping people with disabilities find jobs and lead productive lives since 1947. In addition to their placement services, they also offer a college intern program and YouthAbility, a focus on connecting young people with disabilities to local businesses. Their website features job listings, and links to other helpful disability-related resources. For more information, call (212) 785-7300 (Voice) or (212) 785-4515 (TTY).

PRALID, located in Rochester, New York offers specialized employment services to adults with brain injury and other neurological disorders. They offer a range of services, assisting the consumer with developing a career plan, gaining employment skills, locating an employer and maintaining employment. For more information, call (585) 442-6420 or e-mail info@pralid.org.

Ohio

TAC Enterprises, a non-profit corporation located in Springfield, Ohio, offers individuals with developmental disabilities an opportunity to "develop marketable skills by completing contract work in partnership with other industries." Work and self-help skills, social adjustment, and a variety of daily living experiences are offered to the workers by their specialized staff. For more information, visit their website, call (937) 525-7400 or e-mail info@tacind.com.

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Oregon

Alternative Work Concepts is a non-profit employment agency dedicated to assisting individuals with significant disabilities find paid integrated jobs within their community. In addition to offer direct services, they have also compiled many useful employment-related resources. For more information, call (541) 345-3043.

Pennsylvania

Liberty Resources Academy, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, assists people who have never worked before in making a first step towards a career and people who have worked in entry level jobs improve their skills. Business training covers the operation of basic office equipment, reading and written communication skills, basic mathematics and calculator use, beginning and advanced computer skills, resume and interview development and dressing for success. People with disabilities are encouraged to participate. For more information, call (215) 634-2000 ext. 203.

South Dakota

Black Hills Workshop, via Employment Resources, assists people who have developmental disabilities or traumatic brain injury find and maintain meaningful employment. Individuals are evaluated on job skills, ability to follow instructions, general aptitude and relationship skills. Using this information, employment specialists contact prospective employers and assist individuals with job applications and interviews. For more information, call their Rapid City office at (605) 343-4550.

DakotAbilities is a non-profit organization serving Sioux Falls, South Dakota residents with disabilities. Vocational services include skills evaluation and training, job coaching, supported employment, work adjustment training, and job placement. For more information, call (605) 334-4220.

Texas

El Paso Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing offers comprehensive employment services, including resume development training, application training, videotaped interview training, job search training, job placement, on the job training and job coaching. For more information, call (915) 544-6032.

Methodist Mission Home, located in San Antonio, via their Southwest Center for Higher Independence, offers employment training to people who are deaf or hard of hearing and to those with other disabilities. They offer every step needed for gainful employment, from vocational evaluation to developing job behaviors that are valued in the real world to job search and finally on-site job coaching. To learn more, call (210) 696-2410 or e-mail info@mmhome.org.

Utah

Source America: Pathways to Careers works with individuals with developmental disabilities in preparing for and finding the right job. Program participants go thorugh a comprehensive strengths-based assessment in an effort to translate life skills into potential contributions to employers. Internships are developed with select employers to test capacity and skill sets. The idea is to place candidates in a job that not only fits their skills sets, but also their interests.

Virginia

Friendship Industries, Inc. works to enhance the employment skills of people with disabilities through a series of hands-on training programs. The first program, offered to new clients is the Work Adjustment Training (WAT) Program, in which clients learn appropriate work behavior and skills in a supported environment. If a client requires additional support, they then move into the Extended Sheltered Employment Program. As clients develop necessary skills they will then be placed by Friendship Industries with outside employers. For more information, call (540) 434-9586.

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Wisconsin

Ability Connection is a program jointly sponsored by Department of Vocational Rehabilitation and Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin with the support of a Business Advisory Council. This program provides many services to students with disabilities who are interested in pursuing a career in the computer field. Participants must be referred to the program by their DVR counselor. The Ability Connection has a scholarship program and a summer internship program for students to gain helpful experience. Each student receives guidance, experience and insight needed to prepare them for future employment from professionals that donate their time to mentor. The program will assist students upon graduation in finding employment. If you would like more information on the program, you can contact Lori Grassel at: P.O. Box 25919, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53225-0919, (414) 353-6400, (800) 236-2494, or via e-mail at ability@execpc.com.

Adonai Employment, Inc. is a tax-exempt, not-for-profit Christian-based employment service agency that is serving the greater Milwaukee area. Adonai Employment's goal is to help businesses see an alternative way to fill their staffing needs. They do this by helping individuals with disabilities connect with jobs that will meet their goals. This means that Adonai is interested in placing you in a job that fits your talents and interests. Adonai operates from a new paradigm, developing and fostering mutually beneficial solutions to real needs of both employers and job seekers at no cost to the employer. They serve both the business community and job seekers. Operating from a business model perspective, uniquely looking at the needs of the clients, the referring source, and the employers to achieve mutually beneficial results all are within the scope of Adonai's abilities. For more information, contact Adonai Employment, 912 North Hawley Road, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53213, via phone at (414) 704-5305 or via e-mail at info@adonai-employment.org.

Employment Resources Inc. (ERI) is a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to increasing employment opportunities for Wisconsin citizens with disabilities. This is accomplished through research and demonstration, program development, and training, consultation and technical assistance provided to service agencies and employers. ERI provides the Vocational Futures Planning Process which includes; Social Security benefits analysis and planning, career exploration and assisted job seeking services. Mentors from various local businesses are also involved in the process. In addition to these services, the website also offers answers to many frequently asked questions regarding Social Security benefits planning. ERI is located at 4126 Lien Road Suite 104, Madison, Wisconsin 53704. For additional information please call (608) 246-3444.

Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin offers several different training programs. The Business Careers Training Center offers skills training for entry-level business support responsibilities. The program consists of typical work standards, interpersonal skills, and practical work training activities. There is one-on-one instruction offered in computer literacy, financial skills, and office management skills. Individual Computer Training include Windows, MS Word, MS Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and more. For more information see the Business Careers Training Center Overview. For questions or to make a referral, call (414) 353-6400 X 197 Milwaukee, (262) 970-6000 Waukesha. The Dental Assistant Training Program is a three month, classroom and practical training course. The curriculum components include dental assisting, bio-dental science, records and emergencies, radiography, and dental health concepts. Food service training, manufacturing skills, and more training programs are offered by Goodwill as well. You can learn more by contacting: Goodwill of Southeastern Wisconsin Training Center, 6055 N. 91st St., Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53225-0919, (414) 353-6400, fax (414) 353-1544, and TDD (414) 353-6860.

Grand Avenue Club is a vocational rehabilitation program serving adults whom have experienced mental illness. Partnering with quality private sector employers, Grand Avenue Club develops paid positions for members in the community via its Transitional and Independent Employment Programs. Aside from vocational training they also offer social and recreational opportunities. For more information, call (414) 276-6474 or e-mail gavenue@execpc.com.

Hodan Center, Inc. promotes opportunities for work and personal development so that persons with disabilities can achieve individual life goals. Employment Services are offered in Iowa, Grant, and Lafayette counties. They provide training and employment in food service, machine shop, and assembly and packaging work. For more information, call (608) 987-3336.

Kenosha Achievement Center is a non-profit organization offering Supported Employment options for adults with special needs residing in Kenosha, Wisconsin. The Supported Employment team works with individuals to develop career goals and provide assistance in achieving those goals, eventually placing them in paid positions within the community. For more information, call (262) 658-9500.

Opportunity Development Centers Inc. (ODC) is a private not-for-profit rehabilitation agency serving the vocational needs of adults with disabilities primarily in Wood County, Wisconsin. The agency provides both center-based and community-based services. Center based programs include assessment, specialized training in data management and forklift operation, work adjustment training and long term employment. Community-based programs offer assessment, job placement and supported employment. For more information call the Wisconsin Rapids office at (715) 424-2712 (Voice) or (715) 424-5750 (TTY).

Broadscope Disability Services provides a range of training programs aimed at helping you improve your employment skills, including computer training, interpersonal communication, business communication, office equipment, and customer service. For more information, call (414) 329-4500.

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For more on the topic of Employment:

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