Ticket to Work Blog | Choose Work! - Ticket to Work

Social Security makes every effort to ensure that any information published is accurate and up to date, but some information on this webpage may be historical.

You Asked, We Answer! Ticket to Work and Supplemental Security Income

Graphic of Ben holding a sign that reads SSI

On Wednesday, August 23, more than 330 people attended our Work Incentive Seminar Event (WISE) webinar, Ticket to Work: Work Incentives for People who Receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI). During the webinar, our guests from Social Security talked about SSI Work Incentives, the benefits of work, and how to open and use a my Social Security account.

Our attendees asked many great questions, and today we're sharing answers to the top questions. Read on to learn more about Work Incentives, then head to the WISE archives to watch past webinars and learn more.

How can I find out what type of benefit I receive?

A my Social Security account gives you online access to your Social Security information, including the type of benefit you receive. If you don't already have a my Social Security account, it's easy to sign up! All you need is:

A valid email address
Your Social Security number
A U.S. mailing address

There are other ways you can find out the type of benefit you receive, too. You can:

Check in with your Benefits Counselor. Many Employment Networks have Benefits Counselors on staff to answer questions about benefits and available Work Incentives.
Contact the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or 866-833-2967 (TTY).
Find the award letter Social Security sent you when you began receiving benefits.
Contact Social Security at 800-772-1213 or 800-325-0778 (TTY).

Are there also Work Incentives for people who receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)?

Yes! While our August WISE webinar highlighted Work Incentives for SSI recipients, the September 27 webinar at 3 p.m. ET, will focus on Work Incentives for people who receive SSDI. You can register now to attend the event! In addition to going over this information, our experts from Social Security will also answer questions you have on the Work Incentives available to you.

How do I apply for or use an Impairment-Related Work Expense?

You don't have to apply for Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWE) in advance. If you're unsure if something may be an IRWE, it's best to call the Ticket to Work Help Line or ask your Benefits Counselor. Learn more about how IRWEs may help you transition to work and how they affect your benefits payments in our Work Incentives Wednesdays blog post about IRWEs.

What happens to my Medicaid if I start working?

If you receive SSI and have Medicaid during your transition to work, you may be able to continue receiving Medicaid coverage even if your SSI payments stop because of your earnings through work. Our blog, Work Incentives Wednesdays: Medicaid While Working, discusses how you may be able to keep Medicaid coverage.

What is 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.

How can I learn more?

Each month, our WISE webinars share resources and tips for people with disabilities to help them find work and financial success. WISE webinars can help you stay informed about Ticket program information, hear about new and existing resources that may help as you consider work, and learn more about specific employment topics. Our next WISE webinar, Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Part 2: SSDI and Concurrent Benefits, will take place on Wednesday, September 27, 3-4:30 p.m. ET. Register today!

To learn more about the Ticket program, visit www.ssa.gov/work. You can also call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 866-968-7842 or 866-833-2967 (TTY) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. Ask a representative to send you a list of service providers or find providers on your own with the Ticket program Find Help tool.

The Job Interview: It's More Than What You Say

Graphic of two men in work suits shaking hands If you read our blog post a couple days ago, It's Your Turn: Questions to Ask During a Job Interview, you know what to say during a job interview. In today's post we're talking about what to do if you have an in-person interview. Many recruiters say that how you look and act are just as important as what you say. Consider the following tips:

Ask for accommodations before the interview. If you need a reasonable accommodation for your interview, you may choose to disclose your disability before the interview. Read our blog about interview accommodations and learn how to ask for them before an interview.
Be on time (or maybe even a little early). Figure out how you'll get to the interview location—car, taxi, bus, etc. Then estimate how long it will take. You could even do a test run to be sure. Finally, on the day of the interview, plan to arrive 10 minutes early, but also plan for delays. Giving yourself an extra 15-30 minutes may help you arrive feeling calm. If you have a mobility disability, you may consider disclosing your disability to ask about accessible building entrances and elevator access before you get there.
Dress for the job. Most recruiters say you won't go wrong if you dress for the job you want. You can do some research to see what the company's dress culture is. However, if in doubt, a jacket and tie, suit or professional dress for a job in an office setting are always appropriate. For an outdoor job or one in a more physical environment, it's likely that khaki pants and a collared shirt would be more suitable. In all cases, neat, clean and pressed clothing will serve you well.
Turn off your phone. You only have a short time with your interviewer and interruptions will break into your conversation. Respect the interview process by giving it your full attention.
Smile and use your body language. Smiling shows that you're happy to be there. Make eye contact if you can and even laugh at appropriate times. Yes, an interview can be stressful, but when you smile, you relax and appear more confident. Sitting with your arms and legs crossed may look defensive so adopt an "open" posture and avoid fidgeting movements if you're able. If you can't make eye contact, think about other ways to show that you're paying attention, like nodding.
Listen. Give the interviewer your undivided attention. Show that you're listening by your body language, and acknowledge you heard them by responding appropriately.
Close the interview. Closing the interview means asking for the job. Near the end of the interview, the interviewer is likely to ask if you have any other questions. This gives you an opportunity to tell the interviewer you want the job and think it would be a good match for your skills. You can even ask if they have any concerns about your qualifications that you can answer.
Be gracious. Send a thank-you note. Most people send an email thank-you. But if you can, sending a handwritten thank-you by mail will make you stand out from other applicants. If you forgot to mention something during the interview, you can add it to your note. Writing a thank-you note also gives you another opportunity to restate your interest in the position.

During an interview, demonstrate your knowledge, skills and experience to show that you're qualified. Following these tips and showing respect for the interviewer and the hiring process will make a strong and positive impression.

About 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.

Learn more

It’s Your Turn: Questions to Ask During a Job Interview

Graphic of a check list and a pencil Once you've impressed an employer with your resume and phone interview, you may be asked to meet an employer in person. An in-person interview is an opportunity for a potential employer to get to know you and find out if you'd be a good fit for the company.

Sometimes, we forget that job interviews are a two-way street. Just as the employer wants to make sure they're making a good choice when they hire you, it is just as important for you to be sure that the company is a good match for you. Researching a company before an interview will give you some of that information, but an interview will also help you decide whether you would be happy and productive working there.

The interview is also your opportunity to show interest in the job. Interviewers want to know that you care enough about the position and their company to ask questions. At some point, probably near the end of the interview, an interviewer will ask if you have any questions. However, you don't always have to wait for that opening. Asking questions during an interview can make a discussion more interesting.

Planning your questions

Your questions should focus on understanding what the employer is looking for in an employee and how your skills can help the company. In short, focus on what you can do for them rather than what they can do for you. Stay away from questions about salary and benefits at this point. You will have time to talk about that when they offer you the job.

You don't need a lot of questions. Prepare 4 or 5 that you think will give you more insight about whether the job is right for you. You can even write them down so that you don't forget. Here are a few questions to consider including on your list:

What do you think are the most important qualities for someone to do their best in this role?
How would you describe a typical day and week in this position?
What's the most important thing I can accomplish in the first 60 days?
What are the biggest challenges facing the company right now?
What do you like best about working for this company?
What are the next steps in the hiring process?

Remember, whether you're answering questions or asking them, being prepared is the best way to show you're serious about the job and help you stand out from the crowd.

Disclosure and accommodations

Disclosure of your disability is always your choice. If you need a reasonable accommodation for your interview, you may need to disclose your disability. But if you do not request an accommodation for the interview, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does not require you to tell the interviewer about your disability or that you may need a reasonable accommodation to perform the job. Learn more about disclosure on our blog and head to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) website for more information about the ADA.

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Increase Your Chances for a Job Interview

Picture of Lisa Jordan smiling at the camera By Lisa Jordan, President of Human Solutions LLC, Buena Park, CA

In today's job market, landing a job interview almost always ties back to an employer's initial connection with your cover letter and resume. Paying attention to how you present yourself in your resume and cover letter may help you stand out as a qualified candidate. Consider these tips, from an employer's perspective:

Send a cover letter

Unless an employer asks you not to send one, include a cover letter. If it is requested, be sure to follow the instructions provided carefully. Many employers will use this as a way to screen out candidates based on their ability to follow directions. You can also use it as an additional marketing tool to highlight your talents and share why you're a great fit for the position. In my experience as an employer, a limited number of job seekers actually use a cover letter in this way, and it always stands out.

Customize your resume and cover letters

Using standard language in the cover letter and resume for each position you're applying for won't compete in today's job market. If you are applying for an office assistant position, for example, and submit a full-page resume on a completely different skillset, an employer may skip over you in favor of someone who highlighted the skills needed. While it takes extra time, customizing your cover letter and resume to each job position will help employers focus on the skills you have that they're looking for.

Use language that's comfortable for you

It often sounds and feels very awkward to the reader when the language used is too formal. Eventually, everything starts sounding the same – especially when an employer may be reading hundreds of cover letters. Conversational cover letters often stand out to employers, as they speak more to the important qualities that they're looking for and show them how you can meet the needs of the employer. This isn't a suggestion to write too informally or to use slang. It's an invitation to be yourself!

Check spelling and grammar

Sending in a resume and cover letter with spelling and grammar errors won't get you to the top of the interview list. In fact, with the number of job seekers applying for jobs, this may move you immediately to the bottom. Documents with spelling and grammar errors are routinely submitted to employers, so be sure to check and double-check!

Use your real name

Whatever email you decide to use as a contact, it should be one that doesn't reflect your favorite activities, hobbies, love interests, age, nickname, etc. An employer may misinterpret the meaning, even if it's very innocent in nature. An easy solution is to create an email for job search and use some variation of your name (e.g. JaneDoe@email.com). First impressions do matter, and your email counts!

About the guest blogger

Lisa Jordan is President of Human Solutions LLC, a national Employment Network with the Ticket to Work program. Lisa holds an M.S. degree in Rehabilitation Psychology and has been passionate about providing workforce development and disability-related services to government, community-based organizations, and businesses for over 20 years. Lisa is the Board Chair of the National Employment Network Association (NENA) and proudly served in the United States Navy during Operation Desert Storm.

About Ticket to Work

Social Security's Ticket to Work 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.

Learn more

Can You Hear Me Now? Mastering the Phone Interview

Hand holding resume in front of a laptop

Once you submit a job application, there are a few steps you may need to go through before a job offer is made, including interviews. During September, the Choose Work blog will focus on tips that may help you ace a phone interview, land an in-person interview and receive a job offer.

You may find that many companies conduct job interviews by phone these days, because this can give them a good idea of how confident you are with your skills. It also helps them determine if you may be a good candidate to talk with further.

All phone interviews are not the same. You may talk with Human Resource personnel for an initial screening to see if you have the right qualifications and are interested in the job. Other phone interviews are with the Hiring Managers so they can decide if they'd like to follow up with an in-person interview.

In some ways, preparing for a phone interview is the same as preparing for an in-person interview. Researching the company, learning about the interviewer, preparing answers for questions you may expect, and making a list of questions you have will help you prepare for both. However, phone interviews may require some additional preparation. Here are a few tips that can help you get ready and be successful during a phone interview.

Getting ready for the interview

If possible, use a landline rather than a cell phone. A landline may provide a stronger connection to help you better talk with the interviewer.
Turn off call waiting so you're not distracted by the beeping.
Speaking of distractions, make sure you're in a private, quiet space with no co-workers, kids, pets or background noise to interrupt your concentration.
Keep your resume and the job description close so you can refer to them as necessary.
Have a way to take notes or reminders, such as a computer or pen and paper.

During the interview

Smile and be enthusiastic. Your tone is all that comes across on the phone, so sound energetic and genuinely interested. When you smile, it projects a positive image as you speak. Some people even put a mirror near the phone to help them remember to smile.
Speak slowly and clearly. Give short answers, and wait to see if the interviewer wants more information. Stay on topic.
Don't interrupt. Be sure to allow for a brief pause at the end of the interviewer's question to make sure they have finished speaking.
Don't smoke, chew gum or eat, during the call.
Do have a glass of water handy so you can take a quick sip if your mouth gets dry or there's a catch in your throat.
Take notes. It's often hard to remember what you discussed after the fact, so take brief notes during the interview.
Ask for the interviewer's email address so that you can send a thank-you note after the call.

Remember — while a phone interview may seem less formal than an in-person one, it's an opportunity to make a great impression that can lead to your next job and a successful career.

Disclosure and accommodations

Disclosure of your disability is always your choice. You may need to disclose your disability if you need a reasonable accommodation for your interview. But if you do not request an accommodation for the interview, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does not require you to tell the interviewer about your disability or that you may need a reasonable accommodation to perform a job. Learn more about disclosure on our blog and head to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) website for more information about the ADA.

We realize that phone interviews may not be for everyone. Check out Making Interviews Accessible for You for advice about asking for accommodations during the interview process.

About Ticket to Work

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Opening Doors to Internships and Employment: The Workforce Recruitment Program

By Lauren Karas

Internships can be a prime gateway to future employment, offering resume-building skills and hands-on work experience in a variety of industries. While there are lots of ways to find and apply for internships, students with disabilities at many colleges and universities have a key tool at their fingertips: The Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP).

About the WRP

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Defense, the WRP links highly qualified college students and recent graduates with disabilities with federal agencies seeking interns and permanent employees.

In fact, since 1995, more than 7,000 students and recent graduates have received temporary and permanent federal employment opportunities through the WRP. I should know: Being a WRP intern launched my rewarding career in public service. But don't just take my word for it. Anthony Baskin, Bogdan "Bob" Vitas, and Julley Yang landed jobs through the WRP at the U.S. Departments of Transportation, Homeland Security, and Defense. You can read more about them and other WRP success stories on the ODEP website.

How to Participate

Check to see if your school participates by accessing our list of WRP-affiliated colleges and universities.
Find out if you are eligible to participate. WRP candidates must be current, full-time undergraduate or graduate students with disabilities, or have graduated within one year of the annual release of the WRP database in December. For the 2018 WRP, interviews will be held in the fall of 2017. You would be eligible if you graduated in April 2016 or later. Please note that not every applicant will be chosen for a job.
Register for the WRP through your school's disability services or career services office. You'll need to submit your resume and school transcript at that time. The current registration period is from Aug. 28 to Oct. 17, 2017.

I feel so lucky to know firsthand the value of the WRP, as an intern, employee, and now manager of the program. It's my goal that more ambitious students with disabilities use WRP as a pathway to a rewarding public sector career.

To learn more, go to www.wrp.gov.

About the Guest Blogger

Lauren Karas is a business development specialist in the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy and the project manager of the Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP).

About Ticket to Work

Social Security's Ticket to Work 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.

Learn More

Start Your Job Search at a September Career Fair

"Find Job" written on keyboard key

Career fairs are an excellent way to start or advance your job search. They give you the chance to meet potential employers and learn about different job opportunities, including openings you can apply for. Check out one of the following career fairs being held in person and online this month.

Before you attend, read our post, Making the Most of a Virtual Career Fair, for tips on how to make the most out of a career fair and leave a strong impression with recruiters.

City Career Fair (In Person)

City Career Fair brings some of the most well-known and respected employers to cities near you. Be sure to check them out the next time they are in your area.

September 6: Bay Area/Oakland
September 12: Chicago, IL
September 21: Milwaukee, WI
September 27: Los Angeles, CA

RecruitMilitary (In Person)

RecruitMilitary seeks to tap into the extensive talent pool that veterans represent for employers.

September 7: Miami Veterans Job Fair

Veteran Recruiting (Virtual)

Veteran Recruiting's Veteran Recruitment Center regularly hosts virtual job fairs with employers seeking to hire veterans.

September 12: All Industries Virtual Career Fair
September 14: Veterans on Campus Virtual Career Fair

Equal Opportunity Publications STEM Diversity Career Expo (In Person)

September 15: New York, NY

People with Targeted Disabilities Nationwide Career Fairs (In Person)

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is holding several career fairs across the country to recruit qualified applicants.

September 1: Anchorage, AK
September 6: Washington, DC
September 8: College Park, GA
September 8: Pleasantville, NJ

Orthotics & Prosthetics Virtual Career Fair (Virtual)

A virtual career fair for all Orthotics and Prosthetics (O&P) students and recent graduates to connect with prospective O&P employers!

September 27: Register here!

About Ticket to Work

Social Security's 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.

Learn More

Making the Most of a Virtual Career Fair

Graphic of Ben sitting at a desk and applying online

Every month, we spotlight career fairs being held around the country that promote employment for people with disabilities. Some are in person, but many take place online.

Many basic steps — researching companies, updating your resume, developing questions to ask and preparing responses for potential questions — are the same whether you're attending in person or virtually. In this post, we share tips for how to make the most of your virtual career fair experience.

Preparation

Success at a virtual career fair starts before the actual event. Follow our tips on what you can do beforehand to avoid technological problems on the day of the career fair.

Register early. By signing up and posting your resume early, you give employers time to review your qualifications before the fair begins. Be sure you use a professional email address when you register so recruiters can communicate with you.
Check your device. Whether you'll be using a computer, tablet or smartphone, make sure your devices are working and that you have a reliable Internet connection. Check your battery and make sure you have a charger available. If you plan to use video chat, test your camera and microphone to make sure they are working properly. Once you register for a fair, you will receive a confirmation email with instructions to see if your computer meets system requirements. This important step can help you find potential problems before the day of the fair.
Review the user guide. Most virtual career fairs have detailed instructions on how to use their platform. A user guide can show you how to set up a profile, attach your resume, find companies, request a chat, network with employers, and read company materials. Getting comfortable with all the options ahead of time will allow you to focus on talking with recruiters.

Attending

In addition to learning how to use the technology, keep these other tips in mind:

Be on time. If you're late, you may have to wait to talk to the employers you are interested in or you may only be able to leave a note with your resume.
Dress professionally. If you'll be on a video chat, make sure that you dress professionally and that the room you're in is clean and doesn't have any unprofessional decorations or items.
Take notes. Write down recruiters' names and companies that you speak with as well as some specific details from your conversations. Remember to get contact information from each recruiter. Be specific when you follow up after the fair with a tailored thank-you message.
Write carefully. When you're in a text chat, write in full sentences; avoid slang and emoticons and check your spelling.
Visit the chat room. In addition to visiting the company's "booth", head to the chat room to read what other job seekers are asking. Hiring managers also take part in conversations there and share information about company culture and more.

After you attend

Remember that most people don't receive a job offer at a career fair. Employers use career fairs to gather resumes and then make decisions about conducting more in-depth interviews by phone or in-person. Follow up with the recruiters after the career fair to thank them for their time, ask about job openings and find out more about the application process. Using specific details from your conversations will help you stand apart from other job seekers.

Attending career fairs can help you network and make connections with people who can help you during your job search. The Choose Work blog is a great place to find both online and in-person career fairs. Subscribe to the blog to stay updated on career fairs and learn more tips that may help you during your job search.

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Let a my Social Security Account Guide You Back to Work

By Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner, Office of Communications

Jim was named Assistant Deputy Commissioner for Communications in July 2015. He oversees national communications and public affairs programs, spreading the message that Social Security is with you through life's journey, securing today and tomorrow. He previously served as the Assistant Deputy Commissioner for Social Security's Office of Disability Adjudication and Review.

At Social Security, our lifetime commitment to you begins when you receive your Social Security number, continues through your working years, and wherever life takes you.

Graphic reading "Manage your benefits with my Social Security" and several icons Social Security is always looking for ways to improve how we serve you. We want to provide access to all we have to offer. A personal my Social Security account is the portal to some of our most important services. If you receive benefits due to a disability, you can use your account to manage your benefits or to find out which type of benefit you receive, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

While many disabled individuals are unable to work, we know that some may want to try. When you're ready to return to the workforce or work for the first time, we're there. Work incentives are special rules that make it possible for people with disabilities to work and still receive monthly benefits and Medicare or Medicaid.

For disability beneficiaries, work incentives include a trial work period, extended eligibility, continuous medical coverage and more. For SSI beneficiaries, work incentives include work-related expenses if you are blind, earned income exclusion, educational training exclusions, and continuous medical coverage, among others. For more information, please read our Work Incentives blog or The Red Book – A Guide to Work Incentives.

If you think you're ready to go back to work, you can check out our Ticket to Work program. Ticket to Work offers beneficiaries with disabilities access to meaningful employment. Employment occurs with the assistance of Ticket to Work employment service providers called Employment Networks. The primary goal of employment networks is to assist you with a variety of work-related tasks to prepare you for the workforce. Our beneficiaries get help finding a job and staying employed, as well as instruction on their wage-reporting responsibilities to Social Security.

Many people have successfully completed the Ticket to Work program, and are now enjoying fulfilling careers and earning more income for their families. If this sounds like one of your goals for the future, you may want to explore this program to see if it's right for you.

Remember, your personal my Social Security account is secure and gives you ready access to your earnings records, Social Security benefit estimates, and your printable Social Security Statement. Those who already receive benefits can view their payment history, current status, and manage their benefits. Visit my Social Security to learn all you can do with your personal account.

When you sign up for a personal my Social Security account, we use a secure authentication process to protect the privacy of your identity and your Social Security Statement information. In addition to your unique username and password, we further protect your my Social Security account with a secure code texted to your phone or e-mailed to you every time you log in.

It's easy, convenient, secure, and it is a part of our commitment to help you secure today and tomorrow.

Using Assistive Technology in the Workplace

By Guest Blogger Sadie Hagberg, AbleData

From computers, phones and copiers, to machinery, hand tools and vehicles — most of us use some form of technology at work to help us complete tasks more easily and efficiently. But, if you have a disability, assistive technology (AT) can help you perform job tasks that you might not otherwise be able to do.

AT can help people with disabilities adapt and transition to different workplace settings and needs. If you'd like to learn more, search the AbleData database by "workplace" to find products that fit your needs. Below are some examples of AT in office and non-office environments.

AT for office settings

Ergonomic keyboards are designed to minimize strain and discomfort in your hands, wrists, shoulders and back. Alternatively, an adapted keyboard can be designed to meet your specific needs, such as a one-handed keyboard if you only have the use of one hand.
Screen readers are software programs that you can use if you are blind or have low vision. A screen reader identifies what is on your computer and reads it in a computerized voice so you can hear it.
Screen magnifiers to make screen text larger if you have low vision. You could also use a larger computer screen.
Voice recognition software can be great if you have limb loss, limited muscle control or hand-use, or conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome. This software allows you to speak commands to operate your computer.
Screen clips hold paper in place to decrease neck strain while you type information from printed documents.
Microphone headsets help to reduce neck strain and back pain while talking on the phone by allowing you to hold your head in an upright, neutral position.

AT for non-office settings

Hand tools such as hammers, wrenches, screwdrivers and tire gauges are available with accessible features depending on your needs. If you are a carpenter with limited hand strength, a contoured hammer offers a firm, slip resistant hold. If you are a car mechanic who is blind or with low vision, a torque wrench with voice output will help.
Outdoor mobility aids, including outdoor wheelchairs designed for rugged terrain, are essential in getting around if you work in an agricultural setting.
To help with harvesting hay, an adaptive bale spear fits onto the back of a pick-up truck and can be used as a bed hoist, log splitter and bale un-roller.
Modifications for your work vehicle can include lifts and hoists to help you get into and out of your truck if you have a lower limb mobility disability. There are many commercially available, or you can check out a do-it-yourself wheelchair lift.
For tractors and combines, lift and hand control modifications are typical for people with lower limb disabilities. Battery-operated mechanical lifts will get you in and out of your tractor or combine. You can also modify your vehicle with hand controls to operate the brake, clutch and gas pedals with your hands.
If you have grasping difficulties or limited upper-extremity strength, modifications for the steering wheel are available. Spinner steering devices mounted on the steering wheel provide a relatively simple modification that can offer you better steering control with little effort.

Tips for obtaining workplace AT

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations, including AT, for employees with disabilities, but you will need to make requests for accommodations. For guidance and help making requests and negotiating reasonable accommodations, the Job Accommodation Network (JAN) can help. Check out their post on writing an accommodation request letter for tips.

Additional Resources

About the Guest Blogger

Sadie Hagberg performs programmatic tasks related to AbleData call center operations, AT product database maintenance, and website and marketing activities. She is primarily responsible for ensuring the quality of all AbleData products and services.

About Ticket to Work

The Ticket to Work program can also help you learn more about and request reasonable accommodations like AT.

A Ticket program service provider, like an Employment Network, can help you through the process of requesting accommodations as you apply for jobs, go on interviews, and transition to a workplace.

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Subscribe to admin's blog

How can I find out what type of benefit I receive?

Are there also Work Incentives for people who receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)?

How do I apply for or use an Impairment-Related Work Expense?

What happens to my Medicaid if I start working?

What is Ticket to Work?

How can I learn more?

About Ticket to Work

Learn more

Planning your questions

Disclosure and accommodations

About Ticket to Work

Learn more

Send a cover letter

Customize your resume and cover letters

Use language that's comfortable for you

Check spelling and grammar

Use your real name

About the guest blogger

About Ticket to Work

Learn more

Getting ready for the interview

During the interview

Disclosure and accommodations

About Ticket to Work

Learn more

About the WRP

How to Participate

About the Guest Blogger

About Ticket to Work

Learn More

City Career Fair (In Person)

RecruitMilitary (In Person)

Veteran Recruiting (Virtual)

Equal Opportunity Publications STEM Diversity Career Expo (In Person)

People with Targeted Disabilities Nationwide Career Fairs (In Person)

Orthotics & Prosthetics Virtual Career Fair (Virtual)

About Ticket to Work

Learn More

Preparation

Attending

After you attend

About Ticket to Work

Learn more

AT for office settings

AT for non-office settings

Tips for obtaining workplace AT

Additional Resources

About the Guest Blogger

About Ticket to Work

Learn More

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