Whether you are planning for your first career or searching for a new focus around which to organize your work life, it is important to pursue a career that will help you meet your financial needs, that you will be able to do well, and that will be satisfying to you. It is also important to take steps to develop your skills in new ways. It is great to find a job that you enjoy doing, but it is also important to think about how what you are doing now will help prepare you for your long-term goals.

Even if you have a long way to go before you reach your ultimate goal, thinking about your long-term career goals can help you to focus on your current job search. But you don’t have to know exactly where you want to end up. Each job you have will help you learn more about your interests, acquire new skills, and develop your long-term goals.

Thinking carefully about the skills and interests that you have now is a good way to begin your search for a satisfying job. Below are some tools designed to help you get a clear picture of your interests and skills.

Discovery: Understand Yourself

Self-Assessment/Personal Inventory

The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) has an excellent guide called Finding a Job that is Right for You: A Practical Approach to Looking for a Job as a Person with a Disability. The guide has information that can help you with each step of your job search process.

The guide begins with a series of quizzes and worksheets to help you learn more about what is important to you, your interests and strengths, and what you need from a job. Each one includes a completed example to look at.

Each worksheet has a slightly different focus:

• The Job Priority List helps you organize lists of the things that you are most interested in and the features of jobs that are most important to you.
• The Overcoming Obstacles Worksheet is designed to help you anticipate possible obstacles you may find when searching for work. Thinking of solutions to problems that you might run into before you get started on your job search can help make your job search easier and more effective.
• The Personal Inventory Worksheet is designed to help you begin building a resume by organizing your experiences to show your interests and strengths.

Self-Assessment Resources

There are many tools available to help you learn more about your likes, dislikes, and how your personality fits with different work settings and occupations. Different types of assessment tools work differently and focus on different things. Some of the assessments will cost money but others are free. A great place for self-assessment tools is the U. S. Department of Labor's CareerOneStop website. The site's Career Exploration page includes a section on self-assessments and a discussion of why they are helpful to job seekers. Gettinghired.com is also an excellent resource for job seekers with disabilities.

Talking to a Career Counselor

It can be hard to choose from all the different self-assessment tools. It can also be difficult to know what to do with the results once you have them. There are people available to help you choose the right test, understand what the test results mean, and help you get started with your career planning. Often these services will be offered at a low cost or no cost to you.

You can find a career counselor at a local office of the California Department of Rehabilitation.

Your Individual Needs

Interests and skills are important to figuring out what type of work you might like to do, but it is also important to know what you need your job to do for you. A good way to explore the financial and other benefits you need from a job is to complete the Personal Needs Assessment Worksheet available from the Job Accommodation Network (JAN).

Reasonable Accommodation

If your disability makes aspects of your job difficult, you may want to ask for a reasonable accommodation. A reasonable accommodation is any change in the work environment or in the way things are usually done that leads to an equal employment opportunity for you as a person with a disability.

Reasonable accommodations can include modifications to the facility, changes in the job process, and assistive technology allowing you to perform at the expected performance standards. Ability Tools, California's Assistive Technology Act Program, provides information on assistive technology.

An accommodation request is usually started by you and may be requested verbally or in writing. For information on how to put your request in writing, click here.

If you have developed strategies or have used equipment to successfully accommodate your disability, then you may want to share this with your employer. However, if you have not needed an accommodation before and do not know where to start, contact the Job Accommodation Network (JAN). JAN is a free service that offers accommodation experts to help guide you through the accommodation process. JAN also has a website with publications containing accommodation suggestions for different situations and an interactive website called the Searchable Online Accommodation Resource (SOAR). SOAR asks you about your situation and then leads you to accommodation suggestions, including information on where to buy a product if one is suggested.

Finding Careers That Match Your Strengths and Interests

Once you have a clearer picture of your skills and areas of interest, you’ll need to figure out what type of position might suit you. The sites below have tools designed to help you match your interests with possible jobs. They also have information on what types of education and training you may need to prepare for the career you are interested in. Even if you already have a job or career in mind, it is a good idea to explore the sites below. They may suggest a career option you hadn’t thought of, but that is a good match for your interests.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s O*Net Online offers a helpful set of tools for searching for careers. O*Net allows you to search for jobs that use a specific skill, tool, or software. It also allows you to browse groups of similar occupations so you can learn about jobs that are related to the job you are interested in.

• CareerConnect, from the American Printing House for the Blind, is a great site that allows you to browse careers by field or interest area. It also allows you to explore specific careers and offers extensive information about the knowledge, interests, skills, and abilities necessary for each position.
• CareerOneStop has an education and training page that includes information on the education requirements and training needs of different occupations.
• Although it is aimed at high school students, Exploring Career Information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics is an excellent tool for anyone exploring careers. The site is designed to help you use your current interests to find and explore different careers.
• Career Planning, from MyPerfectResume.com, offers links to an extensive set of sites designed to help you explore careers and occupations and choose a career path.
• Career Exploration, from the University of California Berkeley, offers tools and resources to help plan your future, investigate career paths, and learn about potential careers.
• GettingHired.com has a Job Recommendations tool.
• Careers and the disABLED magazine has in-depth articles and information on various career options.

What Does the Future Look Like for the Type of Job You Are Seeking?

Before you become too focused on a specific career, it is good to understand the prospects for finding employment in that area.

CareerOneStop has information on:

• Industries with the Fastest Growth
• The Occupations with the Largest Employment
• The Highest Paying Occupations
• Wages and Employment Trends by Occupation, Job, and State
• Wages by Education Level

In addition to resources for exploring careers, and job searching, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has information on occupations:

• That are expected to suffer the largest wage and employment declines
• That are expected to experience the largest growth in total number of jobs
• That are expected to grow the fastest

Every two years, the California Employment Development Department gives short-term (two years) and long-term (10 years) predictions of job trends statewide.

By looking at websites that list jobs, you can see the types of jobs that are in demand in your state or local area. You can find local job openings at Monster.com and www.Indeed.com.

The best way to explore a career that you think you may want to pursue is to talk to people who do the work or find an opportunity to try the work yourself. Start by talking to many people about the type of career you are interested in. Ask them to put you in contact with anyone they know who works in the field. As you discuss your interests with more people, you will gain insight into the career. You will also make valuable contacts who may be able to help you gain experience in the field through apprenticeships, internships, volunteering, working with a mentor, and job shadowing. When it comes time to seek employment, these early contacts will all be valuable to speak with about possible positions.

Career fairs bring many employers together at once. They are great places to apply for jobs or just to learn about what industries are hiring and what types of positions are available. To find a job or career fair near you, click here.

A video by the University of California Santa Cruz explains job fair techniques.

Career Days hosted by local schools and community colleges are also good places to talk to a variety of different employers and learn about different industries.

Apprenticeships, internships, volunteering, working with a mentor, and job shadowing are also excellent ways to learn about different jobs or industries when you are beginning a new career. They are also important opportunities to meet people who may be able to help you find employment and show them that you are a good worker with a sincere interest in the field.

Traditional Work Options

Full-Time or Part-Time Employment

CareerOneStop is a good place to begin seeing what types of jobs are available that match your interests. The CalJOBS system is the state's online resource to search for a job, build a resume, and access other resources. The California Employment Development Department (EDD) also provides an overview of its services, including a list of job finding tools and resources and a tool to search for a local employment office.

EDD also provides details about:

• Services for Veterans
• Tools and resources for youth
• Experience Unlimited Job Clubs and other programs for older workers.

The federal government’s official job site is USAJOBS. The site has an extensive list of resources for jobseekers with disabilities on its Individuals with Disabilities page. The site also includes information on federal employment for persons with disabilities.

Another national job search website with information for jobseekers with disabilities is GettingHired.com.

Self-Employment

Self-employment is an appealing option for many people with disabilities. If you are good at planning and organizing and you have the discipline to work for yourself, self-employment may be for you. Because it allows you to be your own boss, create work hours that fit your needs, and gives you freedom from disability-related and access-related barriers, such as transportation issues, inaccessible work environments, and the need for personal assistance, many people find self-employment to be an appealing option.

Starting a business can be an intimidating challenge, but there are people out there who can help you. The Job Accommodation Network (JAN), offers individualized technical assistance, consulting, and mentoring services to persons with disabilities, family members, and service providers. JAN consultants handle each inquiry on a case-by-case basis, offering self-employment and small business development expertise and referrals regarding all aspects of the planned business enterprise. Among these are business planning, financing strategies, marketing research, disability-specific programs, income supports and benefits planning, e-commerce, independent contracting, home-based business options, and small business initiatives for disabled veterans. JAN's services are available free of charge through their toll-free numbers 1-800-526-7234 or 877-781-9403 (TTY) or 1-800-232-9675/V/TTY; and their web site’s Entrepreneurship page.

Virginia Commonwealth University's Rehabilitation Research and Training Center offers information about overcoming the challenges that people with disabilities face when starting a business.

An extensive self-assessment process for persons with disabilities that are considering self-employment has been developed by the Research and Training Center on Disability in Rural Communities. To find out more, click here.

Temporary Employment

Temporary employment can be a great way to gain experience and start a career. If you are returning to work after some time out of the workforce, letting a temporary agency assist you in finding employment can help you re-enter the workforce, gain new skills, and re-orient yourself to the job market. If you have been out of the workforce for a while, temporary work is also an easy way to update your resume and add recent work history.

If you sign up with a temporary agency or staffing service, they will match you with short-term or temporary-to-permanent positions. Although you may not initially think of temporary work as appealing, it can have several benefits:

• It will allow you to learn new skills and earn money while you continue searching for a full-time position.

• You may be able to get more flexible hours or working conditions to fit your personal situation.

• It will help you gain work experience, develop skills, get training, and make new contacts.

• Perhaps most importantly, temporary work will allow you to check out an employer or an occupation before making a commitment to training, a particular career, or a particular employer.

CareerOneStop has an extensive list of temporary agencies, staffing services, and job recruiters. To visit the list, click here.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) has an interesting discussion of the use of temporary employment options by people with disabilities here.

Self-Designed Work Options

Customized Employment

Customized employment considers jobseekers as whole people, taking into account their skills, interests, abilities, and the work conditions, including job support, that they need to be successful in employment. Customized employment works by matching the strengths, abilities, and interests of a jobseeker with the needs of an employer. This process allows for flexibility and makes the relationship between employee and employer more personalized, resulting in better matches for both employer and employee.

Customized employment involves careful consideration. But it offers jobseekers a chance to help discover a job that suits their skills and lets them make an essential contribution to a business. It also boosts the productivity of the business by finding job candidates that are good matches to fill positions that improve overall production in the workplace.

The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) has a page with information, resources, and guidance on customized employment on its Customized Employment and Flexible Work Arrangements page.

Telecommuting or Telework

Telecommuting is an appealing option for many people and it can have special advantages for people with disabilities. Telecommuting reduces or does away with travel and commuting, often allows for a more flexible work schedule, and makes it possible for people with significant mobility issues to work.

One site that may be particularly helpful is the National Telecommuting Institute (NTI), which has a program that matches available opportunities with persons with disabilities who require home-based work.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has a fact sheet discussing working at home and telework as a reasonable accommodation.

Education and Training

The career that interests you may require more education or training than you currently have. It is also likely that once you begin your career, you will want to learn new skills. New skills may be necessary to allow you to advance in your career, accept new responsibilities, and earn more money.

A good place to start learning about opportunities is the Education and Training page of CareerOneStop.

Apprenticeships, Internships, Volunteering, Mentors, and Job Shadowing

As mentioned in the Explore Your Options section of this article, there are several excellent ways to learn about different jobs or industries when you are beginning a new career.

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships offer a structured way to learn a skilled occupation, craft, or trade. During the apprenticeship, you gain skills through a combination of on-the-job training and classroom instruction. To find information on state-approved apprenticeship programs, click here.

CareerOneStop has information about apprentice programs on their Apprenticeship page.

Internships

Internships are short-term work experiences that allow you to gain practical skills and learn about an occupation in a real-world setting. Many schools and colleges have extensive programs to help you find an internship in the area you are learning about. To find information on internships, click here.

Some internship programs, such as the Workforce Recruitment Program from the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy, were specifically developed for students and recent graduates with disabilities.

Emerging Leaders is a program that offers summer internships and leadership development opportunities for college students with disabilities.

Entry Point is a program of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) that offers outstanding internship opportunities for students with disabilities in science, engineering, mathematics, computer science, and some fields of business.

Internship websites that are not specifically focused on opportunities for people who are disabled include InternJobs.com; USAJobs.gov, which offers information on federal government job opportunities; and InternshipPrograms.com.

Volunteering

Volunteering offers an opportunity to contribute to an organization while gaining new skills and experiences. It is an excellent way to gain an understanding of a wide range of careers, particularly in nonprofit and medical settings. Because volunteering allows you to show your skills and abilities, it can lead to employment opportunities. Volunteer Match is a website that can help you find opportunities for volunteering in your area.

There are also state and national volunteer programs that offer opportunities to gain experience. Visit AmeriCorps to learn more about these programs.

Working with a Mentor

Mentors are people who offer guidance to someone interested in pursuing a career similar to theirs. A mentor can help you understand what it takes to enter a field, offer support while you gain training and search for a position, and give you ongoing support and advice once you are working.

Job Shadowing

Job shadowing involves following someone while they work. This allows you to experience the day-to-day reality of working in a particular job or industry without having to commit to the job or invest in education and training.

Self-Advocacy and Job-Seeking Skills

Work is a significant part of your life and it is important that you make your own decisions about what type of work you want to do. Being a self-advocate means speaking up about the important decisions in your life and being in control of decisions about your life.

If you have a career that you find interesting and satisfying, it can give you a great source of purpose, enjoyment, and self-confidence. The best way to make sure you find satisfying work is to keep your job search focused on your interests and the type of work that you enjoy doing.

Part of the process of self-advocacy involves improving your job-seeking skills so that you are more in charge of your job search. Focus on core issues first, such as improving your resume, writing a clear cover letter, and taking advantage of opportunities to meet people who might help you with your job search. Other important skills are how to prepare for and do well in an interview.

CareerOneStop.com has articles on job-seeking skills. The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) also has a page that discusses how to prepare for a job interview.

If you need another person to help you with your job search, you can apply to work with a counselor at the the Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) . To find the closest office near you, click here.

The California Employment Development Department (EDD) provides a general list of job finding tools and resources, including organizations that offer career counseling and employment support. EDD also offers a variety of services for job seekers with disabilities, including local coordinators working in eight regions statewide.

Disability-Related Job Resources on the Web

There are several disability-specific job banks available online.

CareerCast Disability Network posts current jobs, and provides a list of the best jobs for people with disabilities. DisABLED Person allows you to connect with future employers by posting your resume and finding detailed information about potential jobs. Job listings and information for job seekers with disabilities are also available at GettingHired.

Sponsored by the California Health Incentives Improvement Project, Talent Knows No Limits (TKNL) is a statewide effort to promote awareness of the services and resources available to job seekers with disabilities, and to break barriers and combat myths about the employability of people with disabilities. TKNL provides a wide range of information for job-seekers with disabilities.

The Workforce Recruitment Program helps connect college students and recent graduates with disabilities with federal and private-sector jobs.

America's Job Centers of California

America's Job Centers of California (AJCCs) offer jobseekers the ability to register and search for jobs throughout California, both online and at local centers.

You can visit a center in person to get help with your job search or career planning. Each center has knowledgeable staff to guide you, with essential tools to make your job search a success. Most services are free of charge. Find an America's Job Center of California (AJCC) (One-Stop) near you.

Services Offered

AJCC staff can tell you about the services offered at the center and any special services that might be available to you. Staff can also give you advice about which local employers are hiring, teach you the basics of conducting a job search, and help you with your resume. They can help you use online job banks and other employment websites, such as CalJOBS, which lets you search for jobs, build a resume, use career resources, and get details about education and training programs

The centers have office equipment that will help you in your job search, such as telephones, photocopy machines, computers with internet access, printers, and fax machines. Each center also has various resources available about how to search for a job, write resumes and cover letters, interview effectively, and find out which industries and jobs are expected to offer good prospects for the future.

All centers provide a range of assistive technology and staff to help you use their services and resources.

Courses, Workshops and Trainings

These local job centers offer a variety of workshops to help you with your job search and career planning. Examples of workshops include interviewing skills, networking, Internet job searches, completing job applications, and writing effective resumes and cover letters.

Local centers also host career or job fairs that bring many employers together at once. They are great places to apply for jobs or just to learn about what industries are hiring and what types of positions are available. EDD lists job fairs and workshops by region.

Other excellent courses, workshops and trainings on career planning and skills are offered through local community colleges, community education departments, and nonprofit groups.

Vocational Rehabilitation Services

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services can offer you a wide variety of counseling, training, job skills and job placement services. Vocational Rehabilitation is a term for programs that help people with disabilities become employed. In California, the Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) offers these services to persons who qualify.

The California Department of Rehabilitation can help you get the training or other services that you need to return to work, to enter a new line of work, or to enter the workforce for the first time. The services they offer to you are carefully chosen to match your personal needs. You and your counselor will work together closely to set goals and then develop a plan to help you reach them.

Eligibility

Eligibility for VR is based mostly on whether you have a physical or mental disability that makes it difficult to prepare for, get or keep work.

If you get Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, you are presumed eligible for vocational rehabilitation services from the California DOR.

Health Insurance While Seeking a Job

There are a variety of resources to help you get health insurance, if you don’t have insurance. If you need health insurance, you can apply for private health coverage or Medi-Cal using Covered California. Also, when you begin to work, you may be able to get health care by enrolling in the Medi-Cal for the Working Disabled program.

Specialized Services for the Blind, Visually Impaired, Deaf, and Hard of Hearing

If you have significant vision or hearing loss, specialized services from the California Department of Rehabilitation can help you prepare for, find and keep a job, and live as independently as possible.

This program offers a variety of services, including counseling, training, job skills, and job placement services. These can include:

• Career Counseling and Guidance
• Job Development and Placement
• Employment Training
• Assistive Technology
• Rehabilitation Teaching for the Blind
• Orientation and Mobility Training
• Instruction in Braille
• Adjustment to Disability Counseling

The services offered to you will vary depending on your personal needs. Counselors will work with you to figure out which services you will need to reach your job goal. For more information, call the California Department of Rehabilitation at 916-324-1313, 1-800-952-5544, or 916-558-5807 (TTY).

Applying for Specialized Services

To apply for these special services, contact the nearest DOR office.