Emily works at Sprouts
Workplace learning opportunities provide businesses an opportunity to train and observe pre-screened youth and young adults within a defined time frame. Liability insurance is covered by school, university or other workforce preparation agency. Additionally, it provides a try-out system for potential new employees. This is a great way to see if someone is a good fit for your organization.
What are some of the benefits of hiring someone with developmental disabilities?
Some workplace benefits may include:
- Prescreened applicants
- On-Site Support / Job Coaching
- Paid internships
- Assistance with hiring incentives and tax credits
- ADA implementation/reasonable accommodations
- Insurance Liability Coverage provided for non-paid Internships
- Utilizing natural workplace supports
- Increasing the efficiency of all employees, by utilizing universal design
- Reduced turnover rate
What are some possible job training and employment opportunities?
Every person is unique with different abilities, skills, talents and interests. People with developmental disabilities can do a variety of jobs and tasks with the right coaching, training and sometimes minor accommodations that support the general workplace. Some examples of jobs that people with developmental disabilities have been hired to perform include, but are not limited to:
- Accounting
- Agricultural Work
- Banking
- Book Keeping
- Computer Programming
- Data Entry
- Engine Repair
- Fitness Center
- Food Services
- Hospital Services
- Inventory Stocking & Control
- Landscaping
- Library Services
- Mail Room Services
- Medical Billing
- Pet Care Services
- Property Maintenance
- Quality Control
- Recycling
- Web Design
What kind of support is available to help people on the job?
The amount, type, and duration of supports provided will vary based on the needs of the individual. These supports are funded through the regional center and other sources and are provided at no cost to the employer or the individual. Regional centers identify, fund, and monitor service providers who support people on the job. Employment supports may include specialized on-site training to assist the employee with a disability in learning and performing the job and adjusting to the work environment. These supports may also include transportation, assistive technology, specialized job training, individually tailored supervision, and follow-along support.
What are the benefits of these supports to employers?
- No fee to employer
- Employees’ abilities matched to job requirements
- On-site job training by professionals
- Additional training, as necessary
- Follow-up services for the duration of employment
Are there tax incentives for hiring persons with disabilities?
Yes. Employers may be eligible for tax credits for hiring persons with disabilities or to help them cover the cost of accommodations to make the workplace accessible. For more information visit the following links:
Financial Incentives for Hiring People with Disabilities
United States Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration
What is the Ticket to Work and how is it a resource?
The Ticket to Work program allows employers who are registered “employment networks” and hire social security disability benefits recipients who have disabilities to receive up to $20,000 in funds. For more information visit the following links:
Ticket to Work
CESSI Division is a nationally recognized provider of disability employment, outreach and accessibility services to state, federal, and private sector clients.
Social Security Administration – Ticket to Work
