Finding and maintaining employment is an important component within living independently. Our staff recognizes education and consultation as essential to transverse the maze of disability legislation and policies. We can assist in areas such as:
- Disclosing a disability to current or prospective employers
- Requesting an accommodation
- Identifying and answering disability questions on employment applications and interviews
- Interviewing for employment from an ability perspective
- Applying for a Family Medical Leave
- Applying for Worker’s Compensation
- Appealing Unemployment denials when related to a disability
- Addressing possible discrimination, or other issues relating to disability in the workplace
- Addressing the barriers that prevent persons with disabilities from obtaining or maintaining employment
- Returning to work when receiving Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income benefits
- Navigating the service system at Michigan Rehabilitation Services and Michigan Works!
If you would like additional information on employment issues for persons with disabilities, contact DAKC's Workforce Development Director at linda.v@dakc.us
The ADA Amendments Act of 2008
Employer Application of the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA)
People with disabilities are an under-tapped labor pool for potential qualified employees. They can be highly educated, decidedly motivated and productive participants in the work force. Disability Advocates provides services to any business which currently employs or is considering the employment of a person with a disability, such as:
- Developing a more diverse corporate family which includes people with disabilities
- Creating media coverage for disability friendly practices and policies
- Providing information on tax credits and employment incentives related to the employment of people with disabilities
- Consulting on employee issues related to disability laws (e.g. the Americans with Disabilities Act and Michigan Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act)
- Developing customer service strategies to build an expanded loyal customer base of people with disabilities and their families As the largest minority group in the United States, persons with disabilities are 20% of the population, 50% of those persons over 65 years, and control approximately $175 billion in discretionary spending.
If you would like to explore the services that are available for your business, contact DAKC's Workforce Development Director at linda.v@dakc.us
With over a million new businesses starting each year, self-employment can be viable alternative to traditional employment for persons with disabilities. For those interested in self-employment Disability Advocates can:
- Connect persons with community resources and business supports to assist them with starting a small business.
- Present important knowledge to be considered before a decision is made to become an entrepreneur (I.e. Social Security legislation that permits the development of a new business while maintaining SSA income and/or medical benefits).
For more information on business and employment resources, contact DAKC's Workforce Development Director at linda.v@dakc.us
For details and more information email us at contact@dakc.us.
Additional Links:
US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
Social Security Administration (SSA)
Social Security Red Book
Job Accommodation Network
Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS)
PASREP
Legal Aid of West Michigan
