Federal Employment for People with Disabilities
The federal government's Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has a special hiring authority for hiring workers who have certain significant physical, psychiatric, or mental disabilities known as targeted disabilities. For more information, refer to the OPM Web site: www.opm.gov/disability/index.asp. Also, the Office of Interagency Innovation within the Center for Innovation and Partnership oversees the State Grant for Assistive Technology Program and the Assistive Technology National Activities funded under the Assistive Technology Act.
Additional resources are available online at:
Assistive Tech Centers: acl.gov/programs/assistive-technology/assistive-technology and Centers for Independent Living: acl.gov/programs/aging-and-disability-networks/centers-independent-living.
Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
JAN provides free, expert, and confidential guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues to help people with disabilities enhance their employability. JAN consultants offer one-on-one guidance on workplace accommodations, the Americans with Disabilities Act and related legislation, and self-employment options for people with disabilities. Assistance is available both over the phone and online. You can contact JAN at 1-800-526-7234 (Voice) or 1-877-781-9403 (TTY). The JAN website (www.askjan.org) is a rich source of information that has a chat service available and features the Searchable Online Accommodation Resource.
American Job Centers
American Job Centers (formerly known as One-Stop Career Centers) provide job seekers with a variety of tools and services to help them get back to work. Services include training, referrals, career counseling, job listings, and other employment-related services. Tools, many of which are available online, assist job seekers with career exploration, skills assessments (including identifying transferable skills), credential listings, and job openings. Many American Job Centers are also Employment Networks and can accept your ticket under the Ticket to Work Program. You can locate your closest American Job Center at www.servicelocator.org.