Employment: Resources & Guides

This guide covers topics and covers supports like vocational rehabilitation and transportation. It was created by youth and adult partners from the National Youth Action Council on Transition (YouthACT). It is written for adolescents looking for employment.

The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) published this guide. The Office of Special Education Programs (along with partners in the Rehabilitation Services Administration) has issued this guide to advance efforts in ensuring that all students and youth with disabilities are equipped with the skills and knowledge to be engaged in the 21st century workforce.

This transition guide addresses the following topics to facilitate a seamless transition from school to post-school activities:
Transition planning: opportunities and programs
Transition services and requirements, as authorized by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the Rehabilitation Act;
Education and employment options for students and youth with disabilities after leaving secondary school; Supporting decisions made by students and youth with disabilities.

Through its ten regional centers, the ADA National Network provides information, guidance and training on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Their services are tailored to meet the needs of business, government and individuals at local, regional and national levels.

A resource website for individuals with autism and other disabilities. It covers home life, school and employment issues, all to help with self-advocacy.

Business Strategies that Work identifies promising employment policies and practices for recruiting,
hiring, retaining, and advancing qualified individuals with disabilities. It is a guide for employers
who want to ensure that their workplaces are truly diverse and inclusive. And it is a valuable tool,
with proactive and dynamic human resource strategies, for employers who want to be successful in
today’s diverse and global markets.

A free tool for professionals working with transitional teens and adults with ASD that assesses the behaviors and competencies youth need to achieve their long term goals.

The largest Community Action Agency and Head Start provider in Ohio. Their mission is to invest in Cuyahoga County residents.

Besides a robust Head Start program, CEOGC offers a Personal and Family Development Program and a Job and Career Training Center.

Employment First is a national initiative that is a critical priority for the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP). It is to invest in systems that result in increased community-based, integrated employment opportunities for individuals with significant disabilities. This priority reflects a framework for a systems change that is centered on the premise that all citizens, including individuals with significant disabilities, are capable of full participation in integrated employment and community life.

To learn more about federal resources and agendas please visit the U.S. Dept. of Labor website.

In Ohio, Employment First means giving every individual with a disability the opportunity to work in the community alongside non-disabled peers. Ohio task-force states that every person has abilities, skills and talents to enrich the community and people around us. We envision a time when every working-age adult with developmental disabilities has opportunity to explore their career options and seek jobs that fit their skills and interests.

To learn more about what Employment First looks like in Ohio visit the Ohio Employment First website.

Transition planning is crucial for successful employment post-high school. The Ohio Employment First Transition Task-force has created helpful materials to guide IEP teams and families in creating a comprehensive transition plan.

To see resources and documents visit the Ohio Employment First website.

A nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing employment among Americans with disabilities. The organization works with job seekers and employers ranging across all forms of business.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is responsible for enforcing federal laws that make it illegal to discriminate against a job applicant or an employee because of the person’s race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information. It is also illegal to discriminate against a person because the person complained about discrimination, filed a charge of discrimination, or participated in an employment discrimination investigation or lawsuit.

Most employers with at least 15 employees are covered by EEOC laws (20 employees in age discrimination cases). Most labor unions and employment agencies are also covered.

The laws apply to all types of work situations, including hiring, firing, promotions, harassment, training, wages, and benefits.

This guide includes strategies to help youth and their families access the full range of support available to prepare them for successful transition into integrated, competitive employment.

Guide from the National Consortium on Leadership and Disability for Youth on getting and making the most of an internship.

JFSA is guided by traditional Jewish values of communal responsibility and social justice. They offer several programs to assist teens and adults with disabilities with residential services, employment services, community inclusion, and family advocacy.

The Horvitz YouthAbility program offers volunteering and job training opportunities for disabled and at-risk youth and young adults.

Vocational Rehabilitation Services help people prepare for employment based on their skills and interests.
Adult Day Program offers group and individual day respite activities.

An online guide to help direct individuals looking for community employment in the state of Ohio. There are downloadable tools that assist in defining the applicant’s skill set, as well as a tutorial on the job seeking process.

For more information about Employment First, a program through the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities visit their website.

NCWD/Youth works to ensure that transition age youth are provided full access to high quality services in integrated settings to gain education, employment and independent living.

A peer-to-peer business organization that provides employers with information and resources about how best to recruit, select, train and retain a workforce that includes individuals with disabilities.

Through the Ohio Business Leadership Network, members have access to the following:

-Learning best business practices from Ohio companies that have successfully employed people with disabilities and benefited from a diverse workforce representative of Ohio’s largest minority group;
-Employer-focused training provided at no charge at employer worksites through webinars;
-Federal contractors can receive assistance with meeting section 503 requirements and connections to qualified candidates with disabilities;
-Connections to the U.S. Business Leadership Network, a national association of experienced employers;
-Quarterly meetings for business contacts;
-Networking opportunities;
-Consultation opportunities with peers;
-Hiring resources such as the newly released Employer Toolkit for Hiring People with Disabilities

​The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (ODD) is committed to improving the quality of life for Ohioans with developmental disabilities and their families. Offering support across the lifespan of people with developmental disabilities, the department oversees a statewide system of supportive services that focus on assuring health and safety, supporting access to community participation, and increasing opportunities for meaningful employment.

Website offering state laws and information pertaining to youth with disabilities pursuing vocational and career-technical training.

Can help families with a variety of issues including child support, cash assistance, home energy assistance, bus passes, employment and food stamps

This website provides individuals, families and professionals with the information needed to create opportunities for all individuals with developmental disabilities to work within the community.

You can submit an event related to employment, request a speaker for their event, or simply email us. Information on state policy, best practices, resources, taskforce updates and an event calendar is available to anyone who visits the website.

Coordinates efforts among state agency partners: the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, Ohio Department of Education, Ohio Department of Mental Health, Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services, Ohio Department of Health, Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence, Ohio Office of Budget and Management and Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission.

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS), working with OhioMeansJobs.com, has unveiled OhioMeansAccessibility.com to help job seekers with disabilities post resumes, search for jobs and more.

After posting a resume at OhioMeansJobs.com, job seekers with disabilities can indicate whether they would like to be referred to employers specifically looking to hire individuals with disabilities. For employers, the site offers information about hiring incentives, workplace accommodations, employment law, and engaging a qualified and diverse workforce.

The program is in conjunction with National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

Formally known as Employment Connection.

Serves youth aged 14 through 21 with skill assessment and job skill training.

A comprehensive training and employment research site, available to match jobs with potential applicants. There are multiple resources relating to job training, career planning, and budget planning.

Vocational Assistance helps individuals with disabilities find a job and be more independent. This involves deciding if a person is eligible, setting an employment goal, putting the goal into a plan, and getting the job services and training needed to get a job. Job coaching and other employment services may also be involved.

Formally known as Rehabilitation Services Commission (RSC), Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities is the State of Ohio agency that partners with Ohioans with disabilities to achieve quality employment and independence. We are also charged with making determinations on Social Security disability.

They have an online tool that allows staff and vocational rehabilitation (VR) participants to research available providers in their area. Searches can be targeted by a specific VR service, or by county, city, address, provider type (i.e. Employment First) or provider name. The OOD Community Rehabilitation Program (CRP) Scorecards will also be part of this new tool.

RespectAbility is on the front lines in the battle to reduce stigmas, failed government policies, and other obstacles that deny people with disabilities the opportunity to achieve the American Dream. Their free tools and factual resources inform so people with disabilities can achieve the education, training, jobs, security and good health that everyone needs and deserves.

They can identify and promote best practices for jobs and careers for people with disabilities through direct outreach, and
raise public awareness of the ABILITIES of people with disabilities through the promotion of positive images and stories in the media.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s (USDOL) Office of Disability Employment Policy training curriculum focused on teaching workforce readiness skills to youth development professionals as an introduction to workplace interpersonal and professional skills.
The curriculum is targeted for youth ages 14 to 21.

Skills covered include: Communication, Enthusiasm & Attitude, Teamwork, Networking, Problem Solving & Critical Thinking, and Professionalism.

TalentScout is a resource that offers information for organizations hiring people with autism. It helps orient companies with the strategies needed to create a welcoming, successful and productive environment for people with autism.

National organization that focuses on adults with autism. Offers several Signature Programs for creating access and support for adults on the spectrum to contribute to everyday life in their community.

Includes information on residential, vocational/employment, recreational and educational issues.

Free employment website that helps job seekers with autism prepare for and find employment. It also can help employers and service providers find qualified candidates.

Guidebook on services available in the state of Ohio to individuals seeking employment and provides information on further education.

UDS serves individuals of all ages with all types of disabilities – from the mildest to the most severe. They are committed to offering high-quality options to help fulfill social, vocational, community living, low vision and transportation needs.

In addition there is a Toy & Resource Center for parents of children with special needs and a program with sports programs sanctioned by the Special Olympics.

Services include Work Evaluation, Work Adjustment, Skills Training, and Job Placement.

Employment assistance for undergraduate students, graduate students, and recent college graduates with a disability.

Management consulting firm that can offer assessments and recommendations for companies considering the hire of people with disabilities.