Are You Ready to Get to Work?
Getting ready for employment is more than just updating your resume. This checklist will help you prepare for success in your job search and make sure you have all the support systems in place.

Your Support Team
Connect with Your VR Counselor or Case Manager
If you have an open case with your state Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) or Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agency, schedule a meeting to discuss your employment goals. Your counselor can help you develop an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) that outlines the services and support you'll receive.

Activate Your Ticket to Work
If you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you're eligible for the free Ticket to Work program. Call 1-866-968-7842 to verify eligibility and connect with Employment Networks that provide free career counseling, job training, and placement services. Learn more at choosework.ssa.gov

Find a Benefits Counselor
Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) projects offer free benefits counseling to help you understand how working will affect your SSDI/SSI and healthcare coverage. Use the Find Help tool at choosework.ssa.gov to locate a WIPA counselor near you.
Skills and Training Assessment

Identify Your Strengths
List both your hard skills (technical abilities, certifications, software knowledge) and soft skills (communication, problem-solving, teamwork). Match these against job postings in your desired field.

Address Training Gaps
Your VR counselor can help arrange vocational training, post-secondary education, or certification programs if needed. Many programs offer special funding for people with disabilities.
Practical Preparations

Transportation Plan
Determine how you'll get to work. Research public transportation routes, paratransit services, or parking accommodations you might need. Discuss transportation support with your VR counselor if needed.

Accommodation Needs
Think about what workplace accommodations would help you succeed. This might include modified equipment, flexible scheduling, or assistive technology. The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) at askjan.org or 1-800-526-7234 offers free consultation with a database of over 200,000 accommodation ideas.

Medical Documentation
If you'll need accommodations, gather any relevant medical documentation that explains your limitations and accommodation needs (though you won't share this until after a job offer).
Professional Materials

Updated resume highlighting your skills and experience
Professional email address
References prepared (former supervisors, colleagues, instructors)

Interview outfit ready

Financial Planning
Understand Work Incentives
Learn how your earnings will affect your benefits. The Social Security Red Book explains all work incentives available to you. Your WIPA counselor can create a personalized benefits analysis.

Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS)
If you receive SSI, you may qualify for a PASS that allows you to set aside income or resources for work-related goals without affecting your benefits.
Where to Apply
Explore disability-friendly job boards:

abilityJOBS.com - First and largest job site for people with disabilities
disabledperson.com - 501(c)(3) nonprofit with 300,000+ job listings
gettinghired.com - Social networking and job search site
USAJOBS.gov - Federal government positions (see Schedule A hiring for people with disabilities)
wrp.gov - Workforce Recruitment Program for students and recent graduates

You're not alone in this journey. Your employment team is here to help you succeed!