I Want to Work! Where Do I Start?
It can be a lot of work to get a job. But with the right help, people can get a job and be paid well. A person should consider:
- What am I good at?
- What do I like to do?
- What kind of workplace would be best for me?
Do a Paid Internship Program (PIP) to try out jobs you might like!
Roadmap to Employment for Transition Age Individuals (English)
Roadmap to Employment for Transition Age Individuals (Spanish)
How to Find Work
- Read this article: Job Seekers with Disabilities: How to Snag Your Dream Job – Zippia
- Ask your Service Coordinator how TCRC can help you prepare for work, find a job, succeed on the job, or start your own business
- Participate in a Paid Internship Program (PIP)
- Talk to friends and family about your goals
- Explore work training programs at adult school or community college
- Ask about employment supports at your Planning Team Meeting
- Explore getting employment support from the Department of Rehabilitation (DOR). Your Service Coordinator can help get you started with DOR
- Work with your team at school to create goals around job skills, and volunteer or do paid work experience
Getting Help from Your Family Members
- Talk to your family about the type of work that you might like
- Ask for help exploring training in the community such as an adult education school or community college
- Invite your family members and other important people to your school IEP & TCRC IPP meetings
For Family Members to Consider
- Encourage opportunities for work, vocational training or higher education
- Find out what type of work interests them
- Help prepare them for work or higher education
- Participate in school IEP and TCRC IPP meetings
- Partner with the regional center service coordinator to take an active role in planning for employment
- Think about who you know in your local business community as you consider possible work options including a Paid Internship Program (PIP) or self-employment and micro-enterprise options
- Ask about new programs for adults with disabilities being developed through the California Adult Education Program (CAEP)
Is College Right for You?
Talk to your Service Coordinator to find out if a local adult school or community college program can help you reach your education or employment goals. Click here to search for an adult school or community college in your area.
“With a desire to work and the right supports and opportunities, people with developmental disabilities can succeed at a job, earn competitive wages and build meaningful co-worker relationships..”
