The majority of people with disabilities are either unemployed or underemployed despite their ability, desire, and willingness to work. For those people who have been employed, many have been in sheltered work settings for most of their adult life. People with disabilities should have the opportunity to work, based on their own preferences, interests and strengths, to support themselves and to meet their own needs.
All people with disabilities should be able to make informed choices about their work and careers and have the resources and supports available to seek, obtain, retain, or change their jobs in the community. With education, training, technology and support, most people with disabilities can hold down real jobs.
Employment opportunities for people with disabilities should include:
- Lifelong learning, career planning, job retention, job advancement and retirement planning based on individual choice;
- Flexible and individualized supports like transportation, on the job support, assistive technology, financial planning and retraining;
- A salary of at least minimum wage based on job requirements and production equal to those wages paid to co-workers without disabilities; and
- The same benefits available to other employees like health insurance, employee assistance, and retirement.
Michigan Rehabilitation Services can help you find a job. You can hear more about MRS on the Take Charge Helpline. If you would like more information on employment for people with disabilities, call The Arc at 734-729-9100.
Phone code: 1804
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