I have a disability and I Can Work

Talent Knows No Limits

I Can Work

I need information I can trust.

I need healthcare and other benefits.

I need help with career and benefits planning.

I need to know my rights and responsibilities.

Do You Know...

...Today workers and job seekers with disabilities can earn good money and keep their Medi-Cal and Medicare.

...Workers with disabilities can access their employer’s health coverage like other employees.

...Today workers with disabilities may use personal assistance services at work as well as at home.

...Workers can access technology and other work-related supports.

...Workers can access services while in school.

Times have changed!

California’s employment landscape is changing too.

“We are trying to get rid of the idea that there
is something inconsistent between benefits
and work.”
Deputy Commissioner Martin Gerry
Social Security Administration

Community-based benefits planners and Web resources are available at no cost to explain how work and benefits can work for you.

Resources for Youth

Youth Transition Toolkit: Things Are About to Change - A Young Persons Guide on Transitioning to Adulthood

This toolkit provides information and resources for youth with disabilities in California and is designed to help ease the transition from junior high school into high school, then on to college and/or employment and independent living. Topics covered include healthcare, employment, finances, education, independent living, and social/recreation. Each chapter contains interactive worksheets and tips for parents. http://www.tknlyouth.org/

Youth Organizing! (YO!) Disabled & Proud

YO! assists youth with disabilities to learn about the disability rights movement, disability history, disability pride, disability organizing and advocacy. YO's goal is to connect, organize and educate youth with disabilities about volunteer opportunities and other community activities to create social change.
1-866-296-2573 -- Voice 1-800-900-0706 -- TDD
http://www.yodisabledproud.org

California Department of Education (CDE)

If you are a high school student in special education,
you can find employment help with job training and job placement.
1-800-926-0648 Voice 916-323-4014 TTY
http://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/se/sr/wrkabltyI.asp

Employment Supports

Talent Knows No Limits Website

This all-encompassing website provides information and resources for jobseekers, employers and service providers covering all
aspects of employment for people with disabilities. The website also features a jobseekers toolkit and free online trainings.
http://www.tknl.info

California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR)

DOR works to provide services and advocacy resulting in employment, independent living and equality for individuals with disabilities. They may also be able to assist with training,
education, transportation and assistive technology.
916-324-1313 Voice 916-558-5807 TTY
http://www.dor.ca.gov

Employment Development Department (EDD)

The EDD provides a wide range of employment and training services statewide through a One-Stop Career Center system or EDD Workforce Services Offices. These locally-provided services include job and training referrals, job search assistance and workshops, access to unemployment insurance, vocational rehabilitation and education, and youth services.
800-695-0350 Voice 916-654-9820 TTY
http://www.edd.ca.gov/Jobs_and_Training/Services_for_People_with_Disabilities.htm

One-Stop Career Centers

Looking for a job, training, or other services? This site will direct you to job services, unemployment insurance, vocational education, vocational rehabilitation, and youth services.
1-877-US2-JOBS or (1-877-872-5627) Voice
1-877-889-5627 TTY
http://www.servicelocator.org

Ticket to Work

If you receive Social Security benefits because of your disability, the Ticket to Work program can help you find and maintain employment by obtaining one-on-one employment services, benefits planning, vocational rehabilitation services and other support services necessary to achieve your vocational goal.
http://www.ssa.gov/work/aboutticket.html

Job Accommodation Network (JAN)

JAN is a consulting service for employers, employees and job seekers looking for information on job accommodations for people with various disabilities.
http://www.jan.wvu.edu

Benefits Planning and Healthcare

Disability Benefits 101 (DB 101): Working with a disability in California

This website provides information on health coverage and benefit programs for workers and job seekers, including Medi-Cal, Medicare, Social Security, State Disability Insurance and In-Home Supportive Services. Several benefits planning calculators are available to help you plan how your benefits might change when you start working.
http://www.disabilitybenefits101.org

Disability Rights California

Here you can learn about your legal, civil and service rights to therapy, personal care and healthcare. You can also get support in fighting against discrimination.
1-800-776-5746 Voice 1-800-719-5798 TTY
http://www.disabilityrightsca.org/

Medi-Cal

Medi-Cal provides health care coverage for eligible individuals with disabilities, including individuals who are working.
Find a county office near you. 916-552-9200 Voice
To download a Medi-Cal application or for other information, use this website: www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/medi-cal

In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)

The IHSS program provides personal assistance services for individuals with disabilities at home and at work.
http://www.dss.cahwnet.gov/cdssweb/PG139.htm

Social Security Administration (SSA)

This site provides information on the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) programs and the different work incentives available to help support people with disabilities while employed.
http://www.ssa.gov/disability

Mental Health Services

This site offers an array of community and hospital-based services that are available to adults who have a serious mental illness and children with a severe emotional disorder. County-based programs can help provide you with evaluation, assessment, rehabilitation and support.
1-800-896-4042 or 916-654-3890 Voice
1-800-896-2512 TTY
http://www.dmh.ca.gov/Services_and_Programs

Assistance Pursuing Higher Education

Disabled Students Services

These sites will provide links to the disabled
student services offered at colleges.

Community Colleges

916-322-3234 Voice
916-323 1761 TTY
http://www.cccco.edu/ChancellorsOffice/Divisions/StudentServices/DSPS/tabid/616/Default.aspx

California State University Campuses

http://www.calstate.edu

University of California Campuses

http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/campuses

Living Independently (General Resources)

California Foundation for Independent Living Centers (ILCs)

ILCs can provide independent living skills training, advocacy training, benefits planning, housing
assistance, information referrals and other services that can help you live independently.
916-325-1690 Voice 916-325-1695 TTY
http://www.cfilc.org

This publication is fully-funded under a Medicaid Infrastructure Grant from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, grant number 1QACMS030263/01

The CHIIP and its partners are equal opportunity employers/providers.

Talent Knows No Limits
http://www.talentknowsnolimits.info