WORKERS WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

Government Resources

U.S. Department of Labor

• Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP)
  

  Federal initiatives sponsored by ODEP that address issues related to workers with developmental disabilities include:

• Employer Assistance & Recruiting Network (EARN)

  A free service that connects employers with skilled job candidates who have disabilities. Offers recruiting services, tools and resources, employer success stories, and makes the business case for hiring people with disabilities.

• Job Accommodation Network (JAN)

  A free consulting service designed to increase the employability of people with disabilities by providing individualized worksite solutions, providing information about disability-related laws, and educating callers about self-employment options. JAN offers resource lists and information related to occupational safety and health.

• Disability.gov

  A comprehensive online resource of disability-related information and programs available across the government on subjects including benefits, civil rights, community life, education, employment, housing, health, technology, and transportation.

• National Center on Workforce and Disability/Adult

  Provides training, technical assistance, policy analysis, and information to improve work access of adults with disabilities through the workforce development system.

• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

  Works to assure the safety and health of America's workers by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach, and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual improvement in workplace safety and health.

• National Young Worker Safety Resource Center

  This OSHA-funded center has a curriculum for teaching basic skills related to occupational safety and health. The curriculum includes adapted activities for teaching youth with cognitive disabilities.

• Presidential Task Force on the Employment of Adults with Disabilities

  Cabinet-level and other members representing many federal departments, agencies, and commissions that review public policy to increase employment of adults with disabilities.

U.S. Department of Education

• Office of Special Educational and Rehabilitation Services

  Federal initiatives sponsored by OSERS include:

• Rehabilitation Research and Training Center

  Identifies factors that help or limit businesses from tapping into a pool of potential employees with disabilities and collects data and resources related to employment supports.

• National Rehabilitation Information Center

  Provides information to the disability and rehabilitation community through its website and call center.

• Rehabilitative Services Administration

  Oversees grant programs that help individuals with physical or mental disabilities obtain employment and live more independently through such supports as counseling, medical and psychological services, and job training.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

• Administration on Developmental Disabilities

  Responsible for implementation of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000, known as the Developmental Disabilities Act.

• Office on Disability: Resources for Employers and Employees

  Includes links to federal and non-federal documents

• National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities

  Describes CDC’s activities related to autism spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy, hearing loss, intellectual disabilities, and vision impairment.

Social Security Administration

• Your Ticket to Work Program

  A nationwide initiative in which individuals with disabilities can use “tickets” to obtain services such as job readiness services, placement services, vocational rehabilitation, training, job coaches, transportation or other supports