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The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) answers questions about workplace accommodations, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and other laws that protect people with disabilities

The California Department of Rehabilitation offers vocational rehabilitation services, including job training and placement targeted to those with disabilities

CareerOneStop centers are funded by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). They have information on training, education, job search, and local employment opportunities

The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), which is part of the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), offers employment information and resources to people with disabilities

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is a resource for people with disabilities to learn about federal laws that protect them when they are discriminated against on the job

Disability.gov has employment tips specific to people with disabilities who are looking for jobs

National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability (NCWD) offers information about employment and youth with disabilities

People First of California helps disabled people build self-advocacy skills

Kids As Self Advocates (KASA) is a national, grassroots project that was created by and for youth with disabilities

Community Based Organizations
Various community-based organizations provide staff to work with people concerning a range of options on state, federal, public, and private health and income programs. Counseling about benefits, as a community service, is an emerging field of expertise with different levels of services available. Some organizations may work with specific populations while others work with individuals with any type of disability.

Goodwill Industries services range from personal evaluation and office skills training to career counseling, childcare, and transportation. Some of these centers conduct Benefits Planning Assistance and Outreach for Social Security and Medicare beneficiaries related to work activity.

Goodwill IndustriesFind locations at http://www.goodwill.org, or by calling (voice) 1-800-664-6577.

California Foundation for Independent Living Centers logoThe California Foundation for Independent Living Centers lists 29 centers serving individuals with all disabilities. Many of these centers conduct Benefits Planning Assistance and Outreach for Social Security and Medicare beneficiaries related to work activity. Most independent living centers can refer callers to local benefit program information if they do not have these services.

Find the list of independent living centers at http://www.cfilc.org, or by calling (voice) 916-325-1690 or (TTY) 916-325-1695.

The AIDS Hotline database contains 1,300 organizations providing HIV/AIDS services throughout California. Some of these organizations offer case management, benefits planning, and benefits counseling services that can include assistance with public and private benefits programs.

Find the list of AIDS organizations at http://www.aidshotline.org, or by calling (voice) 1-800-367-AIDS (2437) or (TTY) 1-888-225-AIDS (2437).

Disability Rights California provides representation for consumers of public programs who are disabled. Website publications include topics on health care, benefit programs, and In Home Supportive Services.

Finding a Benefits Planner
The federal government pays benefits planners in communities around the country to help people think ahead about benefits issues. Social Security's Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) Program provides counseling to people who are planning for work and receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.

To find a benefits planner near you, use DB101's Benefits Planners Directory.