Americans with disabilities make up nearly one-fifth of our population. Yet the unemployment rate among them is twice that of the population overall—and it’s not for a lack of talent.
Today’s candidate pool for people with disabilities is larger than ever before. More young adults with disabilities are realizing they deserve an opportunity for meaningful employment. And they’re job-ready, with a support-system already in place through vocational training partners like Easterseals. Individuals with disabilites seeking employment benefit from early access to job training and other vocational supports. Through these services, potential candidates develop professional skills and on-the-job experiences that often lead to meaningful employment.
Recognizing the employment needs of individuals with disabilities, and the value of vocational training, Congress established the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) State Grant Program and the Supported Employment State Grant Program at the U.S. Department of Education. These programs provide jobseekers with disabilities of all levels the individualized, community-based services they need to obtain competitive integrated employment.
VR services include vocational evaluation and counseling, job training, assistive technology and job placement. Support extends to individuals once hired, as well — with services in place to ensure the employee’s reaching performance goals.
Easterseals, a proud partner of state agencies, regularly provides these services to people with disabilities through supported employment funding like the VR grant.
Learn more about how Easterseals is helping Cody pursue his ultimate dream of becoming a firefighter.
Easterseals Workforce Development Services
Assisting Care Givers
Supporting Older Workers
Assisting Young Children and Families
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