Disability Resources
Many people with disabilities have had difficulty connecting to resources and have long fought for accessible resources. These are the organizations that are working to change that:
1. Disability:IN www.disabilityin.org
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- They are a collective organization of participating companies in STEM fields, business, finances, autism @ work, and others. They are a growing non-profit resource for business disability inclusion worldwide to involve people with disability in our workforces, inspire accessibility, and foster cultures of inclusion. The last time I visited their webpage they had 270 companies pariticpating. You will also find some LGBTQ+ supporters here.
2. Many companies are now providing opportunity for prospective employees to use their accommodation services. It's an extra step and it can be tesious, so people with disabilities have to put in more work than normal-able body workers. These are the companies that have these services:
*AECOM also provided this resourceful link for people with vision, hearing, motor, and cognitive disabilities: https://mcmw.abilitynet.org.uk/
When you look for these services at companies, look for the key phrases I mentioned below. They are not the only companies that provide accommodation. :)
3. Government Agencies:
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- USAGOV: https://www.usa.gov/disability-jobs-education
- You will find some helpful resources for education and employment here, what your rights are under the law, protection from retaliation and other things. There are programs under government agencies where seats are left specifically for people with disabilities. If you are in the STEM field you can find them under job announcements. It is a lot harder to find it when you need it and for the time being it's not showing up for me, so it's one of those announcements that is like finding a unicorn.
- U.S Department of Labor has a Disability Employment Initiative and you can find more about their program here: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/odep/initiatives/disability-employment-initiative
- The Office of Personnel Management: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/disability-employment/recruiting/#url=Vacancy-Announcement-Tips
- This website also has a section for Students under the "Student Programs" and if you're a college student this will benefit you to have these types of partnerships at your college campus. These are the Office of Personnel Management's student programs:
- Workforce Recruitment Program
- Campus Visits and Partnerships
- Professional Organizations and Publications
- Pathway Programs
- The best place to leverage this might be when you're a Student Liaison to talk to college students about these opportunities early on before they head out to the workforce. Keep them connected.
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): www.ADA.gov
- State Rehabilitation Commissions (website varies by state)
- The website for the State Rehabilitation varies depending on where you reside. For example, a California resident would rely on California's Rehabilitation Commission but the key words to look for are "Rehabilitation Commision". I have to warn you that when you get into the step-by-step process, it takes time to complete these tasks, so when you are interacting with state agencies please research what you need ahead of time and make sure to have it on hand.
- U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission: www.eeoc.gov
4. If you need access to transportation, please research your local transportation agency for commuter options. Many transportation agencies around the country are looking for ways to reduce carbon emission and greenhouse gases. When I worked in New York, I took the train to work from Brooklyn to New York City and walked to my office everyday. I knew someone that commuted from New Jersey to New York City. In other states, you might have to take a bus, but figure out a travel plan that works for you. In some states they also help find transportation for you. This is done through the State's Rehabilitation Commission.
Here are the keyphrases to look for when job searching and speaking to Human Resource representatives: "Request for Accommodation", "ADA Coordinator", "Accessibility Support", . Other key phrases to look for at other agencies are: "Rehabilitation Commission", "Disability Employment", "Disability Employment Initiatives", "Disability Recruitment", "Disability Support", "Disability Assistance", "Disability Accommodation", "Inclusive Hiring Programs". Please also look for names, emails, and phone numbers that can get you in touch with these specialists who can provide you with the answers to your questions. For people with disabilities, it can be long and tedious process. If you have a disability, please let others know what you need to help you better perform your duties and succeed.
Some of these are trial and error from what I know and they are "good to know" resources. It is best to speak to someone that will maintain the confidentiality of your disability and maintain a professional interaction.
If anyone would like to add to the list that would be great. I am new to learning about this and I may not have all the resources available here for all your questions. Please do not be limited to what I have. Not all disabilities are visible.
*I have not worked with any of these companies on any capacity, but was able to find those resources using those key phrases.
Resources:
- www.disabilityin.org
- https://www.usa.gov/disability-jobs-education
- https://www.dol.gov/agencies/odep/initiatives/disability-employment-initiative
- https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/disability-employment/recruiting/#url=Vacancy-Announcement-Tips
- https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/disability-employment/recruiting/#url=Student-Programs
- www.ADA.gov
- www.eeoc.gov
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Oanh Le, A.M.ASCE (She/Her)
Rochdale, MA
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Original Message:
Sent: 06-15-2021 08:29 AM
From: Chad Morrison
Subject: Engineers with disability
EVAS Website
Please see the link above. There is help available for making technology accessible for people with low vision.
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Chad Morrison P.E., M.ASCE
Professional Engineer
Greenville RI
Original Message:
Sent: 06-14-2021 04:04 AM
From: Yazan Al Juboori
Subject: Engineers with disability
I've been struggling for three years trying to find a civil engineering position (entry level or internship). Because I have very low vision and I don't drive a car, I usually get rejected from jobs. Does anyone have any advice or recommendations on how to handle job applicants and interviews where this may come up?<o:p></o:p>
Thanks! <o:p></o:p>
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Yazan Aljjboori A.M.ASCE
Civil engineering
Springfield MA
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