Job Developing for People with Disabilities during Times of Increased Unemployment Search Ideas

Submitted on behalf of Shyla P.

Access to health care plays a vital role in successful employment For people with disabilities. I urge DOL to work with SSA and state Medicaid bureaus to strengthen access to our Medicaid buy in systems. For many of us who rely on these medicaid buy-in programs, they have allowed us to receive Community First Choice or PCA services in our homes and communities. We do need Medicare and... more »

Submitted on behalf of Shyla P.

Flexible scheduling of work days as well as reasonable accommodations must be pursued and allowed in workspaces and employment settings . Reasonable accommodations and Essential functions of employment may need to be redefined for people with disabilities now and beyond. States should include and be encouraged to promote pandemic planning for employment with competitive integrated settings... more »

Submitted on behalf of Shyla P.

For those needing adequate PPE to successfully find and maintain work, consumers and counselors of vocational rehabilitation services must ensure PPE is provided in any vocational service planning. VR agencies should focus on maintaining accessibility in teleworking options. Training options in assistive technology should broaden for all! Incentives should be offered to both job seekers... more »

Submitted on behalf of Shyla P.

I work at an independent living service in Montana. I would hope that the DOL, RSA, ACL, HHS and all federal agencies could coordinate together to assist federal, state, and local communities as they plan for successful pandemic employment for people with disabilities. First and foremost, DOL must ensure that people with disabilities have access to and funding for accessible workspaces.... more »

This is so tough. Many of the usual rules apply. Look at the job market and see what field is doling the most amount of hiring. Remind the job seeker that while this is not their first choice there is value in applying for the job. Remind the job seeker to complete their applications fast. There are many people looking for jobs right now. Put your best foot forward-look over your application packet with a fine tooth comb.... more »

Normally we are encouraging our individuals to work their hardest and try new things. We are their best advocates to get the job that they want to suit their interests. In the last several months some of that has changed. Prior to pandemic we most likely encouraged our individuals to stick with a job through thick and thin. Now we have found ourselves saying it's ok to stop working if it feels too risky. To our individuals... more »

In the Employment Support Services cluster at Jewish Community Services (JCS) in Baltimore we have continued to support our individuals at work throughout the pandemic. We look at each situation very carefully. We have created over arching policies to cover many situations. But we still have to take different things into account on a case by case basis depending on the individual, their home situation, and their particular... more »

Thank you for the opportunity to participate in the Job Developing for People with Disabilities during Times of Increased Unemployment Online Dialogue. The Center for Public Representation (CPR) is a national legal advocacy organization that promotes the full integration and community participation of people with disabilities.

The COVID-19 pandemic has made more urgent the need for investment in provider transformation.... more »

When applicants respond to a potential job openings it is important to put one's best foot forward and keep your resume and application specifically directed to the job one is applying for. Carefully read the job description or ad you are responding to. Note the specific words the employer uses. The use of "preferred" or "required" gives important clues to what they need and prefer. Many companies use technology to "screen"... more »

Employer engagement is critical to ensuring that people with disabilities are not left behind during the recovery or disproportionately disadvantaged during layoffs and furloughs. Currently, the monthly percent change in the employment rate of people with disabilities is larger and more negative than for people without disabilities. Employers may need additional assistance to support workers with disabilities and to avoid... more »

An important part of supporting self-determination is ensuring that the job seeker has the needed accommodations that protect their health. For many, that might be a request to work from home, have access to additional protective equipment, or work in a part of the facility less exposed to the public. Employers play an important role in providing the accommodations, but job developers can support the request and identification... more »

The American Foundation for the Blind recently released the findings of the Flatten Inaccessibility research study, which investigated the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on 1,921 blind and low vision participants. Participants repeatedly shared their frustrations with their lack of access to specific information about COVID-19, in addition to challenges with technology tools used to access employment and other life... more »

• ODEP should work with employers to review, collect and compile best practices or emerging trends when it comes to working from home/remote work/telecommuting. 6 months passed of this pandemic should have given employers enough time to explore and identify promising practices related to managing a successful remote workforce. Further, employees with disabilities who have been lucky enough to be retained and succeed in... more »

• No Shame, No Stigma – Ensure that workers with disabilities receive information about free mental health supports during this crisis. In a time of crisis, isolation and sickness, it is no wonder that millions more Americans are reporting mental health conditions. From increasing rates of depression to widespread symptoms of chronic stress, Americans' mental health is being strained like never before. As such, workforce... more »

• Utilize a Cohort model to provide services to jobseekers with disabilities. Not only has the COVID-19 precipitated massive waves of unemployment for millions of Americans, it has also resulted in a great degree of social isolation. Especially when it comes to providing services to jobseekers with disabilities virtually, there may be considerable valuable in grouping people with disabilities together into cohorts or... more »