Resources

There are several local resources available to help you with your job search and career planning. These organizations can help you prepare for your job search, can help you find a job right for you, and can give you advice and support services you need to keep your job.

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 interview preparation and interview skills.

In addition to the list of general Job Banks and Job Portals provided by CareerOneStop, there are several disability specific job banks.

• DisABLED Person allows individuals to connect with future employers by posting their resume and finding detailed information about potential jobs.
• HireAbility.com provides a job search database, career tools, and a site where you can post your resume.
• 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), formerly known as One-Stops, offer many free tools, resources, and services that can help you find employment or training and get help with other work-related needs. This includes help with resume writing, job searching, referrals, educational resources, and networking opportunities. There are over 200 centers around the state of California with knowledgeable staff to help you. Almost all services are provided for free.

Learn more about AJCCs or find a local AJCC.

The Department of Rehabilitation

The Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) can help you prepare for, find, and keep a job. To be eligible for DOR, you must have a physical or mental disability that makes it difficult for you to prepare for, get, or keep work. People who receive Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability Insurance benefits are automatically eligible.

The services can be different depending on the individual. DOR will work with you to determine which services you will need and a DOR counselor will develop a plan with you to help you reach your work goals. All DOR services are free. DOR is an example of one Employment Network in which you can use your Ticket to Work. For more information on DOR eligibility and application process, click here.

To apply for services, you can call or visit a DOR office near you. Click here for a list of DOR offices.

Ticket to Work Program

You can also get in-person help finding work through the Ticket to Work Program. Click here to find more information on this program.

California Independent Living Centers

Your local Independent Living Center might know of local resources to help you find a job. They can also provide information on reasonable accommodations, assistive technology, benefits, and many other types of disability-related information.

Office of Services to the Blind

The Office of Services to the Blind (OSB) provides information and referral on services, programs, and benefits to individuals who are blind or visually impaired and their families or service providers. Referral services are available to any individual regardless of income.OSB staff will help you understand the various services and programs available to you and explain what is necessary to be eligible.

For more information on OSB, you can contact them at:

Office of Services to the Blind

744 P Street, M.S. 8-16-94

Sacramento, California 95814

1-916-657-3327 (Voice)

1-916-653-4001 (Fax)

Or you can find information online at California Department of Social Services website, or email to BlindAccess@dss.ca.gov.

The California Department of Rehabilitation offers Blind Field Services, and there may be other local organizations that can help you build these skills. Contact your nearest One Stop Center or ask a Benefits Planner for resources close to you.

National Resources

National sites such as HireAbility.com and CareerOneStop have articles on job seeking skills. The Job Accommodation Network Job Seekers Guide also has a page discussing these issues.

If you get Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), or Childhood Disability Benefits (CDB), and you're looking for a job, a trained Benefits Planner can help you avoid problems with your job plan. If you need help or have questions about your situation, you can call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY), Monday through Friday.

View DB101's full list of experts who can help you understand different benefits.

Various community-based organizations guide people through state, federal, public, and private health and income programs. Some organizations may work with specific populations while others work with people with any type of disability. Here are a few examples

Goodwill Industries services range from personal evaluation and office skills training to career counseling, childcare, and transportation. Some Goodwill Industries centers also do benefits planning for people who get SSI, SSDI, and Medicare. Find locations at www.Goodwill.org, or by calling (voice) 1-800-466-3945.

The California Foundation for Independent Living Centers lists centers serving people with all disabilities. Many of these centers do benefits planning for people who get SSI, SSDI, and Medicare. If they don't offer benefits planning themselves, Independent Living Centers can refer you to local benefits planners. Find the list of independent living centers at www.CFILC.org, or by calling (voice) 1-916-325-1690 or (TTY) 1-916-325-1695.

The California Department of Public Health's Office of AIDS lists 1,300 organizations offering HIV/AIDS services throughout California. Some of these organizations provide case management, benefits planning, and benefits counseling services that can include help with public and private benefits programs. You can search the list online, or call (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.