Embarking on a job search can be an incredibly daunting and difficult task for anyone, but for job seekers with disabilities, it may seem impossible due to a history of discrimination and lack of opportunities. Luckily, as time goes on, the workforce becomes more and more accessible to individuals with disabilities. With new laws against discrimination in the workplace and new opportunities opening up every day, it has never been a better time to commence your job search. If you or a loved one are currently looking for employment, here are some resources to support job seekers with disabilities in St. Louis—
Job Accommodations Network (JAN)
Job Accommodations Network, or JAN, is a service network that provides information, guidance, and consultations on job accommodations and employment issues for individuals with disabilities. JAN works with both employers seeking guidance on hiring employees with disabilities and these potential employees, as well as family members and professionals to help improve every aspect of the employment and working process. For individuals with disabilities, JAN provides free one-on-one guidance and assistance to help find the best accommodations, understand your rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act, and decide on the best employment opportunities to suit your specific needs. JAN has a wealth of readily available resources for everyone who needs them, available on their accessible website linked above.
Disability Benefits 101 (DB101)
Disability Benefits 101 is an online tool to help individuals with disabilities all across the country understand the different facets of disability benefits, work, and health coverage. DB101 provides a massive wealth of information on these subjects, and specific articles and tools for every concern you may have. Whether you are concerned about how your disability benefits and work will go together, how you will manage your money while working, or how you can find the best accommodations for you, DB101 has you covered. Visit their extensive website listed above, and get the specific and tailored support you need.
Vocational Rehabilitation/Office of Adult Learning & Rehabilitation Services
The Office of Adult Learning & Rehabilitation Services, a subdivision of the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, offers extensive consumer service options to help individuals with disabilities reach their employment goals. In addition to career guidance and counseling, they offer assessments of your strengths and abilities to help determine the best employment options, training for certain job options to help you succeed, rehabilitation technology to help eliminate physical barriers to employment, and much more. The Office also offers extensive resources for businesses looking to hire individuals with disabilities, as well as young people navigating the world of education with disabilities. For more information on these resources, visit the Office’s website at the link above.
Starkloff Disability Institute
The Starkloff Disability Institute is your workforce, workplace disability advisor. The Institute provides resources for career candidates with disabilities, companies looking to hire candidates with disabilities, and community members wanting to create a more supportive and inclusive workplace. One of the most important resources the Institute has to offer is the Starkloff Career Academy, which is a program designed by and for professionals with disabilities to help address your specific career needs. It features training to help with interviews, constructing resumes, negotiating pay and benefits, advocating for accommodations, and much more. The Academy also helps to build relationships with other career candidates with disabilities and create a strong support network. For more information on all of the resources the Starkloff Disability Institute offers or to sign up for a consultation, visit their website linked above.
Having the right resources and support while looking for a job can make a world of difference for job seekers with disabilities. As the workforce becomes more accessible, we at Delta Center are here to help you navigate it. We are committed to improving and enriching the lives of individuals with disabilities, and as such, we are happy to provide employment resources and support. If you are looking for more resources and information, take a moment to visit our resources page and see what we have to offer.