What Kind of Jobs Can I Get?

Arizona Employment First believes that people with disabilities should have control over the kinds of work they want to do. There are many different ways to work.

Competitive Integrated Employment

This type of work means:

You are hired and paid directly by their employer (not by a job agency or state program)
You work in your community
You work and interact with people with and without disabilities
The amount of time you work each week is based on your choices, wants, and needs
You are paid the same and work the same number of hours as workers without disabilities doing the same job.
You receive at least minimum wage and have the same access to benefits as workers without disabilities doing the same job
If you are self-employed, you make the same amount of money someone without a disability would be making doing the same work.

Work can look different for different people.

You can be:

Self-Employed: You have your own business and decide your own hours and job tasks
Employed by Others: You work for someone else, and your boss decides your hours and job tasks

You can also decide how much you would like to work.

Options include:

Full-time: Working full time means working about 40 hours a week. This usually means working 8 hours per day. These jobs often have benefits and perks that other jobs do not, such as health insurance and paid vacation.
Part-time: Working part time means working less than 35 hours per week. These kinds of jobs often do not have as many perks or benefits as full-time jobs.
If you are Self-Employed, you can decide how much you work. Working less means you will make less money.

Am I Working or In Training?

Sometimes, people who have disabilities take part in training programs before working. These programs can take place in the community or in segregated centers. They can be paid or unpaid. As a trainee, you learn work-related skills to prepare you for employment. Group-supported employment (enclaves) and centered-based employment (sheltered workshops) are examples of training. Training is not a permanent job. Training exists to help you prepare for work.

Employment is a job in your community. These jobs can be full-time or part-time. People who have disabilities and people who do not have disabilities:

Work together,
Get paid the same for doing the same job,
Get the same benefits.

Note: This information comes from the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS)

Job Accomodation Network

The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is a free resource. JAN has information about workplace accommodations and disabilities. It is free and confidential, meaning they will keep your information private. JAN has consultants who can speak to you online or on the phone. They can answer your questions about: Workplace accommodations The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other laws Self

Arizona Technology Access Program

The Arizona Technology Access Program (AzTAP) helps people learn about assistive technology. They offer many programs, including: Assistive technology demonstrations Lending out technologies for short-term use Helping you select and obtain the technology that you need An online equipment re-use program Financial loans to help you buy assistive technology Training, education, and technical

The National Technical Assistance Center on Transition

The National Technical Assistance Center on Transition supports state and local education agencies, and vocational rehabilitation providers to ensure students with disabilities graduate from high school prepared to succeed in employment and postsecondary education. They provide resources, trainings, and toolkits promote best practices and evidence-based strategies for successful transition.

The National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth

The National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth (NCWD/Youth) provides support, resources, and information for state and local agencies, organizations, and professionals working to help youth transition into the workforce. Their website has many resources for professionals, agencies, and families to support youth into integrated employment.

AZ Employment First 2018 Review & Milestones

This infographic describes the activities of Arizona Employment First between January and December 2018. Highlights include: The Association for People Supporting Employment First (APSE) Arizona Chapter was officially chartered Outreach activities included 3 webinars and 34 speaking engagements, reaching 1,200 people throughout the state

EF Technical Brief #4: Federal Resources Available to Support State Employment First Efforts

This is part of a 4-part series published by the National Lead Center and the Office of Disability Employment Policy. This brief provides information about federal funding and technical assistance available to support states in their Employment First initiatives

EF Technical Brief #2: Federal Legal Framework that Supports Competitive, Integrated Employment Outcomes of Youth and Adults with Significant Disabilities

This is part of a 4-part series published by the National Lead Center and the Office of Disability Employment Policy. This brief summarizes the rights of individuals with disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act. It provides information for how the federal legal framework regarding disability rights reinforces and supports the principles of Employment First.

EF Technical Brief #1: Connecting the Dots: Using Federal Policy to Promote Employment First Systems-Change Efforts

This is part of a 4-part series published by the National Lead Center and the Office of Disability Employment Policy. This brief proposes strategies for using federal policies such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) to work toward Employment First.

Employment and Salary in Arizona on People Who Have Disabilities

This handout uses Census data to provide statistics on employment and salaries for people who have disabilities in Arizona Handout Text Employment and Salary in Arizona on people who have disabilities 80% or more have a high school degree or higher Over 51% have at least some college 35% of working-age people with disabilities have jobs Compare to 74% of people with no disabilities have jobs The

Transition Requirements and Services: IDEA/Special Education, Vocational Rehabilitation, and Division of Developmental Disabilities

This table is available as a PDF, Spanish, and Plain Text Document. Disponible en Español ' Are you a student who has a disability? Do you receive services from the public education system, Vocational Rehabilitation, or the Division of Developmental Disabilities? If you said yes, you are entitled to transition support. This grid explains WHO can receive services WHEN they should be delivered WHAT