Motivated, Uniquely Skilled, and Thinking About Work. What’s Next?

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You’re motivated, have unique skills, and know you’d be a great asset to the right employer.  Those are excellent qualities that will take you far. If you have a disability, you may have a few more things to think through than the typical job seeker.
  • You might worry about losing your disability benefits if you work. How can you better understand how work would affect your unique situation?
  • Assistive technology is a workplace game changer. Could it help you?
  • Transportation resources are available in most communities. What are your options?
  • Writing a resume can be difficult. Where can you get help with this?
Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many resources are available in Wisconsin to help you find answers to these questions as you think about working.  Here are just a few.

Better Understand How Work Would Affect Your Unique Situation

In many cases, people who receive disability benefits can work, keep necessary cash and healthcare benefits, and still take home more money than if they weren’t working.  Even so, the fear of losing benefits stops many people with disabilities from seeking work.

Disability benefits are complicated, and each person’s situation is unique.  If you receive disability benefits and are thinking about work, consider working with a qualified benefits specialist. They will help you understand how working will affect your situation and identify work incentives to help you achieve your job goals.

Start with these resources to find a benefits specialist qualified to support you:

Explore if Assistive Technology Could Change Your Abilities

Assistive technology is any product or device that enables people with disabilities to improve their independence and quality of life in the community, at home, at work, and school. Use this resource to explore  if assistive technology could help you.

  • Wisconsin’s Assistive Technology Program

    WisTech gives information on selecting, funding, installing, and using assistive technology.

Know Your Transportation Options

"Do you have reliable transportation?" is a question you may be asked during an interview. That’s an easy question to answer if you own your vehicle and it runs well. But the answer is a little trickier if you depend on public transportation or friends and family for transportation.

If you need assistance with transportation, get to know your transportation options:

  • Public Transportation Systems in Wisconsin

    The Wisconsin Get-Around Guide gives information about public transportation options in Wisconsin cities.

  • Aging and Disability Resource Centers

    ADRCs work with the elderly and individuals with disabilities ages 18-59. Find the Aging and Disability Resource Center in your area.

  • Disability Rights Wisconsin

    If you need more support to access transportation, contact Disability Rights Wisconsin. They provide information, referral, advice, investigation, and in select cases, legal representation to assist people with disabilities in securing equal transportation opportunities.

Get Help Writing Your Resume

Summarizing who you are and what you’re capable of can be intimidating, especially when you have a disability. These resources can support you to get started creating a resume that reflects your unique skills and abilities:

  • ERI’s Employment Counseling Services 

    We help people with their resumes as part of our employment counseling services. We can provide support as you explore your talents, interests, and skills to achieve your work goals. 

  • CareerOneStop 

    Visit the CareerOneStop website to get online resume writing resources and to learn what other resources may be available in your community.

  • Job Center of Wisconsin 

    Contact the Job Center of Wisconsin in your area to get online resume writing resources and to learn what other resources may be available in your community.

  • Ticket to Work 

    Some Ticket to Work providers, called Employment Networks, offer resume writing as a service. You can find the Ticket to Work Employment Networks that serve your area and provide resume writing by visiting Ticket to Work. 

    1. Select Option 2: Direct Search 
    2. Enter your zip code
    3. Select Resume Writing under Services Provided > Career Preparation Services 
    4. Update results 
Your motivation, unique skills, and belief in yourself will take you far as you search for the job that’s right for you. We hope these resources help as well!