What Good Employment Support Looks Like for People with Disabilities

Finding a job or understanding your disability benefits can be stressful. The rules can be confusing, delays can have serious effects, and what works for one person may not work for you.

At Employment Resources, Inc. (ERI), we help people with disabilities make informed choices about work, benefits, and their future. Good support starts by listening to what matters to you, not just processing the paperwork in front of us.

The following stories show what person-centered support can look like.

Disability benefits, workplace accommodations, and employment programs can be difficult to understand. A knowledgeable specialist can explain the rules, identify what may be causing a problem, and help you understand your options and choices.

Ellen, an ERI Benefits Specialist, worked with a person who was at risk of losing his home while waiting for temporary Social Security Disability Insurance payments. Ellen contacted the local Social Security office and learned what he needed to do to receive an important payment right away. A processing problem had delayed the payment, but it was corrected once Ellen reached the right person and asked the right questions.

“It is very gratifying to know you helped someone over a hurdle,” Ellen said, “no matter how big or small.”

The processing problem was corrected quickly, but the effect of the delay could have been serious. Because Ellen understood Social Security benefits and knew who to contact, the person received the help he needed to protect his home.

You shouldn’t have to understand every rule on your own. A good specialist explains the information clearly and helps you take the next step.

You have your own goals, communication needs, experiences, and challenges. When the usual approach does not work, a good specialist looks for another way.

Bethany, ERI’s Employment Services Manager, was working with a person who is Deaf and communicates in American Sign Language. Bethany needed to share important information about an upcoming job interview, but an interpreter was not available.

Bethany learned the basic signs she needed, recorded a video, and sent the message directly to the person.

The interview went well. The person got the job and continues to work for the company. “You’re always just trying to figure out how to adapt,” Bethany said.

Good support should fit you. A barrier doesn’t always mean your goal is out of reach. Sometimes it means a different approach is needed.

No single staff member has every skill or answer. Strong service providers bring people together and ask for help when another person’s knowledge could benefit you.

Heather, an ERI Employment Specialist, was working with a Ticket to Work participant who had strong information technology experience. However, his resume did not clearly show his skills. Heather asked Theresa, ERI’s Deputy Director, to help. Theresa used her writing and design experience to reorganize the resume and make the person’s qualifications easier for employers to understand.

The participant was unsure about the changes at first. Heather gave him time to review the resume and make his own decision. He later agreed that it represented his experience more clearly.

“This is what we do best,” Heather said. “Having each other’s backs so our clients get the best possible experience.”

You should benefit from the knowledge of a full team. You should also have time to ask questions, consider recommendations, and make your own choices.

Sometimes the most helpful thing a specialist can do is slow down and listen.

GiGi, an ERI Benefits Specialist, worked with a person who had been told she could no longer visit her local Social Security office. The person could become overwhelmed during phone calls, making it difficult for her to explain what she needed.

Instead of becoming frustrated, GiGi suggested a simple agreement. “You talk first, and then I’ll be quiet,” GiGi said. “And then when I talk, can you be quiet?”

The person agreed. It took several calls, but their conversations became calmer and more productive.

“Thank you so much for just listening,” the person told her.

Listening does not make every problem disappear. It does help you feel heard, respected, and more able to work through the issue.