Employment Resources for People with Developmental Disabilities
Assistance for people who have ongoing employment needs:
DES Vocational Rehabilitation
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) is the part of the DES Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) that assists individuals who have disabilities to overcome barriers to employment and become as economically independent as possible. The Vocational Rehabilitation program provides a variety of services to persons with disabilities, with the ultimate goal to prepare for, enter into, or retain employment. Working with a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor may help you in exploring and identifying an appropriate job. Services provided by VR may include, but are not limited to, vocational evaluation, job training, job search, job placement, transportation, job site modification, self-employment and entrepreneurial activities.
ARIZONA@WORK
ARIZONA@WORK provides services, without cost, across 12 regional areas and 47 local workforce offices throughout the state. ARIZONA at WORK provides job seekers with a variety of services and resources to aid in the pursuit of employment opportunities such as skills development, job search and other related supports.
DES Employment Services
The Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) offers Employment Services through a network of public employment offices. The Employment Service focuses on providing a variety of employment-related labor exchange services including, but not limited to, job search assistance, job referral, and placement assistance for job seekers, re-employment services to Unemployment Insurance claimants, and recruitment services for employers with job openings.
Arizona Employment First
AZ Employment First seeks to ensure that competitive integrated employment is the preferred outcome and expectation for all working age Arizonans who have disabilities.
Family, Friend & Relative Network
Often, we find jobs through the people we know. Family, friends and relatives may have job ideas or be able to support you in your current job when you have questions or need some help.
Job Fairs
Job fairs are useful resources when searching for a new job.
LINKAGES
LINKAGES is a non-profit organization that works as a liaison between area businesses with employment openings and participating rehabilitation providers with qualified people with disabilities who are ready to work. The participating service agencies provide job training at all levels, and extend continuing support not just to workers but also to the businesses who employ them, ensuring successful experiences for all involved.
Provider Network
Arizona has a network of providers of employment services and supports for individuals who have developmental disabilities. You may be required to pay for their services. DDD’s Employment Specialists may assist with identifying available supports.
ProviderSearch.com
ProviderSearch.com is a web-based tool designed to help families and professionals connect. This site was developed to assist families in their search for professionals who can help work with their loved ones with special needs. Families can search for staff at their leisure and agencies can display a detailed list of their employees who are available to work.
SWIft® Resources of Arizona
SWIft® Resources of Arizona is an online system that connects users to community and statewide resource information for children, youth and adult, their families, professionals and community members. It is a project of Building Community Health in Arizona: Statewide Implementation of Integrated Services, supported by a grant from the Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB) awarded to the Southwest Institute for Families.
Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency Program
The Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency Program is an employment program for people with disabilities who are interested in going to work. The goal of the Ticket Program is to increase opportunities and choices for Social Security disability beneficiaries to obtain employment, Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), and other support services from public and private providers, employers, and other organizations. Under the Ticket Program, the Social Security Administration provides disability beneficiaries with a Ticket they may use to obtain the services and jobs they need from organizations called Employment Networks (ENs).
Work Incentives Planning and Assistance
The Ability360 is the program contractor for the SSI/SSDI Work Incentive Consulting program funded through the Social Security Administration (SSA) and DES/RSA. The Work Incentive Coordinators are trained and certified to understand Social Security rules related to employment and how employment earnings affect cash, medical and other benefits.
AHCCCS Freedom to Work Program: Health Insurance for Working Individuals
The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) offers health insurance for some individuals who are working and have a disability. The program can cost up to $35.00 per month. You could be eligible if you are:
- Age 16 – 65
- An Arizona resident
- A United States citizen or a qualified immigrant
- Working and paying taxes
- Applying for or have a Social Security number
- Applying for potential income that may be available, such as unemployment and Social Security
- Receiving SSDI or is determined blind or disabled by the Disability Determination Services Administration
- Not eligible for any other AHCCCS program
- Earning under $2,257.00 per month
In Maricopa County: (602) 417-6677
Statewide Toll-Free: 1-800-654-8713 (Option 6)
Do you need a more local service? Get help locating a community resource near you.
Need help? Contact the Division of Developmental Disabilities online or give us a call at (844) 770-9500.