AbilityLinks Resources
If you’ve been out of the job market for a while, or are looking for your first job, it can feel quite overwhelming. Am I up to date on the latest career trends and technology? Am I ready for a new job? What do I need to do?
There’s no better time than today to focus on your Ability—companies around the world are embracing diversity and the power of the inclusive workforce. We hope these tips and resources will help you find the employer that is perfect for you, and end in a successful job search.
1. Research, research, research
Before you begin your job search, start with a search for knowledge...
Healthcare jobs are among the fastest growing occupations in the economy. You should consider this fact when looking for jobs or making decisions about pursuing job training or additional education.
You can search for healthcare jobs and other fast growing occupations on AbilityLinks by Occupation Type or Key Words that identify your skills and experience.
View a list of fastest growing occupations.
A Primer on Bias in Interviewing
Jobseekers with Disabilities
by Mark Williams
March 2014
Introduction
Employers’ hiring decisions may be affected by cultural or individual biases against individuals with disabilities. These biases may be implicit, in that they are...
Starting your own business or becoming self-employed is a major undertaking and being successful requires a good deal of thought and planning. These resources will help you get started. Abilities Fund The Abilities Fund is the only nationwide program designed exclusively to advance entrepreneurial opportunities for people with disabilities. After completing a detailed application form, Abilities Fund staff will contact you to offer support and resources that are specific to your situation. Small Business Start-up Guide This Small Business Administration (SBA) startup guide was developed to assist you...
There are three tax incentives available to employers that hire people with disabilities or make their places of business accessible for employees and customers with disabilities.
Work Opportunity Tax Credit The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) is a Federal tax credit available to employers for hiring individuals from certain target groups, including disabled persons, who have consistently faced significant barriers to employment. Refer to Form 8826, Disabled Access Credit, for information about eligible expenditures.
Disabled Access Credit According to the IRS, the...
What is a Disability? The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines an individual with a disability as someone who:
Has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities (such as walking, seeing, hearing, learning, and working); Has a history of such an impairment or; Is regarded as having such impairment.Remember that not all disabilities are visible or readily apparent. Physical or mental conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy, low vision, and learning disabilities like dyslexia, can also present significant barriers to employment.
What is the ADA?The ADA is a law that...
Employers and the ADA: Myths and Facts
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a landmark federal law that protects the rights of people with disabilities by eliminating barriers to their participation in many aspects of living and working in America. In particular, the ADA prohibits covered employers from discriminating against people with disabilities in the full range of employment-related activities, from recruitment to advancement, to pay and benefits.
The foundation for the ADA is America’s promise of equal access to opportunity for all citizens.
Being inclusive of people with disabilities—in...
Many of us grew up during a time when people with disabilities were relegated to special classrooms, and, as children, we were told not to stare at or ask questions of people in wheelchairs, people using sign language, or people who were mentally retarded. Since then, laws have been passed to ensure the rights of people with disabilities, and society overall has become more accommodating and accepting of those who are "different." Americans with disabilities are now in the mainstream — living independently, working, playing, going to school, voting, shopping, and otherwise participating in the same activities as everyone else.
As...
1. I don’t want to get sued for firing someone with a disability. If I hire a person with a disability and they perform poorly, aren’t I “stuck” with them?
No. Your company’s policies and quality standards apply to employees with disabilities just as they apply to other employees. Once you have made the reasonable accommodations necessary to enable an employee to perform the essential functions of the job, the employee has to meet the job requirements.
2. I’m concerned about saying the wrong thing. What questions may I ask a job applicant with a disability?
Just as with any other...
If you are thinking about returning to school or getting some job training or placement assistance, here are some valuable resources. Colleges and Universities The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) College Navigator can help you find the right college. NCES is the primary federal entity for collecting and analyzing data related to education in the U.S. and other nations. American Job Centers Services Locator (Sponsored by Department of Labor) The American Job Centers Locator is a guide to local and regional employment assistance, career exploration, occupational training programs and...
Webinar: August 25, 2014 Moving the Mindset: Disability and Bias in Interviewing & Hiring Presentation
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