At Bona Fide, we are proud to help people with disabilities succeed in their careers.  We do this by providing fulfilling job opportunities with a supportive culture and room for growth.  In this article, we will address the top 10 questions people have about disability employment services. If you are a person with a disability seeking employment, please contact us HERE.  Or, if you’re an employer looking for information on how to support your employees working with disabilities, we have the answers you need. Let’s dive in!

Quick Links:

• Question 1: What are disability employment services?
• Question 2: Who is eligible for disability employment services?
• Question 3: How do disability employment services help job seekers with disabilities?
• Question 4: How can employers benefit from disability employment services?
• Question 5: How can I find disability employment services in my area?
• Question 6: Are there costs associated with disability employment services?
• Question 7: Can disability employment services assist with workplace accommodations?
• Question 8: Can disability employment services provide ongoing support to employees?
• Question 9: Should I disclose my disability by using disability employment services?
• Question 10: How long can I receive support from disability employment services?

Question 1: What are disability employment services?

Disability employment services are programs and resources designed to help individuals with disabilities find and maintain work. These services provide support, guidance, and opportunities for disabled individuals.  This ensures they have equal access to work opportunities and can lead fulfilling professional lives.

Disability employment services may offer various services such as vocational assessments, skills development, job search assistance, interview preparation, job coaching, and ongoing support in the workplace. At Bona Fide, we provide the jobs, training, and support to succeed through our contracts with the AbilityOne program and private commercial partners.

If you are a person with a disability looking for employment assistance, there are a variety of disability employment services available today.

Question 2: Who is eligible for disability employment services?

Eligibility for disability employment services typically involves meeting certain criteria. The specific requirements may vary based on the country and program you are applying to. However, in general, individuals who can benefit from disability employment services include:

• People with physical disabilities
• People with intellectual disabilities
• People with sensory impairments
• People with mental health conditions
• People with neurological conditions

These are just a few examples, and eligibility criteria may extend beyond these categories. To determine if you qualify for disability employment services, it is best to check with the specific program or agency providing these services in your area.

Question 3: How do disability employment services help job seekers with disabilities?

Disability employment services play a crucial role in helping job seekers with disabilities by providing them with support throughout their employment journey. Here are some ways these services assist individuals with disabilities:

• Assessing skills and abilities to identify suitable job opportunities
• Providing vocational training to develop necessary job skills
• Assisting with creating resumes and preparing for interviews
• Offering job placement support and connecting candidates with employers
• Arranging job trials and evaluations
• Supporting individuals in securing and maintaining employment

These services operate with the aim of empowering individuals with disabilities, enabling them to find work.  At Bona Fide, we provide ongoing, on-the-job training and support in our teams.

Question 4: How can employers benefit from disability employment services?

Employers can gain multiple benefits from utilizing disability employment services and hiring individuals with disabilities. Some advantages include:

• Access to a pool of talented and dedicated employees
• Increased diversity and inclusion within the workforce
• Enhanced company reputation as an inclusive employer
• Eligibility for government incentives and grants for hiring disabled individuals
• Improved overall job satisfaction and team dynamics
• Exposure to different perspectives and ideas, leading to increased innovation

By partnering with disability employment services, employers can tap into a broader talent pool and foster a more inclusive work environment.  At Bona Fide, we can provide your company talented individuals that work with disabilities.  Our services include ongoing training support for them and your staff.

Question 5: How can I find disability employment services in my area?

Locating disability employment services in your area is relatively straightforward. Here are a few steps you can take:

1. Contact your local government or job center for information about disability employment programs
2. Search online using keywords such as “disability employment services” followed by your location
3. Reach out to disability advocacy organizations or disability-focused nonprofits in your area
4. Ask for referrals from friends, family members, or healthcare professionals who may be familiar with local resources
5. See USA.gov’s job resource directory HERE

By using these methods, you should be able to find disability employment services nearby that can provide the assistance you need. If you’re looking for work, contact us HERE to learn more about Bona Fide’s job opportunities.

Bona Fide Job Opportunities:

• San Jose, California
• Southern California, various locations
• Santa Rosa, California
• Tampa, Florida
• Carson City, Nevada
• Oroville, Washington
• Chicago, Illinois

Question 6: Are there costs associated with disability employment services?

The costs associated with disability employment services can vary based on the specific program or agency. In many cases, these services are funded by government agencies or non-profit organizations and provided to individuals at little or no cost. However, it is essential to inquire about any potential fees or costs during the initial contact with the service provider.

Furthermore, some programs may offer additional services or training for which they charge a fee. It is always a good idea to clarify any expenses involved before receiving services to avoid surprises.

At Bona Fide, we provide jobs and training at no cost to our employees.  Our partnership with the AbilityOne program ensures that our employees are provided a competitive federal wage.

Question 7: Can disability employment services assist with workplace accommodations?

Yes, disability employment services typically help individuals with disabilities to navigate workplace accommodations. These services collaborate with employers to ensure that disabled employees have the necessary support and modifications to perform their jobs. Accommodations can include:

• Adaptive equipment
• Accessible facilities
• Flexible or modified work schedules
• Job restructuring
• Assistive technology

These services work with employers and disabled individuals to identify and implement the most appropriate accommodations, optimizing workplace inclusivity.   At Bona Fide, we primarily employ individuals with disabilities, so we’re experts in accommodations and consulting with businesses that wish to provide more accommodations for their employees.

Question 8: Can disability employment services provide ongoing support to employees?

Yes, disability employment services offer ongoing support to employees with disabilities. This support can help individuals maintain successful employment and overcome any challenges they may face. Ongoing services may include:

• Job coaching and mentoring
• Regular check-ins to assess progress and offer assistance
• Training for career advancement
• Mediation and conflict resolution in the workplace, if necessary
• Referrals to other support services as needed

By providing continued support, disability employment services strive to create a sustainable and positive work environment for individuals with disabilities.  Bona Fide is proud to provide this ongoing support to our employees and clients.

Question 9: Should I disclose my disability by using disability employment services?

Disclosing your disability when using disability employment services may make you feel vulnerable.  You may be concerned that it could limit your job opportunities in the future. However, it is generally recommended to be open about your disability. By disclosing your disability, companies can gain a better understanding of your needs and offer tailored support. It can also ensure that you receive appropriate accommodations during the job search process and in the workplace.

Remember, the choice to disclose or not is entirely up to you, but being open about your disability can lead to new opportunities and supportive coworkers.

Question 10: How long can I receive support from disability employment services?

The duration of support provided by disability employment services varies depending on factors such as individual needs, program guidelines, and available resources. Some individuals may only require short-term support for finding employment, while others might benefit from more extended periods of assistance, including ongoing workplace support.

The best way to determine the length of support is by discussing your specific situation with the disability employment service provider. They can provide more information on the available services and how long you can expect to receive support.

At Bona Fide, we want to work with good people as long as possible, but we understand when our employees make progress, gain experience, and often move on to greater things.

We hope this article has shed light on some of the most common questions about disability employment services. Remember, these services are designed to assist individuals with disabilities in finding and maintaining meaningful employment, so do not hesitate to reach out if you need support!

Other Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Can disability employment services help people with all types of disabilities?

Yes, disability employment services are designed to assist individuals with various types of disabilities, including physical, intellectual, sensory, mental health, and neurological conditions.

Question 2: Are disability employment services available globally?

Yes, disability employment services exist in many countries around the world. However, the availability and scope of these services may vary based on the location and local resources.

Question 3: Are disability employment services only for job seekers?

No, disability employment services cater to both job seekers with disabilities and employers looking to support disabled employees. They offer assistance to individuals at different stages of their career journey.

Question 4: Can I still use disability employment services if I already have a job?

Absolutely! Disability employment services can provide ongoing support, even if you are currently employed. They can help with career advancement, workplace accommodations, and any other assistance you may require.

Question 5: How long does it take to find a job through disability employment services?

The timing for finding a job through disability employment services varies for each individual. It depends on factors such as market conditions, job search strategies, and the individual’s skills and experience. The goal is to help individuals secure employment as efficiently as possible.

Question 6: Can a person without a disability benefit from disability employment services?

Disability employment services primarily focus on assisting individuals with disabilities. However, some programs may provide support to individuals facing other barriers to employment, such as veterans or those experiencing long-term unemployment. It is recommended to inquire about eligibility criteria with the specific service provider.

Question 7: Is there a timeline for when I need to stop receiving support from disability employment services?

There is no specific timeline for when you need to stop receiving support from disability employment services. The duration of support varies based on individual needs and program guidelines. You can work with the service provider to determine the appropriate timeline for your situation.