Employment

After-school and summer work opportunities are important for all youth and young adults. The Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training has a list of Youth Employment Resources.

The Department of Human Services’ Office of Rehabilitation Services (ORS) helps students who have disabilities plan for transition to adult life. ORS counselors work with all school districts, families, and students to prepare for job training, career development, and employment opportunities after high school.

Families can also work with an ORS benefit counselor to help them navigate workforce incentives such as the SSI Student Earned Income Exclusion. This rule helps students younger than 22 who are regularly attending school to work without immediately losing benefits. 

Finding a Job or a Career

Getting a job or starting a career isn’t always simple, especially if you have a disability. A job gives you a paycheck, but it also helps you build confidence and independence and gives you the chance to be part of something bigger than yourself. It’s important to remember that having a disability doesn’t change the expectation that you have the chance to get a job.

Figuring out where to start can feel scary and overwhelming. There are different ways to start. You can try volunteering, joining community groups, or getting a part-time job after school or during the summer. These experiences can help you build what are called “soft skills”--things like communication, teamwork, and taking responsibility. In addition, being active in your community is a great way to meet people and learn about new opportunities that might interest you.

Working is good. Finding a job can add to the quality of your life. Earning money can help you live a healthier, more full life. It can help you get an apartment, buy a car, buy clothes, do entertaining things with your friends, go on trips, just to name a few. You may need special skills for some jobs or careers. Most jobs require a High School Diploma or GED, and others may require specialized training or a college degree. Depending on your interests, you may want to attend a technical high school to get training or a certificate in a trade like plumbing, electricity, hair dressing, or childcare. You may want to attend a job training program like Job Corps or college to get a degree so you can teach, become a nurse or other healthcare provider, become an accountant or a scientist. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires employers provide reasonable workplace accommodations. RI DLT