Recently, we wrote about changing careers and suggested an approach that you could take at the start to make a successful transition. Today, we continue the discussion with a focus on mature workers who have a disability and want to work.

Many workers develop disabilities as they age, or their existing disabilities become more significant, and they find that they can no longer perform their current job. Still, they enjoy working for the social engagement, sense of purpose and the financial security having a job provides.

If you receive a Social Security benefit (SSDI/SSI) because of a disability, are age 18-64 and thinking about returning to the workforce, Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program can help you navigate that change. If you're an older worker, you won't be alone.

To begin your search for new employment opportunities and new careers, you'll need a plan.

• First, assess the skills, abilities and past work experiences that you will bring to an employer. These are your hard skills — the technical knowledge you have acquired through experience or training. They are specific and essential for success in each job. Soft skills matter, too. They are attributes and habits that describe how you work individually or with others. They are not specific to a job, but indirectly help you adapt to the work environment and company culture. Examples include communication, adaptability and teamwork, among others.

• Next, update your resume with both your hard and soft skills and your accomplishments. Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible. Tailor your resume to the requirements of each job. Keep it under two pages and document the most recent 10-15 years. Follow these tips if there are gaps in your employment history.
• Decide if you need additional skills. If you’ve been away from the workforce for some time, you may need to acquire new skills and experiences, especially ones that are relevant today. Look for volunteer opportunities and apprenticeships or a part-time, entry-level job in the type of work you want to pursue. Many older workers turn to community colleges to help with training because of their affordability and convenient locations.
• Think about whether you want to disclose your disability. Disclosing your disability is a personal choice, and you cannot be forced to tell your employer, nor a prospective employer, that you have a disability. But, if you intend to ask for reasonable accommodations when you apply for a job or at work, then you will need to disclose. Read more about reasonable accommodations and disclosure.
• Prepare for an interview. Once you begin applying for jobs, consider taking some time to prepare for the interview portion of the application process. Learn how to be a STAR in your next interview. Many Ticket To Work service providers will help you sharpen your interview skills to land your next dream job.

Employers know the value that mature, experienced workers bring to their workplace. Age-diverse teams and workforces can improve employee engagement, performance and productivity, according to a report by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.  

Learn More 

More than 500 organizations known as Employment Networks (EN) offer an array of employment services, which may include career planning, benefits counseling, job placement assistance and ongoing support. ENs that are part of a state's public workforce system also feature specialized services for older workers.

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Often, people who leave the workforce due to a disability find that they no longer can perform the job or work in the career they once had. But what if they still want to work? For some people, depending on the nature of their disability, choosing a different career path is the answer. Today, we're talking about steps you can take if you're thinking about a career change and showcasing two individuals who've done just that with help from the Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program.

Where do I start?

Changing careers, even when the new career may be in the same industry in which you previously worked, starts with self-assessment. You'll want to consider your own interests, values, aptitude and personality. What do you do that you most enjoy? Do you like to work independently or with others? What skills or talents do you have? Are there skills you gained from your previous employment that are transferable to a new occupation? Career counselors often review these and other factors with you to help guide your next steps in the process, but there are also free self-assessment tools that you can take.

What else do I need to consider?

After the self-assessment, you may have identified some occupations that you think you'd enjoy and be good at. However, there are a few other factors you'll probably need to take into account. Will you need some additional education or training? If so, are you aware of resources to help you peruse it? What's your timeline to make the jump to a new career? Do you have financial responsibilities that will determine your salary requirements? Will you need flexibility in terms of hours of work or job location? These are all factors that can help you narrow your choices.

How do I learn about possible careers?

Next, you'll want to do some research into the occupations that you've identified. For example, you'll want to know whether the occupation is expected to grow, what the average salary is and what education or training is required. One comprehensive source for this type of information is the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This government agency publishes the Occupational Outlook Handbook, which provides data on hundreds of occupations, including typical duties, work environment, education and training needed, median pay for workers, and the job outlook over the coming decade for that occupation.

What else can I do?

Once you've sorted through potential career options and determined which ones hold the most promise for you, it's time to dig a little deeper. Are you an older worker? Studies show that older workers bring invaluable knowledge, diversity, reliability and skill to the workplace. Employers today want to hire diverse, talented workers. That creates employment opportunities for workers with disabilities as well. Look for employers that want to hire people with your skills and experience, regardless of age, by researching the company culture. Arrange for an informational interview. Research the company or organization on the Internet. Consider applying for an internship.

When do I decide?

These steps aren't a shortcut to a new career. It takes time and effort to do the research, think through your own situation and evaluate your options. However, the time you spend at the beginning of the process to discover what you like to do and how it fits into your life is an investment most likely to result in finding a path to a new career you'll love.

Find your path to success!

If you receive Social Security disability benefits (SSI/SSDI), are age 18 through 64, and you'd like help along the way, consider the free and voluntary 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.

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This year, we're celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program. Join us, as we recognize the achievements of people featured in our success stories!

Meet Angel!

After 2 tours of duty and extensive damage to his neck and back, Angel found he couldn't keep up with the physical demands of military service. Discharged from the Air Force on medical retirement, transitioning back to civilian life as a Wounded Warrior came with its own set of challenges.

"I was in constant pain," Angel said. "I was just 30 and could no longer move or work as I had once done. I fell into a deep depression."

Angel returned home to Puerto Rico to help raise his growing family, and begin medical treatment. With the help of a counselor at the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA), Angel began receiving his military retirement benefits and learned that he qualified for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), which he began receiving in 2012.

Angel focused on his recovery with great determination and from 2012 to 2016 he worked with orthopedic surgeons, occupational and physical therapists, a rheumatologist, pain management specialists and a neurosurgeon to overcome the mobility-restricting effects of his arthritis and musculoskeletal injuries.

In 2016, his health took a turn for the worse: he had thyroid cancer. "I thought that was the end," Angel said. "I was overwhelmed by the weight of disability and illness."

But he kept fighting and after another surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, Angel recovered by the end of the year.

In 2017, firmly on the road to recovery, Angel started thinking about his future, including his plans to return to work. That's when he learned that his friend's employer, a Virginia-based federal contractor, was hiring for an Information Technology (IT) position that matched his experience. As a federal contractor, this employer takes affirmative action under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act to hire and retain qualified people with disabilities.

Angel's experience made him a good fit for the job, and his willingness to identify as an individual with a disability was an asset during the hiring process. Once he was offered the full-time position with the federal contractor supporting the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), Angel had questions about what full-time work would mean for his benefits.

"I was a young man with a family to support," he said. "… and I was not ready to give up on the workforce. But my medical conditions are chronic. Flare-ups are unpredictable and could interfere with work."

Angel learned about Social Security's Ticket Program and called the Ticket to Work Help Line to find the answers he needed.

The Ticket Program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI/SSI) and want to work. Through this free and voluntary program, service providers, known as Employment Networks (EN) and State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies, offer a range of support services to help people prepare for, find, or maintain employment.

Angel connected with an EN called The Choice Group and received free benefits counseling. His Benefits Counselor told him about other Social Security Work Incentives that can help adults with disabilities explore and transition to work as they continue to receive Medicare or Medicaid and some or all of their disability benefits.

Armed with knowledge about Work Incentives and supports and services from his EN, Angel had the confidence he needed to transition to the workplace and request reasonable accommodations to help him succeed.

"Being back at work has had a positive impact in so many areas of my life," Angel said. "I've been able to [show] my children the rewards that can go with perseverance and resilience. The job has helped me build confidence, maintain good mental health, and regain a sense of accomplishment… all vital for the next chapter in our lives."

Read Angel's full story and find other success stories!

Find your path to success!

The Ticket Program and other Work Incentives helped Angel find his path to a better future. Find yours!

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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.

Bender Consulting Services

Bender Consulting Services offers a variety of employment resources for jobseekers with disabilities, from career prep and education to job recruitment and vocational training. To see a full list of their services along with all sponsored virtual career fairs visit their website.

• August 5: Bender Disability Virtual Career Fair

CareerEco Virtual Career Fairs

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

• August 13: Hire Heroes USA Veterans Virtual Career Fair
• August 26: FEMA Virtual Career Fair
• August 28: AAE 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 virtual events, visit their calendar.

• August 13: Denver Virtual Career Fairs for Veterans
• August 18: Eastern Region Virtual Career Fair for Veterans
• August 27: Camp Pendleton Area Military Virtual Career Fair

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

There's a lot to consider when job searching and it can be tough trying to do everything on your own.

We get it.

Here's how Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program can help.

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.

Across the country, in physical or virtual locations, more than 500 organizations known as Employment Networks (EN) are ready to serve you.

What is an Employment Network?

An EN is an organization approved to serve Social Security disability beneficiaries through the Ticket Program. They may be private or public organizations. Some ENs, called Workforce ENs, are also part of a state's public workforce system.

Will I sign an agreement with my EN?

Once you and an EN decide to work together, you'll discuss your work experience and your skills and career goals to create an Individual Work Plan (IWP). Your IWP is a road map that includes what you want to accomplish, i.e., your specific goals and identifies the supports and services that the EN will provide to you. Once you and an EN decide to work together, you will have "assigned your Ticket" to this EN.

Is an EN required to serve you?

No, an EN is not required to work with you, and you are not required to work with any particular EN. The EN will assess your skills, abilities and interests, along with your educational and employment history. They may determine that they are not a good match for you.

You are free to contact as many ENs as you like while you look for the one that you believe will be a good fit. Use the Finding an EN and Assigning Your Ticket Worksheet to keep track of the ENs you've contacted as you search for the right one.

Again, you and an EN must choose to work together. If you decide later that you no longer want to work with your EN, you may reassign your Ticket to another EN.

What services does an EN provide?

At a minimum, an EN must provide, or arrange for core services to be provided to Social Security disability beneficiaries. These include:

• Career planning services, such as goal setting, job coaching, job development and training. Some ENs also offer benefits counseling.
• Job placement assistance services, such as active job search services; assistance completing job applications, developing resumes, improving interview skills, making employer contacts, analyzing job tasks, suggesting job restructuring and reasonable accommodations; and job retention counseling
• Ongoing post-employment support, such as regularly scheduled follow-ups and career advancement services

Because ENs all have different capabilities, some may specialize based on the strengths of their organization. They may deliver all of the services you need or coordinate with partner organizations to provide them to you.

An EN will design specific services to meet your needs based on your employment goal. Your employment goal should ultimately be to work at a level where your earnings replace or reduce your disability benefits.

Ready to take the next step? Contact us!

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On July 26, 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities — similar to protections provided to individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age and religion. The ADA also ensures equal opportunity for people with disabilities for access to businesses, employment, transportation, government programs and services and telecommunications.

This year, we celebrate the 30^th anniversary of the ADA. Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program is proud to recognize individuals who have found a path to employment, in part #ThanksToTheADA.

Matt's Story

As a jobseeker who is deaf and needs accommodations, Matt was uncertain about his prospects. He was initially reluctant to ask a prospective employer for anything right out of the gate. If employers knew he needed job accommodations, would that take him out of the running?

When Matt connected with the Ticket Program, his service provider told him that the ADA protected him from potential discrimination due to his disability. The ADA requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities, unless such accommodations would pose an undue hardship (e.g., too costly, too extensive, too substantial or too disruptive). In general, an applicant or employee with a disability is responsible for letting the employer know that he or she needs an accommodation to participate in the application process, to perform essential job functions, or to receive equal benefits and privileges of employment.

This meant Matt could consider and request adjustments to the application process or to the job itself. Together, Matt and his service provider identified those accommodations that were essential for him to demonstrate what he could offer during the application process and to perform the job. They agreed to an approach for disclosing his disability and requesting accommodations that made him comfortable.

Matt is now working full time as a human resource analyst. #ThanksToTheADA, Matt had access to the accommodations he needed for the interview process and to thrive on the job.

Are you ready to get started on your career path?

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.

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In honor of the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), our #ADAat30 blog series breaks down the basics of this historic civil rights law: its purpose, who it protects and what it covers.

Signed on July 26, 1990, the ADA is the world's first comprehensive civil rights law for people with disabilities. It gives similar protections to those provided to individuals based on race, color, sex, national origin, age and religion, as it guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities and prohibits discrimination against them in all areas of public life, including work, schools, transportation and public and private places that are open to the public.

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. Let's examine how Title I of the ADA protects people with disabilities in the area of employment.

This section gives people with disabilities the same employment opportunities and benefits that are available to people without disabilities. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) regulates and enforces this portion of the law, which applies to private employers with 15 or more employees, State and local governments, employment agencies, and labor unions.

The ADA requires reasonable accommodations —modifications or adjustments — to (1) ensure equal opportunity in the application process; (2) enable a qualified individual with a disability to perform the essential functions of a job; and (3) make it possible for an employee with a disability to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment. For more information and examples of reasonable accommodations, including technical assistance, contact the Job Accommodation Network for free, expert and confidential guidance. Depending on the situation, your employer may even consider working from home a reasonable accommodation request.

Beyond the protections afforded in areas of employment, the ADA is divided into 4 additional sections (or titles) that relate to different areas of public life.

• Title II: Programs, activities and services of state and local governments, including the requirement that they be accessible to people with disabilities; for example, by removing physical barriers, permitting service animals in public places, using sign language interpreters at public meetings and events, and making websites compatible with screen readers and similar accessibility tools.
• Title III: Public accommodations, such as small businesses and retail merchants, hotels, restaurants, doctor's offices, golf courses and health clubs, private schools, day care centers, stadiums and arenas, theaters, and the like must comply with ADA accessibility standards.
• Title IV: Telecommunications, which requires telephone and Internet companies to provide systems that allow individuals with hearing or speech impairments to communicate by way of a Text Telephone or other non-voice device.
• Title V: Various miscellaneous provisions, including that the ADA prohibits any retaliation, intimidation, coercion, threats and any other form of interference with people who seek to exercise their rights under the ADA. These provisions also protect people without disabilities who, for example, advocate or testify on behalf of individuals with disabilities.

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. The Ticket Program can connect you with people who can help you request reasonable accommodations or other support that may help you in the workplace. 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 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.

Every person deserves an opportunity to work.

Working is a pathway to discovering your talent, making new friends and becoming financially independent.

Many people who've worked in the past but have been away from the workforce due to a disability, miss these aspects of having a job. If this describes you, you may want to look into Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) program. The Ticket program helps people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSI/SSDI) achieve their employment goals and pursue financial independence. Through the program, you can connect with an Employment Network (EN), an organization authorized by Social Security to provide a variety of free employment services.

When you are ready, you can talk to as many ENs as you like. You and the EN must agree to work together and can decide not to work together, at any time, if the relationship is not good fit. To find one that you will want to work with, here are a few questions to help you choose:

1. What types of services does the EN provide? Do they offer benefits counseling?
2. Do they offer virtual support and services? Will you meet over the phone?
3. Does the EN understand your career goals?
4. Are they familiar with the supports and accommodations you may need?
5. What skills do the staff have?
6. Has the staff worked with other people who have employment needs like yours?
7. Can they provide references from other clients?

Choosing the right EN is the first step on your path to getting the services and support that will help you along your employment journey and progress toward meeting your goals.

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.

• July 23: Live Online Career Fair

CareerEco Virtual Career Fairs

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

• July 8: USO of North Carolina Virtual Transition Expo
• July 9: CAREERS & the disABLED Virtual Career Fair
• July 10: MBA 2020 Career Fair
• July 30: Georgia Piedmont 2020 Regional + Virtual Job 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.

• July 9: Career Expo Virtual Career Fair

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.

• July 14: Central Region Virtual Career Fair for Veterans
• July 16: Fort Hood Area Military Virtual Career Fair
• July 21: Joint Base Lewis McChord Area Military 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.