Finding meaningful employment can be a challenge for anyone. But, for adults with disabilities, they face a whole new set of barriers in the job market. However, disability employment services can help put an end to that.
Continue reading to learn more about what disability employment services are and how they can help support you through your journey to finding meaningful employment.
What are Disability Employment Services?
Disability employment services are programs that connect businesses with qualified disabled candidates. Overall, they’re designed with one goal in mind: to remove barriers.
Working with an organization that provides disability employment services can help instill a sense of purpose for jobseekers. When adults with disabilities find meaningful employment, they gain:
- Improved self-confidence
- Financial independence
- Expanded social connections
- Valuable workplace skills
This is exactly what we do here at Beyond26. Through individualized advocacy, networking, and job placement, we’ve partnered with over 95 local West Michigan businesses to provide specialized employment services for adults with disabilities.
What Disabilities Can Be Served?
Depending on the organization, different types of disabilities are given access to different programs and services. Disabilities vary, so it’s important to check with your employment service provider for the best-fit jobs that match your skills and abilities.
At Beyond26 we serve any adult over 18 with a documented physical, intellectual, or developmental disability who is looking for employment opportunities.
Organizations like JAN help people with disabilities find jobs that comply with the ADA legislation. For individuals who are visually or audibly impaired, there are federally funded programs like Vocational Rehabilitation to support employment and independent living.
How to Get Started with Disability Employment Services?
Some programs and processes can be completed, requiring mountains of paperwork, and costly expenses.
At Beyond26, we want to make things as easy as possible. Our process begins with a short, 60-minute intake session called a “Meet and Greet.” During this session, we learn about each job seeker’s skills and interests. Then we develop a profile highlighting each person’s abilities.
From there, our job developer specialist matches the individual to suitable employers and jobs.
What Support is Available for me While Using Disability Employment Services?
Many support opportunities are available for someone in need of disability employment services.
At Beyond26, our support style is to coach, then fade. Here’s how that works.
Once a job is secured, we decide whether coaching is needed, then set the job seeker up for success with the required accommodations.
Then, we train and observe. Our goal is to see the new employee comfortable and successful after 1-3 shifts. Many business owners and supervisors help in this process. Beyond26 follows up with both parties after 6 weeks, 6 months, and a year to measure success.
Overall, we want to see our jobseekers flourish, so we’re here to help as much or as little as needed.
Your Next Opportunity is Waiting!
Finding jobs for individuals with disabilities is our one and only focus. Since 2018, we’ve successfully served over 240 jobseekers. Will you be the next one?
Fill out the form on this page to set up an initial Meet and Greet appointment where we’ll help you find a workplace that best fits you and your employer.