Workforce Solutions is here to provide resources to support individuals with disabilities to find and retain employment. Below are several resources relating to disability issues in employment.
Vocational Rehabilitation
The Vocational Rehabilitation program, previously known as the Texas Department of Assistive Rehabilitative Services (DARS), helps people with disabilities prepare for, find or retain employment and helps youth and students prepare for post-secondary opportunities. The program, in partnership with Texas Workforce Commission, Texas Workforce Solutions and WSP also helps businesses and employers recruit, retain and accommodate employees with disabilities.
Student Hireability Navigators
The Student HireAbility Navigator is part of a statewide initiative through Texas Workforce Commission. This initiative provides support and coordination around the region to expand, enhance, and improve workforce transition services offered to students with disabilities and their families.
Accessibility in the Community
A Guide to Disability Rights Law
This guide provides an overview of Federal civil rights laws that ensure equal opportunity for people with disabilities. To find out more about how these laws may apply to you, click here to contact the agencies and organizations listed in the guide.
Southwest ADA Center
The Center offers a free ADA hotline for confidential guidance on disability rights issues. Click here for more information or call 800.949.4232.
U.S. Department of Justice
The DOJ has made available online the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design. These standards were adopted as part of the revised regulations for Title II and Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth
This site provides information about transitioning from school to work.
Accessibility and Disability Disclosure at Workforce Solutions
Accommodation Policy and Assistive Technology/Auxiliary Aids
Workforce Solutions is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Please contact a staff member to request an accommodation. Relay Texas: 1.800.735.2989 (TDD) and 1.800.735.2988 or 7-1-1 (voice)
Disability Disclosure at Workforce Solutions
It is your personal decision whether to tell staff about your disability. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, staff can ask if you have a disability to determine if you are eligible for certain services from our office. However, disclosing your disability and information about it is strictly voluntary. By disclosing your disability, you can receive the accommodations and assistance you need to fully benefit from the services of the Career Center. By disclosing, you may also become eligible for special programs available for people with disabilities and find out about additional resources to help you reach your employment goal.
Employment Issues for Individuals with Disabilities
Issues and Implications of Disability Disclosure: Disability disclosure is your personal decision. You do not need to disclose your disability to a prospective or current employer. According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, “if you think you will need a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application process or to perform essential job functions, you should inform the employer that an accommodation would be needed. Employers are required to provide reasonable accommodation only for physical or mental limitations of a qualified individual with a disability of which they are aware. Generally, it is the responsibility of the employee to inform the employer that an accommodation is needed.”
Resources for Job Seekers with Disabilities
For additional information on finding or keeping a job that is specifically geared toward individuals with disabilities, please review the following links:
- The Do’s and Don’ts of Disclosure
- Youth, Disclosure, and the Workplace
- Guidance from the EEOC
- Your Employment Rights as an Individual with a Disability
- Job Accommodations Network for Individuals
- Overview of protections against employment discrimination
- Requesting Reasonable Accommodations Under the Americans with Disabilities Act
- Sample Accommodations Request Letter
- The ABC’s of SCHEDULE A for Applicants with Disabilities
- The Ticket to Work Program for Social Security Beneficiaries
- Vocational Rehabilitation Services
- Office of Disability and Employment Policy of the Department of Labor
- Panhandle Independent Living Center
- Disability Rights Texas
- Panhandle Regional Planning Commission Workforce Development Programs
- Texas Medicaid Buy-In Program
- Texas Panhandle Centers (formerly TPMHMR)
