Frequently Asked Questions regarding Employment issues of concern to people with disabilities

FAQ: Employment

For a quick link to the FAQ of your choice on the topic of Employment, click on the question below.

A: Small Business and Self-Employment Service (SBSES) is a service of the Office of Disability Employment Policy of the U.S. Department of Labor which provides information, counseling, and referrals about self-employment and small business ownership opportunities for people with disabilities. SBSES, located at the Job Accommodation Network (JAN), is available through JAN's toll-free number (800) 526-7234 (Voice/TTY).

A: The Job Accommodation Network (JAN), an ODEP-supported service, provides information on Entrepreneurship, individualized technical assistance, consulting, and mentoring services to individuals with disabilities, family members, and service providers. JAN consultants handle each inquiry on a case-by-case basis offering self-employment and small business development expertise and referrals regarding business planning, financing strategies, marketing research, disability-specific programs, income supports and benefits planning, e-commerce, independent contracting, home-based business options, and small business initiatives for disabled veterans. JAN customers can expect to receive a resource packet tailored to their specific entrepreneurial goals with consultants available throughout all stages of the process who can provide ongoing supports.

Ohio

A: Enterprise Works offers free Self-Assessment and Business Plan Development classes throughout an 8-county area of Ohio to anyone interested in starting a small business of their own. For individuals with disabilities, they suggest first calling the Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission at (800) 282-4536, who can arrange an appointment with an EnterpriseWorks coordinator.

Washington

A: Washington Community Alliance for Self-Help (CASH) offers free business training, small loans, peer support and on-going technical assistance to help start and expand small businesses. Call (206) 352-1945 for more information.

Canada

A: Network for Entrepreneurs With Disabilities offers online resources designed to assist in the development of small and/or home-based businesses, for those considering entrepreneurship and especially for persons with disabilities involved in or interested in entrepreneurship.

Employers

Q: I would like to employ people with disabilities in my business, however, I am concerned about the expense of accommodations and what jobs they will be able to perform?

A: There are many benefits in hiring people with disabilities.
- People with disabilities live in their communities and often stay in their jobs, cutting employee turnover.
- People with disabilities are reliable in showing up on time each day, so there are less scheduling problems.
- People with disabilities often can take a job or shift that is hard to fill or that others may not wish to work.
- People with disabilities believe they must work harder than other people, so they do and are loyal to their work.
- Most of us are defined by what we do for a living and this means a great deal for a person with a disability.
- Although it may take longer for a person with disabilities to learn their job, there are many agencies that can assist people with disabilities in interviewing, training or starting the job experience. These agencies can sometimes alleviate the cost of training an employee so they can get started in a job. Hiring an individual with a disability as an intern is another good way to get started.
Getting to Equal: The Disability Inclusion Advantage from accenture.com - Companies that embrace best practices for employing and supporting more persons with disabilities in their workforce have outperformed their peers, according to their new research, in partnership with Disability:IN and the American Association of People with Disabilities. The 45 companies that were identified as standing out for their leadership in areas specific to disability employment and inclusion had, on average over the four-year period, 28 percent higher revenue, double the net income and 30 percent higher economic profit margins than their peers. Their analysis also revealed that U.S. GDP could get a boost of up to US$25 billion if more persons with disabilities joined the labor force.
Find an employment service for people with disabilities in your community to find how you can begin.
Best Practices: Self Identification by Disability:IN. Now more than ever, how people identify, as well as when and why they disclose a disability, determines workplace culture. Research shows it is not an overstatement to say that having more people who openly disclose their disability creates an inclusive culture that has the power to dramatically shape future business culture and success. But here’s the reality: While 92% of businesses encourage employees with a disability to self-identify and 95% have a confidential reporting process in place, on average, only 3.7% of DEI participants’ employees disclosed their disability to their employer at any point. So how do you capture at least some of the 19% who qualify as having a disability according to the U.S. Census?

Finding Your Dream Job

Q: I am interested in finding a job that will allow me to do something with my interest in landscaping. How can I find a job that will be of interest to me?

A: There is a new paradigm for people with disabilities. Schools, transition to work programs and employment service agencies for people with disabilities are finding more creative ways to match clients with employers to find mutually beneficial results. To put your best interests forward toward finding your dream job, take some time to evaluate your interests, talents and education before approaching your job coach.
Make a list of your interests and hobbies. What subjects did you enjoy most in school? What employment skills do you have that you enjoy doing? What kind of jobs do you do when you are at home or in your community that you find the most rewarding? There are schools, transition to work programs and employment service agencies that are focusing on alternative ways for employers to fill their staffing need and helping individuals with disabilities to connect with jobs that help meet their individual goals. Listed below are a few examples from Wisconsin. Check out our New Horizons Un-Limited section at this link for an Employment Service in your state.

Wisconsin

Q: I am interested in finding a job in Information Technology (IT)?

A: The following resources help you evaluate your skills, Research Career Options, Follow Certification Paths, Gain Experience, Professional Networking, Applying for jobs in Information Technology (IT):

How to Get a Job in Information Technology (IT) offers tips to Research Career Options, Follow Certification Paths, Gain Experience, and Network.

Ten Steps to a Tech Career offers tips to research career options, learn more about computers, find out more about software and learn more about programming, html, coding by building a program or a website.

How to Start a Career in Information Technology offers tips to Decide if you’re suited to IT, identify your interests and work style, find someone who works in IT to mentor you, Get Educated and Certified, get an internship, resumes, applications, cover letters and interview.

So You Want to Get a Job in Information Technology? discusses what will be expected of you in IT and what categories of career paths there are.

So You Want to Get a Job in Information Technology? (Part 2)target="_blank" offers tips on networking, writing resumes and cover letters, and how to sell yourself.

Job Skills

Q: I need help in how to apply for a job, but I do not know where to begin?

A: Assistance in interviewing skills, answering employer questions about your disability, your employment rights, and resume writing are all available through Centers for Independent Living. See your local CIL on workshops and programs for improving your employability. To find the CIL nearest you, click on NHU’s directory of Independent Living: State Centers for Independent Living (CILs).

Q: My disability has interfered with my ability to work, does this mean I will never work again? How can I obtain assistance in training for keeping or getting a job?

A: You may need vocational rehabilitation in order to find new ways to apply your job skills or assistance in finding new employment. If you have a physical or mental impairment that makes it difficult for you to get or keep a job, contact your local Vocational Rehabilitation Services office. To find the office nearest you, contact the State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies.

Once you have spoke to your Rehabilitation Service, get on the waiting list. Waiting lists are to take the first step - to get assessed. They will also let you know what services you are eligible for through this service. If they say the wait list is 6 month, a year or two, sign up! You cannot get into the program without first going through the wait list.

In Wisconsin, contact the Department of Health and Social Services Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR). Services DVR may provide or fund as part of an approved rehabilitation program include: medical, psychological, vocational evaluation, job seeking, work adjustment and skill training, home based business development, self-employment assistance and technological aids and devices. In Wisconsin, contact the DVR Central Administration for the DVR office nearest you: P.O. Box 7852, Madison, Wisconsin 53707-7852, (608)266-1281 Voice, (608)266-9599 TTY.

Wisconsin Disability Navigators roster which includes all of the Navigators state-wide. Wisconsin is one of 14 states to receive funding to establish a Disability Navigator Program within the state's One Stop Job Centers. Staff within the Workforce Development Job Center will be designated a Disability Program Navigator and will serve as a vehicle for job seekers with disabilities to further connect with products and services that will support them in meeting their career objectives. The Navigator will work directly with customers with disabilities to access, facilitate and 'navigate' the complex provisions under various programs that impact their ability to gain, returt to, or retain employment. Navigators train One Stop staff on available resources under One Stop programs, Social Security Administration employment support programs and other programs to individuals with disabilities who want to work."

Legislation and Rights

Q: As a deaf person, interviewing is extremely difficult without the use of an interpreter. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), can I request for the potential employer to hire an interpreter for the interviewing process?

A: The ADA requires that employers make accommodations throughout the entire hiring process, including interviews. Therefore, it would be the employer's obligation to hire an interpreter if the communication process, and thus interviewing process, would be significantly impaired without the interpreter's presence. Furthermore, if the potential employer refuses to proceed with the interview they would not be in compliance with the ADA and could be subject to a complaint.

Q: Where can I file a complaint if I feel I have been discriminated against by my employer?

A: Complaints about private employers, employing 15 or more individuals, can be filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Call 800-669-4000 (voice) or 800-669-6820 (TDD) to reach the field office in your area.

Q: I feel I may have been discriminated against because of my disability when I was looking for a job. What are my rights? Can I file a complaint?

A: To learn more about your rights and to file a complaint, contact the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

Reasonable Accommodations

Q: What are Reasonable Accommodations?

A: A reasonable accommodation is any change or adjustment to a job, the work environment, or the way things usually are done that would allow an individual with a disability to apply for a job, perform job functions, or enjoy equal access to benefits available to other individuals in the workplace.
The ADA also stipulates that employers are responsible for providing necessary accommodations when an employee declares a disability. The Americans with Disabilities Act Handbook defines an accommodation as "any change in the work environment or in the way things are customarily done that enables an individual with a disability to enjoy equal employment opportunities".
This may include: * Providing or modifying equipment (e.g., providing a dictation machine instead of a typewriter) * Making facilities accessible - removing barriers (e.g., installing ramps or elevators) * Providing readers or interpreters (e.g., sign language interpreters)
The following are other examples of accommodations employers might provide. Please note that this list is not inclusive, and that the best method of identifying needed accommodations is to ask the individual in question what works best for him/her. * Interpreters * Phone Adaptations * Seating * Oral Instructions (vs. written) * Tapes of Meetings * Accessible Space * Extra Time for Tests * Lowered Light Switches * Tests on Tape * Large Print Material * Calculators * Blocks Under Desk * Note-takers * Technical Assistance * Flexible Scheduling * Accessibility
If you are in need of assistive technology for reasonable accommodations, see a program like the following - WisLoan Assistive Technology Loan Program The WisLoan program offers loans for assistive technology. The loans help people buy equipment such as hearing aids, modified vehicles, wheelchairs and ramps. WisLoan is for Any Wisconsin resident with a disability in need of assistive technology eligible to apply for a loan to help pay for a debt and is stable in residence, job, credit history is considered. Loan applications are completed in person. Verifications of income, amount requested, quotes from vendors and other pertinent information on debt is gathered at this time. For more informtion about this program contact: Independence First , 600 West Virginia Street, 4th Floor, Milwaukee, WI 53204-1516, Voice/TTY: 414-291-7520 or Toll Free: 1-877-463-3778.

Q: Is a request to work at home considered a Reasonable Accommodation for Employment?

A: Work At Home/Telework as a Reasonable Accommodation from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission "1999 Enforcement Guidance on Reasonable Accommodation and Undue Hardship Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (revised 10/17/02), the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission said that allowing an individual with a disability to work at home may be a form of reasonable accommodation. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires employers with 15 or more employees to provide reasonable accommodation for qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. Reasonable accommodation is any change in the work environment or in the way things are customarily done that enables an individual with a disability to apply for a job, perform a job, or gain equal access to the benefits and privileges of a job. The ADA does not require an employer to provide a specific accommodation if it causes undue hardship, i.e., significant difficulty or expense." This fact sheet explains the ways that employers may use existing telework programs or allow an individual to work at home as a reasonable accommodation.

Social Security

Q: How can I appeal to the Social Security Administration to review a claim?

A: You may appeal to the Social Security Administration to review a claim. The Social Security Appeals Council is the final level of administrative review available to claimants who disagree with the decision on their claim.

Q: I would like to attempt to return to the workforce but fear I will lose Medicaid eligibility. Do I have any options?

A:The Medicaid Buy-In program offers Medicaid coverage to people with disabilities who are working, and earning more than the allowable limits for regular Medicaid. This program allows working people with disabilities to earn more income without the risk of losing vital health care coverage. A small premium may apply and is based upon annual earnings. For more information, contact your state Medicaid Office.

Q: I would like to attempt to return to the workforce but I have been collecting Social Security Disability (SSDI) benefits. How will returning to work affect my collecting SSDI benefits?

A: The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers a 9-month trial work period in which individuals can test their ability to work and still earn up to $590 per month without jeopardizing their SSDI benefits. The SSA does not consider services performed during the trial work period as showing that the disability has ended until services have been performed in at least 9 months (not necessarily consecutive) in a rolling 60-month period. Once a beneficiary exceeds the nine-month trial work period, the SSA finds applicants for SSDI not to be disabled (an therefore ineligible for benefits) if they are working and performing substantial gainful activity (SGA). As of January 1, 2005, the monthly SGA amount for statutorily blind individuals is $1,380. For non-blind individuals, the monthly SGA amount is $830. In other words, individuals earning at or above SGA would no longer be entitled to SSDI benefits.

Q: How can I receive my Social Security benefits by direct deposit?

A: If you have a bank account or not, you can get the information to take the next step toward receiving your Social Security benefits by direct deposit. The Direct Deposit Sign Up Form is available on-line. Check it out at Social Security.

Q: When is it appropriate to tell an employer of a disability? How am I protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?

A: It is not necessary to disclose a disability to an employer unless an accommodation for the disability is necessary. Under Title I of the ADA, a company employing 15 employees or more is required to make reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. For more information about your rights and your employer's obligations, visit A guide for People with Disabilities Seeking Employment, or call the ADA Information Line at (800) 514-0301 (Voice) or (800) 514-0383 (TDD).

Q: I'm getting Social Security and I'm moving. How do I get Social Security to send my checks and other correspondence to my new home?

A: Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to report your new address. Have your Social Security claim number handy when you call. You can usually find your claim number on letters you've received from Social Security or Medicare. Don't forget to ask the post office to forward any mail that's sent to your old address.

Q: How do I get a lost Social Security card replaced?

A: Ask for an application (Form SS-5) to apply for a duplicate card. You'll have to submit the completed application and show evidence of your identity.

Q: Where is my local Social Security office?

A: Social Security addresses are in the phone book under "U.S. Government" or "Social Security Administration." You can call 1-800-772-1213 to get directions.

Therapy and Rehabilitation

Q: What if I have questions about Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) policies and procedures or I have difficulty obtaining services?

A: Contact (CAP) Client Assistance Program of the Rehabilitation Service Administration (RSA). In Wisconsin, contact the Wisconsin Client Assistance Program, 1 W. Wilson St., Room 558, Madison, Wisconsin 53707-7850, 1-800-362-1290 Toll Free, (608)267-5016 Voice/TTY.

FAQ: Employment

Business

Employers

Finding Your Dream Job

Finding a Job in IT

Job Skills

Legislation And Rights

Reasonable Accommodations

Social Security

Therapy And Rehabilitation

Business

Employers

Finding Your Dream Job

Wisconsin

Job Skills

Legislation and Rights

Reasonable Accommodations

Social Security

Therapy and Rehabilitation