Everyone Can Work
A Handbook for Employment Resources
National Organizations
American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)
AAPD administers an academic internship program through the Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars as well as summer congressional and information technology internships for college students with disabilities.
AAPD manages an annual Disability Mentoring Day to promote career development for students and job-seekers with disabilities though job shadowing and hands-on career exploration.
Principal Publication: "AAPD News," quarterly. For more information, call 800-840-8844 or visit www.aapd-dc.org.
American Association for the Advancement of Science
This organization places students with disabilities in paid summer internships in private industry and government agencies in science, engineering, mathematics, computer science and some fields of business. For more information, call 202-326-6649 voice TTY 202-371-9849 or visit www.entrypoint.org.
American Council of the Blind (ACB)
The ACB lists nationwide job announcements in the on-line ACB Job Bank and presents an on-line "eSight Disability Employment Resource of the Day" that offers articles on employment issues. ACB has special-interest organization affiliations, including ACB Government Employees, Blind Information Technology Specialists and Independent Visually-Impaired Enterprisers.
ACB publishes "Journeys to Prosperity: Guidance for Prospective Small Business Owners and Entrepreneurs" in braille, large print and on audiocassette.
Principal Publication: "Braille Forum," 10 issues/year. For more information, call 800-424-8666 or visit www.acb.org/acbjobs/index.html.
American Foundation for the Blind (AFB)
AFB maintains a database of career information searchable by job titles, occupational categories or interest areas. AFB offers MentorMatch, an on-line service that pairs people searching for a career with a mentor who is blind or visually impaired and working in the desired field of employment.
Principal Publications: "Access World," bi-monthly, on-line, and "Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness," monthly. For more information, call 212-502-7600 or visit www.afb.org/careerconnect.
Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE)
ACTE works to advance education that prepares youth and adults for careers. ACTE maintains an on-line Career Center for students and parents to explore careers and search the job bank. ACTE provides an on-line Resource Center for members to submit lesson plans and information requests and to share on electronic discussion boards and sponsors the annual observance of Career and Technical Education Week.
Principal Publication: "Techniques," 8 issues/year. For more information, call 800-826-9972 or visit www.acteonline.org.
Association for Persons in Supported Employment (APSE)
The Association for Persons in Supported Employment is a membership organization that improves and expands integrated employment opportunities, services and outcomes for persons with disabilities.
APSE provides advocacy and education to individuals in supported employment, their families and the professionals who work with them. It also promotes national, state and local policy development that enhances inclusion and empowerment of people with severe disabilities.
Principal Publication: "The Advance," quarterly. For more information, call 804-278-9187 or visit www.apse.org.
Disabled Businesspersons Association
The Disabled Businesspersons Association is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to assisting enterprising individuals with disabilities maximize their potential in the business world. It works with vocational rehabilitation, government and business to encourage the participation and enhance the performance of people with disabilities in the workforce. For more information, visit www.disabledbusiness.com.
Goodwill Industries International, Inc.
Goodwill serves people with workplace disadvantages and disabilities. Goodwill provides job training and employment services, job placement opportunities and post-employment support.
Principal Publication: "Working!," in print and on-line. For more information, call 301-530-6500 or visit www.goodwill.org.
National Center on Secondary Education and Transition (NCSET)
The NCSET provides technical assistance and disseminates information for youth with disabilities and their families that focuses on making a successful transition from the secondary education curriculum to meaningful employment and independent living.
NCSET fosters development of partnerships at the national and state level with a National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth (NCWD/Youth).
Principal Publication: "E-News," bi-monthly, via e-mail. For more information, call 612-624-2097 or visit www.ncset.org.
National Federation of the Blind (NFB)
The NFB maintains America's Jobline for individuals who are blind. They can access America's Job Bank (www.ajb.org) with a touch-tone telephone. NFB provides this free service in 25 states, 24 hours a day. Users are prompted to create a password, job profile and resume that can be sent to an employer via the telephone.
The NFB offers employment seminars and networking opportunities through divisions such as Human Services Division, National Association of Blind Entrepreneurs and National Association of Blind Merchants.
The National Center for Mentoring Excellence is a five-year demonstration project to develop a model mentoring program for youth, ages 16 to 26, who are blind or visually impaired.
Principal Publication: "Braille Monitor," 11 issues/year. For more information, call 800-414-5748 or visit www.nfb.org/jobline/enter.htm.
United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Center for Veterans Enterprise
This site serves as the federal web portal for veterans in business and provides links to sites that give information on veteran-owned businesses, starting a business, funding, marketing and mentoring. For more information, visit www.vetbiz.gov or call your local Veteran's Affairs Office.
Table of Contents Online Resources
Self-Employment & Small Business
