Employment
Employment Services
As an Employment First agency, DDS believes everyone should have the opportunity to work in a job that matches their skills, abilities, and interests. DDS supports people working in their local communities alongside people of all abilities, while being paid equally for the same work. Employment supports through DDS help people develop work skills and obtain a good job in their community, with the necessary support to ensure their success.
What are my options for employment services?
- Individualized Supported Employment (ISE): You work with a job coach who helps you find a competitive job through a job discovery process, provides you with training and support and then slowly reduces support as you learn your job.
- Customized Employment (CE): A method to find employment that matches your strengths, skills and abilities with employers who need employees with those strengths, skills, and abilities. You are provided supports that are just for you to help you achieve your employment goal.
- Employment Transition Services (ETS): Community-based services that help you learn job skills and life skills like managing your money, finding out what type of job you want, and networking to help you get a job.
- Group Supported Employment: Community-based employment where you and a small group of other people with disabilities work at a local business and are supported by a job coach and a provider. Supports can also include career planning that helps match you with an employer if you are interested in moving to an independent competitive job.
- Project Search: A nine-month internship training program that takes place in an area business for students close to school graduation and young adults who need more intensive employment skills training.
Fact Sheet
Download the Fact Sheet (Spanish)
Informational Video
Coming Soon!
How can I learn more and take the next step?
An individual or family member interested in learning more about taking the next step with employment services should discuss with their Case Manager about how to use your DDS funding. If you do not have DDS funding and want to learn more, please contact the help line in your region. Any changes to your current supports will be made carefully in a person-centered manner, with team discussion, agreement and with a detailed transition plan
- Talk to your Case Manager or call the DDS Help Line
- Contact the ADS Bureau of Rehabilitation Services’ (Formerly DORS) benefits counselors to understand how employment could affect your benefits
- Visit the DDS Employment Services website for more employment resources
- Watch a DDS Fourth Tuesday Forum on Innovative Employment Options
- Read Success Stories
- Learn more about Project SEARCH, an internship training program.