People with Disabilities
If you have a disability, whether visible or invisible, we can assist you during your job search. Having a disability doesn’t preclude you from accessing our career services. The Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) is a partner at workNet DuPage and specializes in assisting individuals with disabilities who are seeking employment.
You can connect with DRS here.
Other organizations we recommend:
Our center is equipped with assistive technology to accommodate a variety of disabilities.
Some ways we can support you:
Helping you build confidence
by focusing on your unique assets
Offering guidance
on workplace accommodations
Referring you
to other helpful resources such as job coaching
Connecting you
with disability-friendly employers
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Did You Know?
Did you know that people with disabilities tend to remain on the job and maintain better levels of attendance? A US Chamber of Commerce study revealed an 80% lower turnover rate. This is just one of many studies that have concluded similar findings.
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#TRUTH
Most ‘reasonable adjustments’ to support employees with disabilities cost nothing or very little (Source: Social Security Administration) The majority of people with disabilities do not require accommodations and if they do, the average cost is around $500. Employers can seek assistance from the Department of Labor and apply for tax incentives when they bring on workers with disabilities. These incentives, such as Work Opportunity Tax Credit, may actually benefit a business’s bottom line!
Common Questions from People with Disabilities
You are not obligated to disclose a disability to a prospective employer. If you can meet the performance requirements of a job even though you have a disability, then your disability should not affect your search. In many cases, a person with a disability may be able to perform the functions of a job with an accommodation. Accommodations may include adaptive equipment, flexible working hours, or other adjustments to a workplace or work process. Prospective employers should consider your ability to do the job with a reasonable accommodation. If you believe you can perform the functions of a job with a reasonable accommodation, you can learn about the types of accommodations that may help you at the online Job Accommodation Network, and discuss these with the prospective employer.
Individuals are not required to disclose information regarding their disability while going through a job hiring processes. However, many experts advise individuals to disclose information regarding their disability if it will impact their job performance, as this will help to create openness and a positive working relationship. Each individual and situation is different and may call for different processes of disclosure. Typically individuals wait till the last interview before disclosing information related to an illness or disability. It's ultimately an ethical decision that experts say must be made individually.
