Have you ever thought about working for the federal government? Students, now may be your chance. Learn more about the Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP).

The WRP is a recruitment and referral program for college students with disabilities that connects them with federal and select private-sector employers nationwide. Students will be eligible to register for the program beginning August 21.

Managed by the U.S. Departments of Defense and Labor, the WRP lets graduate students and recent graduates demonstrate their skills and abilities in the workplace through internships or permanent jobs.

Applicants must be:

• A person with a disability eligible for the Schedule A Hiring Authority
• A U.S. citizen
• An undergraduate student, graduate/doctoral student, or a recent graduate
  • A student must be enrolled in a degree-seeking program at a U.S. accredited college or university on a substantially full-time basis (unless their disability or program requirements preclude the student from taking a substantially full-time load).
  • A recent graduate must have received a postsecondary degree on or after April 1, 2021.

The college or university you attend must be registered for the Workforce Recruitment Program. Check with your school’s disability services or career services to see if they are registered.

Registration for students is open August 21! Register at wrp.gov.

How Can Ticket to Work Help?

Are you a college student or graduate who receives Social Security disability benefits (SSDI or SSI)? If so, knowing more about Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program will help as you pursue your work goals after graduation.

The Ticket Program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI or SSI) and want to work. Through this free and voluntary program, eligible participants can work with Ticket Program service providers, like State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies or Employment Networks (EN), to receive the supports and services they need to pursue work and financial independence.

Ticket Program service providers offer a variety of supports and services to help job seekers with disabilities, ranging from resume writing and interview prep to assistance requesting reasonable accommodations (during the interview and/or on the job), and continued support once someone has started working. Many service providers also offer benefits counseling through certified Benefits Counselors, who can help you better understand how earning an income will affect your benefits and discover Work Incentives that may help you keep certain benefits during the transitional period.

Getting Started

1. Call the Ticket to Work Help Line: Ticket Program representatives can help callers find answers to their questions about working and their benefits — or even send them a list of service providers that offer the supports and services they need to start or continue their job search or succeed on the job. The Ticket to Work Help Line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. To connect with a representative, call 866-968-7842 or 866-833-2967 (TTY).
2. Visit the Find Help tool: If you are ready to start working with a Ticket Program service provider, the Find Help tool can help you find the right one. The Direct Search feature allows you to find service providers by type of provider, location and even services offered. Or the Guided Search feature asks you a series of questions to help determine what kind of service provider may fit the user's needs.

Staying Connected

Find us on social media to see more information and resources. We post updates about the Ticket Program and other Social Security news, and we help our followers discover new resources that may help them find work, request job accommodations, and succeed on the path to financial independence.

• Like us on Facebook: @Choose Work!
• Follow us on Twitter: @ChooseWorkSSA
• Sign up for Ticket Program Texts by texting TICKET to 1-571-489-5292. Standard messaging rates may apply.
• Register for our monthly Work Incentives Seminar Events (WISE) Webinars!

It's the 35^th anniversary of the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), the civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. It ensures that people with disabilities have equal access to businesses, employment, transportation, government programs and services, and telecommunications.

The ADA requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. A reasonable accommodation is any change in the work environment or in the way things are customarily done that enables an individual with a disability to attain the same level of performance or to enjoy the benefits and privileges of employment equal to those enjoyed by employees without disabilities. Examples of some common reasonable accommodations include:

1. Working from home
   Working from home part time or full time is a reasonable accommodation for many job fields.
2. Modified schedule/break schedule
   If you need to take more breaks than the regular break schedule allows or to modify your schedule, you can work with your employer to identify when you need to take your breaks or adjust your work hours.
3. Assistive technology
   Sometimes a reasonable accommodation may be technology hardware or software that helps you perform your job function, such as using an alternative keyboard, voice recognition or screen reader at your desk.

Who can help you request reasonable accommodations?

Generally, disclosure of your disability is totally voluntary. However, if you wish to receive a reasonable accommodation because of your disability, you will need to disclose the nature of the disability and how it affects your ability to perform the job. Once you decide that you may need an accommodation, and are willing to disclose your disability, who do you go to? Below are three resources to help you get started.

1. Talk to Human Resources (HR)
   If you are currently working and realize you may need an accommodation, talk to the HR department at your job. They will work with you to determine how to meet your work needs.
2. If you think you may need some advice about how to talk with HR, the Job Accommodation Network (JAN) offers free, confidential guidance from experts on workplace accommodations. They can help you through the disclosure process and help you find accommodations not only for on the job but during job interviews as well. Visit askjan.org to learn more.
3. American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Centers
   There are 10 ADA centers distributed in regions throughout the United States to provide local assistance and provide more information about the ADA. They can also talk to you about assistive technology and the disclosure process. For more information, visit adata.org.

How Can Ticket to Work Help?

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. You can discuss reasonable accommodations with your Ticket to Work service provider. They can help you with the disclosure process and requesting job accommodations.

Learn More

To learn more about the Ticket Program, visit https://choosework.ssa.gov. You can also call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (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.

You might remember taking a test as a kid that predicted which career you might have as an adult. How have your interests changed? What new skills have you developed, and how can taking a new test help you now?

When it comes to finding work, there are certain things you should know beforehand. One of those things is knowing what kind of work you want and are able to do. Not everyone has a clear vision for what they want to pursue when it comes to employment. Or some may be looking to switch up their career. Luckily, there are resources available.

What if you don't know which skills you possess? One way to find out is by taking a skills matcher test. Rather than answering math or logic questions, these assessments are meant to determine which career you are more suited for based on the skills and personal characteristics you possess.

Questions could include:

• How well do you handle customer's needs?
• How many words can you type per minute?
• Do you feel you work better in an individual setting or in a team setting?

These tests can take anywhere from as little to five minutes to as long as 60 minutes depending on how detailed you want your results to be. Once you are finished with the test, the program will then process the answers and give you options for career fields or positions within that field based on what you answered for your values, personal characteristics, and soft and hard skills.

Here are some things to keep in mind while taking a skills test:

• You do NOT have to choose a career based on the results of these tests. They are simply resources to guide you, just like any other resource. They help you decide what career or field you may want to pursue or research further based on your results.
• The test may ask for an email address. Like with any online form these days, a skills test may ask for some personal information. This is so the full results can be emailed to you later so you can have more time to read and fully understand what they are.
• Answer the test accurately and be honest with yourself. If you go in with a pre-conceived notion of what you WANT to be or what field you want to be in rather than what field you are most suited for, the test will skew results in your favor toward that field. If you want to be a marine biologist but have had no education related to marine biology and have never had experience with animals, you should not answer that you have had experience with animals.

Finally, remember that this is not the be-all end-all to your career search. Once you've found a career that you feel suits you, do some more research into that field or position. If you have friends or family who have been in that field or know someone in that field, ask if you can talk to them and find out what it is like.

Additional Resources

• CareerOneStop Skills Matcher Assessment
  Find what career you're suited for based on what skills you already possess.
• CareerOneStop Work Values Matcher
  Identify what you value most in a job (helping others, working independently, etc.) to see which career cluster you are suited for.
• Career Explorer – Free Test
  Take this free career explorer test to see which career cluster most suits you.

How Can Ticket to Work Help?

Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI or SSI) and want to work. The Ticket Program is free and voluntary. The Ticket Program connects you with free employment services to help you decide if working is right for you, prepare for work, find a job or be successful while you are working.

The Ticket Program can connect you with service providers who offer a wide variety of employment services to people with disabilities in all stages of their employment journey, including preparing to enter the workforce for the first time. An Employment Network (EN) can also help you find skills tests.

Taking a job skills test to see what type of career you might want to pursue is only the beginning. Connect with a service provider today to find the additional support you may need to help you achieve your goals on the path to financial independence through work.

Learn More

Visit the Choose Work website and use our Find Help Tool to start building your employment team. Or call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.

As we've discussed in the past, reporting your wages is important to avoid overpayments from Social Security. An overpayment occurs when Social Security sends you a benefit payment higher than what you're eligible to receive. An important aspect of working while also receiving Social Security disability benefits is updating Social Security about your employment status and how much money you are earning. If you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, you or your representative must promptly report any changes in your work activity.

When to Update Social Security About Wages

You or your representative must tell Social Security right away if any of the following changes happens to your work activity:

• You start or stop work.
• You already reported your work, but your duties, hours, or pay have changed.
• You start paying for expenses that you need for work due to your disability. For more information, refer to Impairment-Related Work Expenses.

How to Report Your Wages

You can report changes in your work activity by phone, fax, mail or by using a my Social Security account. Call the toll-free number 1-800-772-1213 or 1-800-325-0778 (TTY) between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, or you may call or write to your local Social Security office. You can find your local office by going to the Field Office Locator.

If you receive SSDI or SSI benefits and have a my Social Security account, you may be able to report your wages online. If you receive SSI, Social Security also offers a toll-free automated wage-reporting telephone system and a mobile wage-reporting application. For more information about these electronic wage reporting methods, please visit the Spotlight on Automated Wage Reporting Tools or call the toll-free number 1-800-772-1213 or 1-800-325-0778 (TTY) and ask how you can report wages using the system or application.

When you report changes in your work activity, Social Security will give you a receipt to verify that you have properly fulfilled your obligation to report. Save this receipt, along with your paystubs so that Social Security can verify your monthly earnings, and any deductions from allowable earnings.

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 and want to work. The Ticket Program is free and voluntary. The Ticket Program connects you with free employment services to help you decide if working is right for you, prepare for work, find a job or maintain success while you are working.

Learn More

To learn more about the Ticket Program, visit choosework.ssa.gov or call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (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.

You can also learn more by registering for a free, online Work Incentives Seminar Event webinar. Or, text TICKET to 1-571-489-5292 to receive Ticket Program texts. Standard messaging rates may apply, and you can opt out at any time.

Does your job ever affect your mental health in a negative way? Tough projects, conflicts with co-workers or changing duties on your job can all play a role in your mental health. According to Mental Health America, 78% of workers agree that workplace stress affects their mental health. Thankfully, there are steps you can take at your job to help protect your mental health. Here are five tips to improve your wellness at work.

Be Patient with Yourself

Getting back into the workforce, starting work for the first time or just changing roles at your current job are big changes. Be patient with yourself. You'll need to get used to new people, tasks and schedules. When everything happens at the same time, it may not be easy to manage. Give yourself time to adjust to new surroundings and activities. When you're training for a job, it can be stressful to take in so much information. Try not to be hard on yourself and ask for help when you need it.

Communicate with Your Supervisor

Your supervisor isn't just the person who assigns work and approves your timesheet. Your supervisor is a source of support. For example, if you have problems at work with a particular task or interacting with a particular co-worker, communicate honestly about it with your supervisor. If you're uncomfortable discussing issues with an immediate supervisor, reach out to someone else who can help, like a human resources staff member.  

Take Breaks

If you're having a stressful day at work, sometimes it helps to just take a break. Breaks are built into your day to assure you don't overdo it and work too long. Use these breaks to clear your mind, get some fresh air and relax. Bring a book to work and read for a while during your break. Take a breather in a way that helps you relax. You'll feel refreshed and return to work ready to start your next project. Try not to skip the breaks your boss offers you. We never dreamed of skipping recess when we were kids, so let's not skip our well-deserved breaks as employees.

Celebrate Your Accomplishments

Focus on the tasks and projects you finished during the workday. Once you track your finished tasks, you'll see that you achieved more than you thought! Celebrate that you completed half of the big filing project your supervisor assigned you. Give yourself credit for making most of the calls on your long call list. If you only focus on everything that's left to do, it can be overwhelming. Recognize what you accomplished today, and it can give you positive energy to finish up tomorrow. Each step you complete gets you closer to finishing your "to-do" list.

Practice Self-care

Self-care can include activities like meditation, special hobbies, taking a nap or journaling. Simply resting on your day off is a great way to practice self-care. Try not to pack too many busy errands and other work into your days off. Use some of that time for self-care.

How Can Ticket to Work Help?

The Ticket to Work Program may help take some of the stress out of job searching. Social Security's Ticket to Work (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, eligible participants can work with service providers to receive the service and supports they need to find and maintain employment as they move toward financial independence through work.

Learn More

To learn more about the Ticket Program, visit choosework.ssa.gov or call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. or text TICKET to 1-571-489-5292 to receive Ticket Program texts. Standard messaging rates may apply, and you can opt out at any time.

If you work at a college or university career office and are coordinating employment opportunities for your students with disabilities, consider registering for the Workforce Recruitment Program. Managed by the U.S. Departments of Defense and Labor, the Workforce Recruitment Program is a recruitment and referral program for college students with disabilities. It connects federal and select private-sector employers nationwide with college students, graduate students and recent graduates willing to demonstrate their skills and abilities in the workplace through internships or permanent jobs.

The recruitment and referral program:

• Helps bring new talent into the federal government to fill mission-critical jobs.
• Provides students and recent grads the opportunities to receive career advice through informational interviews with federal employees.
• Provides an opportunity for participating college Career Centers and Disability Services Offices to assist candidates with disabilities in finding employment, and to educate them about job accommodations and the use of the federal government Schedule A Hiring Authority.

Once the college or university you represent is registered, you'll receive access to resources and optional webinars where you can learn more about the WRP, the federal hiring process and preparing students for employment.

Registration is now open! Register your college or university until June 30, 2023, at WRP.gov.

How Can Ticket to Work Help?

Do you work with or provide services to college students or graduates who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI or SSI)? If so, knowing more about Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program may enable you to help them as they pursue their work goals after graduation.

The Ticket Program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI or SSI) and want to work. Through this free and voluntary program, eligible participants can work with Ticket Program service providers, like State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies or Employment Networks (EN), to receive the supports and services they need to pursue work and financial independence.

Ticket Program service providers offer a variety of supports and services to help job seekers with disabilities, ranging from resume writing and interview prep to accommodation requests (during the interview and/or on the job), and continued support once someone has started working. Many service providers also offer benefits counseling through certified Benefits Counselors, who can help people better understand how earning an income will affect their benefits and discover Work Incentives that may help them keep certain benefits during the transitional period.

Getting Started

If you know an eligible student or graduate who could benefit from the Ticket Program, there are two ways to get started.

1. Call the Ticket to Work Help Line: Ticket Program representatives can help callers find answers to their questions about working and their benefits — or even send them a list of service providers that offer the supports and services they need to start or continue their job search or succeed on the job. The Ticket to Work Help Line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. To connect with a representative, call 866-968-7842 or 866-833-2967 (TTY).
2. Visit the Find Help tool: If one of your eligible students or graduates is ready to start working with a Ticket Program service provider, the Find Help tool can help them find the right one. The Direct Search feature allows users to find service providers by type of provider, location and even services offered. Or the Guided Search feature asks the user a series of questions to help determine what kind of service provider may fit the user's needs.

Staying Connected Find us on social media to find more information and resources to share with the people you serve. We post updates about the Ticket Program and other Social Security news, and we help our followers discover new resources that may help them find work, request job accommodations, and succeed on the path to financial independence. Share our posts with your followers to help them find the information they're looking for!

• Like us on Facebook: @Choose Work!
• Follow us on Twitter: @ChooseWorkSSA
• Sign up for Ticket Program Texts by texting TICKET to 1-571-489-5292. Standard messaging rates may apply.
• Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

Take a moment to consider your surroundings. Do you feel safe? Do you have access to health care and food? Does your home support you, both physically and mentally? If you work from home part time or full time, is the space sufficient in meeting your work needs? This May is Mental Health Month, and we challenge you to look at your world and how different factors can affect your mental health.

What contributes to mental health?

Where a person is born, lives, learns, works, plays, and gathers, as well as their economic stability and social connections, are part of what are called social determinants of health. The more these factors work in your favor means you are more likely to have better mental well-being. However, when it seems like the world is working against you, your mental health can suffer.

While many parts of your environment can be out of your control, there are steps you can take to change your space and protect your well-being. Earnings from work and, over time, financial independence can help.

Secure safe and stable housing

This can be challenging due to finances, age and other factors, but there are a few things you can try, such as reaching out to state and local agencies to secure housing, removing safety hazards in the home, or finding another space (such as a community center or staying temporarily at a friend's home) where you can get the comfort you are missing at home. Earnings from work can help you achieve this goal.

Focus on your home

Consider keeping your space tidy, sleep-friendly and well-ventilated. Surround yourself with items that help you feel calm and positive. If you can, designate one room where you'll do your work. Try not to do anything else in that room. If you don't have the extra space, set up a desk or table that's dedicated to work.

Create bonds with your co-workers, neighborhood and community

Get to know the people living around you and those you work with. Make it a habit to try to engage in conversation with your co-workers at least once a week during your break time. Work can lead to life-long friendships and help you feel connected.

Connect with nature

If you're able, hike in a wooded area, sit in a city park, bring a plant inside, or keep the shades open to absorb natural light. If you have the time and access during your break, take a short walk around the block or building. If you don't have time for a walk, eat your lunch outside. Taking breaks to enjoy nature during the day, with your manager's permission, can help change up your workday and calm your mind.

#MoreThanEnough

As you consider these factors that might affect your mental health, we also encourage you to remember, YOU are #MoreThanEnough. The National Alliance on Mental Illness's (NAMI) theme for National Mental Health Month encourages "all of us to come together and remember the inherent value we each hold — no matter our diagnosis, appearance, socioeconomic status, background or ability. We want every person out there to know that if all you did was wake up today, that's more than enough. No matter what, you are inherently worthy of more than enough life, love and healing. Showing up, just as you are, for yourself and the people around you is more than enough."

How Can Ticket to Work Help?

Remember, wherever you are on your journey, you are #MoreThanEnough. If you're ready to see if employment is a good fit for you, we're here to help. Social Security's Ticket to Work (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, eligible participants can work with service providers to receive the service and supports they need to find and maintain employment as they move toward financial independence through work.

Connect with a Ticket Program service provider, such as an Employment Network (EN) for career counseling, including help with identifying reasonable accommodations. Your service provider can work with you to determine which accommodations may help you succeed in the workplace. Find one today!

Learn More

To learn more about the Ticket Program, visit choosework.ssa.gov or call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. You can also learn more by registering for a free, online Work Incentives Seminar Event webinar. Or text TICKET to 1-571-489-5292 to receive Ticket Program texts. Standard messaging rates may apply, and you can opt out at any time.

Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program recognizes that military veterans have a lot to offer employers. For veterans receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Ticket Program service providers offer help to identify transferable skills, prepare for and find job opportunities and transition to the civilian workplace.

May is both Mental Health Awareness Month and Military Appreciation Month. We understand the important role employment has on everyone's mental health.

"Veteran Mental Health and Employment: The Nexus and Beyond" states, "In the armed forces, 'service' denotes a willingness to 'work for' your country, wages, personal recognition of accomplishment, your brothers/sisters in arms, and references the importance of work in the identity of these individuals. Veteran employment and mental health are intricately connected and at times dependent upon each other."¹

Employment can have several positive effects on mental health by offering:

• Structure and routine
• A sense of purpose and accomplishment
• The opportunity to build relationships and community
• Increased financial self-sufficiency and security
• Increased confidence

Getting Started with a Career Fair

Career fairs are an excellent way to start or advance your civilian job search as a transitioning service member or veteran. Whether they're in person or online, job fairs let you engage with potential employers and learn about job openings.

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.

• May 11: Military Spouse Virtual Career Fair
• May 11: Greater Los Angeles Veteran Job Fair
• May 18: Cincinnati Veterans Job Fair
• May 23: National Virtual Career Fair for Veterans
• May 25: Elgin AFB/Hurlburt Field Area Veterans Job Fair

USAJOBS Career Fairs and Events

USAJOBS connects job seekers with federal employment opportunities across the United States and around the world. USAJOBS serves as the federal government's official employment site.

• May 10: IRS Veterans and Military Spouses Information Session
• May 16-17: The Plumas National Forest Service Hiring Direct Candidates
• May 17-18: IRS Andover, MD In-person Job Fair for CSR and Tax Examiners
• May 23: U.S. Forest Service at MCCS MilSpouse Career Symposium & Hiring Event

U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs

VA benefits can help Veterans and their families buy homes, earn degrees, start careers, stay healthy and more. See what events they have to offer near you with their full calendar.

• May 10: Heroes Connect: Military to Manufacturing featuring Saint-Gobain - Online
• May 17: Heroes Connect: Military to Manufacturing featuring Amazon - Online
• May 18: Corporate Gray Virtual Military-Friendly Job Fair
• May 19: Vets to Manufacturing Virtual Career Fair
• May 24: Heroes Connect: Military to Manufacturing featuring WestRock - Online
• May 25: G.I. Jobs Virtual Job Fair

Need help on your career path?

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 (SSDI/SSI) and want to work, including veterans with disabilities.

Through this free and voluntary program, eligible participants can work with service providers to receive the supports and services they need to find and maintain employment as they move toward financial independence through work. Connect with one today to learn how the Ticket Program can help you on your path to financial independence.

Learn More

To learn more about the Ticket Program, visit choosework.ssa.gov or call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. Ask for a list of service providers or find providers on your own using the Ticket Program Find Help tool.

You can also learn more by registering for a free, online Work Incentives Seminar Event webinar. Or, text TICKET to 1-571-489-5292 to receive Ticket Program texts. Standard messaging rates may apply, and you can opt out at any time.

¹ Nelson, C. B., Abraham, K. M., Miller, E. M., Kees, M. R., Walters, H. M., Valenstein, M., & Zivin, K. (2016). Veteran mental health and employment: The nexus and beyond. In S. MacDermid Wadsworth & D. S. Riggs (Eds.), War and family life (pp. 239–260). Springer International Publishing/Springer Nature. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-21488-7_13

When you think of work accommodations for someone who has a disability, you may immediately think of people with physical disabilities, such as those with mobility issues, hearing impairments or blindness. But did you know there are many possible accommodations for employees who have a mental illness?

What is a Reasonable Accommodation?

A reasonable accommodation is any change in the work environment or in the way things are customarily done that enables an individual with a disability to enjoy equal employment opportunities.

Equal opportunity is the opportunity to attain the same level of performance or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment. Examples can include:

A flexible schedule

An accommodation might include a request to work a specific time shift. For example, if you're more mentally alert and sharp during the day, you can ask to be scheduled for a day shift instead of a night shift. Another area of flexibility can include the timing of your commute to work. If driving or using public transportation during busy daytime traffic causes anxiety, or even panic attacks, you can inquire about going in for a nighttime shift when the roads are less busy. You may also be able to request that breaks during your shift be adjusted. After working for a while, you may find that one long break works better for you than several short ones.

Communication preferences

If you have problems understanding when your supervisor gives you instructions, it's a good idea to share what communication style works best for you. If you retain written instructions better than verbal, ask your boss to give instructions by email, or on paper. This could make a big difference in your everyday tasks. Or, if you are in a meeting, but the presenter often speaks very quickly, have a conversation with your supervisor and ask if you can record meetings. This allows you to listen later at your own pace and take notes.

A private workspace

Working in a noisy, open area can make it hard to concentrate. If you're unable to focus on your work, ask about a quiet workspace. There might be a conference room that's not in use, or a quiet corner to work in. Ask if there is an available office for you to work in that will create a calm environment. If you already have an office, but there's an "Open Door" policy and noise in the hallway, ask if you can close your door. You could also ask for permission to wear noise-cancelling headphones.

A job coach

A job coach is someone who can be with you at work to help you learn the responsibilities of the job, explore other helpful accommodations, and reduce anxiety. This person can closely monitor your progress and help along the way as you learn tasks and start doing projects with co-workers. A job coach can even join you at meetings to make sure you understand the main points and complete any work you're assigned. This one-on-one help at work can have a positive impact on your job performance and confidence. As with any accommodation, your employer will review the approval for a job coach on a case-by-case basis.

How Can Ticket to Work Help?

Working while navigating accommodations can be challenging, but for many people, it's possible, and we're here to help. Social Security's Ticket to Work (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, eligible participants can work with service providers to receive the service and supports they need to find and maintain employment as they move toward financial independence through work.

Connect with a Ticket Program service provider such as an Employment Network (EN) for career counseling, including help with identifying reasonable accommodations. Your service provider can work with you to determine which accommodations may help you succeed in the workplace. Find one today!

Learn More

To learn more about the Ticket Program, visit choosework.ssa.gov or call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. You can also learn more by registering for a free, online Work Incentives Seminar Event webinar. Or text TICKET to 1-571-489-5292 to receive Ticket Program texts. Standard messaging rates may apply, and you can opt out at any time.

It takes many employees to run movie theaters, performing arts centers, sports arenas, amusement parks and other entertainment venues. Typically, jobs in these facilities include ushers, ticket takers and cashiers. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, entertainment attendants are one of the top 10 fastest growing occupations over the next 10 years. If you enjoy being around people and would like to help them enjoy events, a role in an entertainment venue may be the job for you! Let's explore the roles in this field and what it would take to start your career in them.

What are some entertainment attendant duties?

As an attendant, employees often greet people, help them find their seats and work in refreshment sales as needed. A position as a general attendant or crew member can help you learn more about the overall operations in entertainment facilities. There are more specialized roles such as sales associates, maintenance workers, technology assistants and more. In these jobs, your duties will be more specialized to one area. All these jobs are important for an entertainment venue to run smoothly and can lead to more advanced positions.

What education and skills are required?

Most positions in this field require a high school education. Good communication skills are also key. You will need to provide information on event times and prices and direct attendees to locations in the venue such as the restrooms and refreshment sales areas. Giving accurate information helps make the customer's experience more enjoyable.

Eventually, you may supervise other employees. For management roles, you may need training in staff scheduling, budgeting or facility operations. Some organizations provide on-the-job training, others may require more formal training.

Are entertainment attendant jobs right for you?

If you're a "people person" and want a job where you help customers regularly, this field could be for you. It helps to be a problem solver and to be able to stay calm with a dissatisfied customer. If you're able to work a flexible schedule, this is a plus. Many theaters, arenas and other facilities are open late into the night, so varied and long hours may be necessary.

Some of these roles may have physical demands that could involve sitting or standing for long periods of time. They can also be noisy and packed with people. If you're concerned about a disability making these situations difficult, you may be able to request job accommodations. For example, if you work as a ticket agent in a movie theater and standing for long periods of time is difficult, you might ask the supervisor if you can sit in a tall chair as you collect tickets. This way, you can still greet the customers and engage with them. Please visit the Job Accommodation Network (JAN) for more information on disabilities and accommodations.

Where to find entertainment attendant jobs?

There are many online jobsites that have positions in this field. You can start with our Find a Job page. Use keywords that are specific to the jobs you would like to apply for. For example, you can use "usher," "floor staff," "ticket agent" or "guest services staff." You can also go directly to the company websites of theaters, sports arenas and concert venues to see open positions. Ask friends and family if they know of any jobs in this area as well. You never know what leads they have that may help you find a job faster.

Finding Success with Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program

Through Social Security's Ticket Program, you can receive assistance on your employment journey to entertainment attendant roles or the industry you choose. The Ticket Program is a free and voluntary program that supports career development for Social Security disability beneficiaries ages 18 through 64, who want to work.

Learn More

To learn more about the Ticket Program, visit choosework.ssa.gov or call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. Ask for a list of service providers or find providers on your own using the Ticket Program Find Help tool.

You can also learn more by registering for a free, online Work Incentives Seminar Event webinar. Or, text TICKET to 1-571-489-5292 to receive Ticket Program texts. Standard messaging rates may apply, and you can opt out at any time.