People with intellectual or developmental disabilities can be competitively employed in their communities. We believe that people with disabilities should be supported to make informed choices about their work and careers, and should have the resources to seek, obtain, and be successful in integrated community employment. In addition, in the rare situations, when individuals are not able to work, volunteer opportunities should be pursued and made available.
Rehabilitation is the process of helping a person achieve the highest level of function, independence, and quality of life possible.
Resources
Department of Developmental Services
DDS is the primary state agency providing funding and supports to Massachusetts residents with mental retardation and their families. Provides case management for eligible consumers. Funds residential, day/work, transportation, and family support programs.
Institute for Community Inclusion
A Mass.-based research clearinghouse that provides numerous online resources for individuals with disabilities. Hosts the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC), which works to identify, expand and support strategies that are successful in helping individuals with disabilities obtain employment.
Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC)
A state agency which provides funding and counseling to help individuals with disabilities attain the skills necessary to secure employment.
One-Stop Career Centers
Managed by the
Massachusetts Division of Employment and Training. Local Centers provide referrals, a computer database of job openings, and counseling services for individuals seeking employment.
Living & Working with a Disability: Tax Benefits & Credits*
This publication from the IRS presents basic information about existing tax credits and benefits that may be available to qualifying taxpayers with disabilities, parents of children with disabilities, and businesses or other entities wishing to accommodate persons with disabilities.
The ADA & Your Employment Rights as an Individual with a Disability
Plain-language fact sheet from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission explains the employment-related rights that the Americans with Disabilities Act provides to people with disabilities.
Q&A on Job Applicants and the Americans with Disabilities Act
Fact sheet from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission addresses common questions about how the ADA protects job applicants with disabilities. Includes information about reasonable accommodation for the application process and tips for discussing disability and accommodation with a potential employer.
National Center for Learning Disabilities
The National Center for Learning Disabilities has an excellent
website page providing information for individuals with Learning Disabilities detailing tips for workplace success and choosing the best job for you, and discusses the best ways to disclose disabilities at work and get the accommodations you need.
______________
*Viewing this document requires
Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Click here to download this free software.