I work with people with disabilities to find jobs.

12 Comments

1. AnonymousJune 28,2023 at 8:04PM UTC

   Build those relationships with employers. They are not educated enough to be able to help support and to understand challenges. Example, I've had great opportunities to work with coworkers with disabilities, I'm not a professional in that area, just have the heart and patience to be a consistent leader for them and it is FUN! One of the hardest asks is to allow them to run a register if they are not really good already with mechanisms like this. It's not the coworkers who have issues but it's the customers of all kinds who may not understand the patience that is needed. Wherever you place them needs to set them up for success and allow for gradual growth to become subject matter experts in their position. I've had that and leaned on them to become decision makers and allowed them to make decisions on when and how tasks need to be completed. I hope you find a retailer that will do this for you.

2. AnonymousJune 28,2023 at 9:48PM UTC

   If there are free skills assessments or tests you can administer and find some online certification program to refer them to, they would have a marketable credential to promote.

   Also, local members of the chamber of commerce might offer paid internships and job training as a community support offering. I've found that local chamber of commerce organizations are great resources and usually are very knowledgeable about local businesses and programs and even grants available.

3. AnonymousJune 28,2023 at 11:39PM UTC

   In our area, the local food bank provides an internship and certification class in culinary arts that are free to people eligible for SNAP assistance. This might help people to get jobs in restaurants or catering companies.

4. AnonymousJuly 1,2023 at 12:43PM UTC

   You and only you can build these work relationships with employers for them first. I did this with a similar organization with getting internships for students who were on the spectrum. You are going to have to put your credibility on the line for them first.

5. AnonymousJuly 1,2023 at 8:32PM UTC

   I think you can teach people how to brand or market themselves and perhaps do some short videos if they are in a position to do this. In many companies they have a sponsor in their People or Talent team that will become familiar with your folks. Build those relationships and perhaps share some of the success stories on LI to showcase why they should hire your people.

6. Kimberly HJuly 2,2023 at 7:47AM UTC

   My stepson has DS and someday may need the services a company like yours provides. I only hope that the skills he has worked on for his entire life will not be considered “skills” by some random person in the future - or “red flags” - whatever you mean by that. If I sound salty, it’s because I am. These individuals put their blind faith in you. This post makes me so sad.

7. AnonymousJuly 10,2023 at 4:16PM UTC

   I don't mean to feed into your saltiness, but the truth is that employers are looking for results from the high minimum wage they pay here. Companies are not hiring as much as the news says they are; particularly for those with disabilities. That is why I want to show just how skilled this person who has spent most of their life in congregant care. I have been doing this kind of work for years. 1 person at a time, I am working to dispel the disability MYTHS that pervade the business world. and yes it is sad, because you missed my point.

8. Kimberly HJuly 10,2023 at 11:25PM UTC

   I am not sure what point you were trying to make regarding “red flags”? I don’t know how well you are going to do dispelling myths with the chip you have on your shoulder. Good luck to you.

9. AnonymousJuly 2,2023 at 8:37PM UTC

   Every state has a State Disability agency that was originally seeded with Federal funds in I think the 1970's or 80's. Here, the program is run through the state University. Most of these programs have free or low-cost educational offerings on how to work with individuals with disabilities of various types.. I recommend you look into this,, and perhaps take a course.

10. AnonymousJuly 3,2023 at 1:23PM UTC

    I suggest the following:

    1. Ask your employer. Do they have a history of working with individuals with disabilities who do not have traditional work experience and skills? If they do, they should have recommendations for you and possibly sample resumes with personally identifiable information redacted.

    2) Contact federal agencies that are required to provide supports and services for individuals with disabilities transitioning to the workforce. OPWDD and ACESS-VR are two federal agencies that I would contact. If you are working with adults with disabilities, I would be surprised if they are not already connected and getting services from these agencies.

    3) contact other organizations in your county that work with individuals with disabilities and can provide guidance and support to help individuals with disabilities transition to the workforce.

    4) Here are some other organizations to connect with that have resources and can provide support:

    Customized Employment

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    Work Early, Work Often: Parents/Caregivers of Young Adults with Disabilities

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    Flexible Work Arrangements & Customized Employment

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    The Job Accommodation Network (JAN)

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    Overcoming Online Application Barriers

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    Debunking the Myths - Work and Disability Benefits

    Finally, if you don't have much experience working witg inidividuals with disabilities, I suggest that you work with your employer to gain support and training to adequately do so.

    Good luck!

11. Latisha FrazierJuly 3,2023 at 1:27PM UTC

    Dave and Busters actually hires people with disabilities. Both mental and physical. They are a great company for their non discriminatory hiring practices.

12. AnonymousJuly 3,2023 at 5:07PM UTC

    As someone who has worked with refugees and in US refugee resettlement for over ten years, this has come up numerous times. The things we focused on were skills like homemaking, leading clubs, what else have they done in their day to day life and how can we spin it to show their skills? IE: For someone with disabilities, are they part of any clubs or organizations? This shows teamwork, responsibility, getting to places on time, etc. etc. The main thing is being creative and realizing that almost everything we do in life can be used in work situations. Another thing, someone with disabilities can show skills in overcoming adversity, getting to doctor's appointments regularly (what a major responsibility!), and depending on their disability, perhaps it's even just taking care of themselves like learning to cook for themselves, live on their own, etc. etc. I hope this is helpful! I would focus on providing a section at the top (like a paragraph) that highlights these "soft skills" and then just a brief review of any more formal experience they have (even if it's babysitting or playing power soccer with a team).