Job Seekers with Disabilities

Disability Belongs™ knows that people with disabilities can be excellent employees, but the job search can be a challenge. Thus, below is a selection of information, resources and websites that can help you and your loved ones with a disability search for a job.

We wish you much success in your journey to a better future!

People with Disabilities at Work

View each section of the resource guide by following the links below:

Finding a Job as a Person With a Disability in Los Angeles Toolkit

Last updated in July 2020

“Born for Business” Disability Entrepreneurship Toolkit

Job Search Websites & Job Training Resources:

abilityJOBS – Affirmative Disability Action – abilityJOBS provides a system for people with disabilities to search for jobs. The site allows employers to post job opportunities and search through resumes to find dedicated and qualified people.
AbilityLinks – AbilityLinks is a nationwide, web-based community where qualified job seekers with disabilities and inclusive employers meet and gain access to valuable networking opportunities. They offer online virtual job fairs for individuals searching for work to connect with employers.
America’s Service Locator – American’s Service Locator connects individuals with employment opportunities, along with training services in their local areas through the American Job Center Network. These programs are sponsored through the U.S. Department of Labor.
Bender Consulting Services – Bender Consulting Services, Inc.’s mission is to recruit and hire people with disabilities for competitive career opportunities in the public and private sectors. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Bender Consulting Services also has a strong presence across the United States and in Canada through its sister company, Bender Consulting Services of Canada.
Enable America – Enable America works to help people with disabilities find jobs. The site also has a jobs board of various openings, from all over the country, which companies are able to post and job seekers can apply for.
Evenbreak – The employers who advertise on Evenbreak are actively aiming to attract disabled candidates, and the registered candidates want to work for inclusive companies.
Hire Disability Solutions LLC – Hire Disability Solutions, LLC is committed to work for people with disabilities. They provide career services as part of that commitment and allow job seekers to post their resume, search for jobs or have access to resources regarding starting their own business.
HirePotential – HirePotential focuses solely on the employment of people with disabilities, mature workers and veterans while working with companies and employers to provide services, education and resources on accommodations and accessibility.
Work For Good – Founded in 1999 as Opportunity Knocks, Work for Good is one of the first job boards focused exclusively on the nonprofit sector.

Internships / Fellowships for College Students / Graduates with Disabilities

Programs for Students and Youth with Disabilities:

Bridges to Work – Bridges to Work helps more than a thousand young people, each year, most of whom are transitioning out of high school special education into the workplace. This program helps them find jobs with an employer in need of qualified, entry-level applicants.
Project SEARCH – Project SEARCH is a one-year, school-to-work program that takes place entirely at the workplace. This innovative, business-led model features total workplace immersion, which facilitates a seamless combination of classroom instruction, career exploration and work site-based training and support.
Makom – Meaningful Opportunities for Successful Transitions (MOST^TM) is a one-year individualized program of activities and training designed to facilitate successful transition into the adult community. The MOST^TMprogram serves as a portal for individuals and their families, through which they are introduced and integrated into a broad range of community resources.

Federal Disability Employment Resources:

USAJobs – This website is the application portal for the wide range of career opportunities available within the federal government. Of special interest to job seekers with disabilities, you can use this site in conjunction with the Selective Placement Program Coordinator (SPPC) directory. The directory lists the SPPC contact, which helps to recruit, hire and accommodate people with disabilities within each government agency. The Selective Placement Program Coordinator will be able to connect people with disabilities to jobs posted in the USA Jobs website.
The Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP) – WRP is a recruitment and referral program that connects federal sector employers nationwide with highly motivated college students and recent graduates with disabilities who are eager to prove their abilities in the workplace through summer or permanent jobs.
U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) – DOL provides a comprehensive website with not only an extensive list of employment resources, but also information regarding benefits, civil rights, community life, education, emergency preparedness, health, housing, technology and transportation for people with disabilities.
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) – The SBA offers a range of toolkits and resources for people with disabilities looking to start their own business and connects individuals to financial information regarding starting a business.

State Level Employment Resources:

Ticket to Work Program – Ticket to Work is a free and voluntary program that can help Social Security beneficiaries go to work, get a good job that may lead to a career and become financially independent, all while keeping their Medicare or Medicaid. Individuals who receive Social Security benefits because of a disability and are age 18 through 64 probably already qualify for the program.
Working While Disabled: How We Can Help – The Social Security Administration offers this pamphlet to guide people who receive disability benefits on employment and employment issues. There are discussions about how to keep benefits and have a job.

Employment Resources for Veterans with Disabilities:

Hire Heroes USA – Employment resources for Veterans with Disabilities – This nonprofit organization creates job opportunities for U.S. Military Veterans and their spouses through employment training and engagement in the workforce at no cost.
Hiring Our Heroes – Hiring Our Heroes is a nationwide initiative to help veterans, transitioning service members and military spouses find meaningful employment opportunities.
Vet Jobs – Vet Jobs allows military veterans to search for jobs, post resumes and find employment assistance. It is available to assist all members of the military, from all branches both enlisted or veteran status, and their families.
Veterans Employment Toolkit – This Department of Veterans Affairs website offers a range of information about resume writing, the interview process and job placement programs aimed at military hiring.

Public Service/Government Jobs:

Of special interest to those people with disabilities who are pursuing a career in public service, the federal government is a leading employer of qualified individuals with disabilities. Job seekers with disabilities should pay special attention to Sections 501 and 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. A new rule from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has set a clear goal for more federal agencies to hire talented people with disabilities. Likewise, Section 503 requires federal contractors to take active steps to recruit, hire, promote, and retain employees with disabilities.