The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in all places that are open to the public, such as workplaces, schools and transportation. The goal of the law is to make sure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.

The law is divided into five titles (or sections) that relate to different areas of public life. Today, we will examine Title II of the ADA, which protects people with disabilities from discrimination in public transportation and guarantees them equal access to public transportation systems, including buses, trains, subways, taxis and paratransit. Private transportation providers like airport and hotel shuttles, private buses and taxis must also meet ADA requirements.

According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, nearly 25 million people have a travel-limiting disability, and 3.6 million Americans (about 1%) with travel-limiting disabilities do not leave their homes because of their disability. Travel is often essential to employment, and people with travel-limiting disabilities are less likely to have jobs.

Before the ADA, using public transportation was impossible for many people with disabilities. As the National Aging and Disability Transportation Center points out, the ADA gave more independence to travelers with disabilities. ADA compliance on ground transportation now requires, for example:

• Wheelchair lifts and other equipment, such as ramps and devices to secure wheelchairs on board
• Ramps to clear the gap on subways
• Adequate time to board and exit from vehicles
• The ability for service animals to accompany riders with disabilities in transit vehicles and facilities
• Route information and signage for riders both at public stations and online in formats that are accessible for persons with different types of disabilities (e.g., information in large print, braille or alternative and electronic formats).
• Transit facilities with clear pathways, curb cuts, signage and elevators or ramps
• Priority seating and signs designating seating for passengers with disabilities
• Personnel trained to operate vehicles and equipment safely, to assist passengers with disabilities in a respectful and courteous way and to recognize that individuals with disabilities have different abilities and require different types of assistance

While there is still a long way to go, many advances have been made in accessible transportation. This progress gives people with disabilities the opportunity to work, engage and contribute to their communities. As one transportation accessibility advocate observed, "Mobility is freedom itself, period!"

Are you ready to get started on your career path?

There's a lot to consider when job searching and it can be tough trying to do everything on your own. Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSI or SSDI) and want to work. The Ticket Program is free and voluntary. It helps people with disabilities move toward financial independence and connects them with the services and support they need to succeed in the workforce.

If you qualify, Ticket Program service providers can help you understand your rights under the ADA and inform you about reasonable accommodations that may help you during your job search or on the job. Some may also be able to connect you with local organizations that can assist with your transportation needs related to work.

Learn more

Receive Ticket Program Texts

By Donna DaSilva, RN, Health Services Advisory Group

Ingrid had a career as a social worker in New York, but one day when she was leaving home to go to work, she felt ill. She was weak, dizzy and couldn't stand up, so she immediately went to the emergency room.

She went through several tests at the hospital and they discovered she was in renal (kidney) failure. She was shocked! Her previous doctors had never mentioned that she had any problems with her kidneys. Ingrid started dialysis treatments and had to stop working. Her treatments took place at a clinic 3 times a week, for 3 hours at a time.

Many people who start dialysis have difficulty keeping their jobs due to their treatment schedule or fatigue and other side-effects they may feel after dialysis. Ingrid applied for and started receiving Social Security disability benefits.

After several years of receiving treatment at a clinic, Ingrid went through home dialysis training and did dialysis at home for a year before returning to the clinic for hemodialysis. As she was re-adjusting to dialysis treatments 3 days a week, she began to think about returning to work.

Ingrid knew that working can provide her much more than an extra income. She knew it can improve a person's quality of life by:

• Creating routines
• Helping to maintain a healthy lifestyle
• Boosting self-esteem
• Increasing independence
• Promoting a sense of purpose
• Enhancing social interaction
• Reducing risk for depression

Because Ingrid received Social Security disability benefits, she was automatically eligible to participate in Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program. The Ticket Program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSI/SSDI) and want to work. This free and voluntary program helps people with disabilities move toward financial independence by connecting them with the services and support they need to succeed in the workforce.

The Ticket Program can assist people who are on dialysis and would like to return to work. It can also assist those who need to change their line of work or request job accommodations, such as changes to their work schedule, to allow for dialysis. The Ticket Program provides access to a wide variety of free services from providers that offer free short-term and long-term supports to help participants find and maintain employment.

Ingrid explored her options for returning to work with her dialysis social worker, who helped her obtain services from her state Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agency. With assistance from the VR agency, Ingrid returned to school to learn the skills she would need for a new job in medical billing and coding.

Once Ingrid finished her training, she connected with the Ticket Program for job placement assistance. "Ticket to Work helped me write my resume and find a job at a local hospital where I worked until I was called for a kidney transplant."

While adjusting to the transplant and all the follow-up appointments that came with it, Ingrid changed jobs again. "Currently I am caring for children, which brings me great joy. The Ticket to Work Program was my guide back to a more normal life, like the one I had before dialysis and they can help you too."

If you or someone you know is on dialysis, the Ticket Program may be able to help you return to work. Visit the Ticket Program website at choosework.ssa.gov.

Stay Informed by Subscribing to Texts from Ticket to Work!

This year, we celebrate several disability milestones, including the 30th anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act, the 100th anniversary of Vocational Rehabilitation and the 75th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM).

Every October, disability organizations pause to recognize how far we've come in advancing disability employment. Can you imagine life for people with disabilities 75 years ago? Many lived in institutions and many more were told they could never work. We've changed that message, but there is still more to do.

This year's NDEAM theme is Increasing Access and Opportunity. Generally speaking, many employers hiring people with disabilities, find that employees:

• Have great work ethic
• Have low turnover rates
• Bring about increased revenue; by including people with disabilities in the workforce, many business and organizations see an increase in customers with disabilities and their family members.

And there is an abundance of qualified people with disabilities looking for employment. Now is the time to connect these job seekers, like you, to employers who are ready to hire.

That's where a Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program service provider can help. Every day, our service providers connect people ages 18 through 64 who receive disability benefits (SSI or SSDI) with the tools they need to succeed in the workforce, including:

• Resume development
• Job placement assistance
• Practice interviews
• And so much more!

Interested in learning more about the Ticket Program? Attend this month's Work Incentives Seminar Event (WISE) webinar! Already have a service provider? Discuss with a Benefits Counselor how working may affect your benefits and a plan to make your transition to the workplace as smooth as possible. Finalize your resume and apply for a certain number of jobs. Or connect with someone in your network who might be able to help.

How are you celebrating NDEAM? Let us know in the comments or use #NDEAM75 on social media to share!

About Ticket to Work

There's a lot to consider when job searching, and it can be tough to do everything on your own. Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSI or SSDI) and want to work. The Ticket Program is free and voluntary. It helps people with disabilities move toward financial independence and connects them with the services and support they need to succeed in the workforce.

By participating in the Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program, you'll have access to a wide variety of services from Ticket Program service providers that offer free short-term and long-term supports to help you find and maintain employment. Contact the Help Line or visit choosework.ssa.gov today!

Stay Informed by Subscribing to Texts from Ticket to Work!

Career fairs are an excellent way to start or advance your job search. Virtual job fairs let you engage with potential employers and learn about job openings from the comfort of your own home. This month we're also exploring some online tools you can use to advance your job search.

If you're aware of an upcoming job fair that our readers would find helpful, email us at socialmedia@choosework.ssa.gov with the event name, dates and official website.

AbilityJobs

AbilityJobs offers specific online resources for job seekers with disabilities. Accessibility features offer you the opportunity to connect with employers using an American Sign Language Interpreter, screen reader or other technologies. This job fair website also offers online face-to-face interviews with recruiters. Learn more about their job fairs and how to attend.

• October 1: ABILITY Job Fair

CareerEco Virtual Career Fairs

Many organizations list their events on CareerEco. Check out one of the virtual events listed below or find other events by looking at the full calendar.

• October 8: Hennepin Tech & Dakota County Technical Colleges Virtual Career Fair
• October 9: Georgia Piedmont 2020 Regional + Virtual Job Fair
• October 22: Hire Heroes USA Veterans Virtual Career Fair

Equal Opportunity Publications

Equal Opportunity Publications (EOP) offers a variety of diversity recruitment resources, including national online career magazines, virtual job boards, and career fairs for minority groups and people with disabilities. Check out EOP's career expos page for a list of events.

• October 23: STEM Diversity Career Expo

RecruitMilitary

RecruitMilitary seeks to tap into the extensive talent pool that veterans represent for employers.  For a listing of all RecruitMilitary virtual events, visit their calendar.

• October 6: Central Region Virtual Career Fair for Veterans
• October 22: Detroit Virtual Career Fair for Veterans
• October 29: Tar Heel State Virtual Career Fair for Veterans

Finding a Job

The resources on the Ticket to Work Find a Job page may also help you as you start or continue your job search. For more comprehensive support, we recommend using the Find Help tool to find a service provider who can offer personalized assistance for you. The Find a Job webpage includes a chart that you can use to compare the features that the various organizations provide, such as job boards, resume services and social networking opportunities. Some of the organizations also offer an employer directory and access to recruiters.

About Ticket to Work

There's a lot to consider when job searching and it can be tough trying to do everything on your own. Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSI or SSDI) and want to work. The Ticket Program is free and voluntary. It helps people with disabilities move toward financial independence and connects them with the services and support they need to succeed in the workforce.

By participating in the Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program, you'll have access to a wide variety of services from Ticket Program service providers that offer free short-term and long-term supports to help you find and maintain employment.

Learn More

Receive Ticket Program Texts

If you think you're ready to try working but feel overwhelmed about where to start, consider becoming a volunteer. Volunteering is a great way to prepare for your job search, gain valuable experience for your resume and connect with people in your community all at the same time.

Finding and applying for a volunteer position is a lot like finding and applying for a job. Think about the type of work you'd like to do. Do you like working alone or in big groups? Do you want to spend time outdoors or are you more comfortable working from a desk? What causes matter most to you?

Once you know the types of organizations you want to work with, ask yourself if there are specific skills you'd like to learn or improve upon that can help strengthen your resume. Volunteering opportunities are a great place to hone your soft skills, which are always in demand from employers.

Then, put your searching skills to work to find the perfect match for you. Reach out to people in your community, or use online sources like:

• Volunteermatch
• All for Good
• Idealist

Or start your own volunteering opportunity.

Each community's needs are as diverse as the people who live there. If you see an issue that needs fixing or have a cause you're passionate about, network with your neighbors or others who are facing similar issues in your area to find a solution. This can also help you grow your professional network as you get to know more people with similar interests in your area. Once you have a plan of action, start your own project, to give back to the people around you.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Work with a local food bank or pantry to collect donations.
• Sign up to be a mentor or tutor.
• Beautify a local park or community space – fall is a good time to plant trees and spring blooming bulbs.
• Check with your local fire station and see if you can organize a fall clean-up or serve, or partner with your local fire department to install smoke alarms.
• Spend time with veterans online. You can also check with your local veteran's center to see if they need personal care items and launch a collection drive.
• Learn how to be a first-responder when help is not available right away. Check out these FEMA resources to learn more or organize training for your community.
• Winter is coming, and you may have neighbors who could use assistance preparing their homes for colder weather. Here are some tips from the Department of Energy on steps you can take to make sure you and your neighbors are ready.
• Make homes safe and accessible by installing safety bars in bathrooms, building a wheelchair ramp, or making minor repairs that eliminate a safety hazard.

Taking on your own volunteer project builds important skills employers are looking for in future employees. Like project management, problem solving and interpersonal communication. It also shows that you are an active and involved member of your community while allowing you to experience some possible future career paths up close. In short, volunteering allows you to explore your career goals, develop valuable skills and expand your network all while giving back to the community.

Success through volunteering and with Ticket to Work

Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSI or SSDI) and want to work.
The Ticket Program is free and voluntary. It helps people with disabilities move toward financial independence and connects them with the services and support they need to succeed in the workforce.

On his road to full-time employment, Jesus volunteered with Telecare. Telecare works to improve the lives of people with serious mental illness. As a volunteer, Jesus learned the important work the organization does in his community and found a career path he was passionate about. His role grew, and later that year, he accepted a paid position as a part-time case manager. Read more about Jesus to find out how volunteering and the Ticket Program helped him find his way to a full-time career.

Stay Informed by Subscribing to Texts from Ticket to Work!

Do you work with or serve people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI/SSI)? Have they mentioned wanting to work? In today's blog post, we offer some ideas about how you can connect them with services designed to support them on a path to fulfilling their work goals.

We often receive questions from organizations and individuals asking about Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program and how it can support people with disabilities as they enter the workforce.

What is the Ticket to Work Program?

The Ticket Program supports career planning and development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits and want to work. Through this free and voluntary program, eligible individuals work with Ticket Program service providers, like Employment Networks (EN) or State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies, that guide and support them through the employment process, from career planning to maintaining long-term employment and achieving financial independence.

Ticket Program service providers offer services to job seekers with disabilities, ranging from help writing resumes and preparing for interviews to requesting accommodations. They also offer eligible individuals continued support while they are working.

Many service providers also offer benefits counseling. Certified Benefits Counselors help job seekers better understand how working will affect their benefits and how to use Work Incentives to ease the path to successful employment.

Want to Learn More?

Ready to Get Started?

If you know someone who's eligible for the Ticket Program and ready to see if working is right for them, the Ticket Program is here to help!

Online: If a beneficiary is ready to find a service provider, the Find Help tool is a great place to start. People can search directly for a specific type of provider, or answer questions for a guided path toward service providers that can meet their needs.

If you are searching for work, you may find that the job hunt is less about hitting the pavement and more about typing on the keyboard. Applications have gone digital, recruiters find you through online networking sites like LinkedIn and career fairs have become virtual gatherings.

Career fairs are a great chance to put a face to a resume. They allow you to learn more about employers, meet with recruiters and even have on-the-spot interviews for immediate openings. Virtual career fairs are similar to traditional career fairs, but without having to travel.

The etiquette for attending a virtual career fair is not new, and we cover some of the basics in Making the Most of a Virtual Career Fair. But, getting noticed during online interactions can feel different than connecting with someone in person. Here's how to ensure you make most of an upcoming fair and improve the interactions you have while attending.

Before Attending

Research the companies that will be there. Take time to learn about possible future employers, the positions they have open and write down any questions you may have for the recruiter. If there are specific positions you're interested in, think about how your personal and professional skills can be applied to the job.

Test your technology. Decide where you're going to attend the career fair and set up the space as early as possible. Test your internet connection and make sure your webcam and microphone are in working order. This will reduce the chances that something goes wrong the day of the fair.

Prepare your reference material. If possible, print your resume and gather all the questions you have for attending recruiters. Put them all in one place so you can reference them throughout the fair as you meet with different people. Having all your notes in one place, will help you feel prepared and ready to answer any questions that may be asked of you. Also, make sure you have your resume and list of references available electronically in case you need to upload them during the fair.

During the Fair

Attend in a professional environment. The benefits of virtual career fairs mean that you can attend anywhere with the proper equipment; but just because you can doesn't mean you should. Make sure you're in a comfortable, quiet and distraction-free environment.

Put yourself out there. Career fairs require you to take the first step in connecting with recruiters. And, meeting so many new people online at one time can feel overwhelming. Focus on reaching out to the employers you've previously researched and take it one interaction at a time.

After the Fair

Follow up with new connections. Once the fair is over, wait a few days and reconnect with the recruiters you met. Find them on LinkedIn, send a thank-you email, or check in on the status of an interview you completed. By reaching out a second time, you reinforce your introduction and show that you're serious about working for their organization.

Virtual career fairs are a great way to see who's hiring in your area, or across the globe and meet new people. Use these tips to stand out in the crowd and land your next great opportunity.

Finding a Job

The resources on the Ticket to Work Find a Job page may also help you as you start or continue your job search. For more comprehensive support, we recommend using the Find Help tool to find a service provider who can offer you personalized assistance. The Find a Job webpage includes a chart that you can use to compare the features that various organizations provide, such as job boards, resume services and social networking opportunities. Some organizations also offer an employer directory and access to recruiters.

About Ticket to Work

There's a lot to consider when job searching, and it can be tough trying to do everything on your own. Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSI or SSDI) and want to work. The Ticket Program is free and voluntary. It helps people with disabilities move toward financial independence and connects them with the services and support they need to succeed in the workforce.

By participating in the Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program, you'll have access to a wide variety of services from Ticket Program service providers that offer free short-term and long-term supports to help you find and maintain employment.

Learn More

Stay Informed by Subscribing to Texts from Ticket to Work!

Following the events of September 11, 2001, Americans came together to lift each other up, help communities heal and make our country stronger. September 11, the National Day of Service and Remembrance, pays tribute to those we lost. Since that day, millions have united to honor and commemorate September 11 through volunteer service.

Every community has needs, large and small. September 11 and the surrounding days are an opportunity to make a commitment to address those needs and support your neighbors by volunteering. Visit NationalService.Gov/911Day to find a volunteer opportunity near you.

Volunteerism can also provide valuable experience for adults with disabilities who want to enter the workforce and for youth with disabilities as they transition from school to the workplace. If you're a member of a group that is organizing a project for September 11 and beyond, you probably want to ensure that everyone, including people with disabilities, has the opportunity to serve and to be an active participant. The Corporation for National and Community Service has disability-related resources that can assist your program.

Are you ready to get started on your career path?

Volunteering can help you build a solid foundation for the next phase of your career. The skills you use, the tasks you complete and the outcomes you achieve through volunteering will bring you closer to your career goals. And you'll have the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of others. It's a win-win situation!

If you receive Social Security disability benefits (SSI/SSDI), are age 18 through 64, and you'd like help reaching your employment goals, consider the free and voluntary Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program. Ticket Program service providers are ready to help you think about your next steps, including a career change. They can help you find training and education, provide job search assistance and on-going support to help you maintain employment, and can give you information about how work will affect your benefits.

Stay Informed by Subscribing to Texts from Ticket to Work!

Career fairs are an excellent way to start or advance your job search. Virtual job fairs let you engage with potential employers and learn about job openings from the comfort of your own home. This month we're also exploring some online tools you can use to advance your job search.

If you're aware of an upcoming job fair that our readers would find helpful, email us at socialmedia@choosework.ssa.gov with the event name, dates and official website.

AbilityJobs

AbilityJobs offers specific online resources for job seekers with disabilities. Accessibility features offer you the opportunity to connect with employers using an American Sign Language Interpreter, screen reader or other technologies. This job fair website also offers online face-to-face interviews with recruiters. Learn more about their job fairs and how to attend.

CareerEco Virtual Career Fairs

Many organizations list their events on CareerEco. Check out their full calendar for a list of their virtual events.

• September 15: Conference USA Virtual Career Fair
• September 23: CAREERS & the disABLED Virtual Career Fair

Equal Opportunity Publications

Equal Opportunity Publications (EOP) offers a variety of diversity recruitment resources, including national online career magazines, virtual job boards, and career fairs for minority groups and people with disabilities. Check out EOP's career expos page for a list of events.

RecruitMilitary

RecruitMilitary seeks to tap into the extensive talent pool that veterans represent for employers. For a listing of all RecruitMilitary career fairs, visit their calendar.

• September 1: National Virtual Career Fair for Veterans
• September 16: Transitioning Army & Army Spouse Global Virtual Career Fair
• September 24: Houston Virtual Career Fair for Veterans

Finding a Job

The resources on the Ticket to Work Find a Job page may also help you as you start or continue your job search. For more comprehensive support, we recommend using the Find Help tool to find a service provider who can offer personalized assistance for you. The Find a Job webpage includes a chart that you can use to compare the features that the various organizations provide, such as job boards, resume services and social networking opportunities. Some of the organizations also offer an employer directory and access to recruiters.

About Ticket to Work

There's a lot to consider when job searching and it can be tough trying to do everything on your own. Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSI or SSDI) and want to work. The Ticket Program is free and voluntary. It helps people with disabilities move toward financial independence and connects them with the services and support they need to succeed in the workforce.

By participating in the Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program, you'll have access to a wide variety of services from Ticket Program service providers that offer free short-term and long-term supports to help you find and maintain employment.

Stay Informed by Subscribing to Texts from Ticket to Work!