Are you thinking about working and need more information because you're not sure how to look for work, or even what kind of work interests you? Or do you know what your dream career is and need to know the next step towards that career? Whatever your questions are about the world of work and careers, it is important to learn about the people and the resources that can help you. You can get started by watching the videos in the collections below.
Vocational Rehabilitation Services: Jack’s Jobs
Bemidji mascot Lumber Jack introduces you to high school students with disabilities who share stories of how their Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors helped each of them to get training and careers in Audio production, Mass communications, Cosmetology, Childcare, Construction technology, Graphic design, Veterinary tech, and Theater. (5 min)
Larry is young man with autism who has been working full-time on the Set-up Crew at the Mark Center for almost 3 years. This video takes you on Larry's successful journey to becoming a fully employed young adult, with help from his high school Transition Counselor, a Vocational Rehabilitation Services Counselor, a Job Coach, and the Ticket to Work program. (8 min)
Ashton is a Part-time Assistant. Sarah is a Part-time Kennel Attendant. Darrin is a Full-time Assistant. They are all young adults with disabilities who found work at the Seaford Veterinary Medical Center, with the support of their Job Coach from the local Vocational Rehabilitation Services office. In this video, they tell their stories. (4 min)
What is customized employment? Customized employment is a process where a person with a disability and an employer work together, often with support from a Vocational Rehabilitation Services Job Coach, to create a job that meets both of their needs. This video features Sean, a young adult with a disability, and his customized employment experience at Barnes and Noble. (4 min)
Craig was in a car accident, and had a Traumatic Brain Injury. He had to learn how to walk, eat, and talk again. In this video, Craig tells his story about how he returned to work as a welder, with support from an Employment Specialist at the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Office. The Employment Specialist helped him get accommodations at work. (4 min)
Employment Resource Guide and Employment Resource Workbook
High school is the perfect time to learn and practice the skills you’ll need for the world of work. But where do you start? The Employment Resource Guide and Workbook were created for you by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) and the Department of Employment & Economic Development (DEED). Find out how to make an “Employment Map,” and get lots of ideas for activities you can do each year of high school, so you’re ready to successfully enter the workforce after you graduate!
Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Vocational Rehabilitation Services work with youth and young adults with disabilities to plan their careers and transition from school to work. Every high school in Minnesota has a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, who works with IEP teams to help students make choices about job goals and to help students find the services they may need to reach their job goals. Find out more how a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor could help you today!
Getting a Job! for Students Who Are Deaf and Hard of Hearing
This online training from the Described and Captioned Media Program (DCMP) will help you prepare for the world of work. You'll find lots of interactive activities and videos to help you get a job. All videos in this training are presented in ASL and are also voiced in English and captioned. You can do the training at your own speed and create a Career Planning Log for yourself. If you complete all the activities and assignments you'll earn a certificate! To get started, go to the link and sign up for a FREE DCMP eLearner account.
Getting a Job! for Students Who Are Blind and Visually Impaired
This online training from the Described and Captioned Media Program (DCMP) will help you prepare for the world of work. You'll find lots of interactive activities and videos to help you get a job. You'll also get advice from other young adults who are blind and have low vision about their experiences getting ready for employment success. You can do the training at your own speed and create a Career Planning Log for yourself. If you complete all the activities and assignments you'll earn a certificate! To get started, go to the link and sign up for a FREE DCMP eLearner account.
Meet Jared, a young man with cerebral palsy who runs his own graphic arts business online. Jared shows you how he uses a sip and puff switch to type, control the mouse, and do anything else he wants to do on his computer –from designing websites for his customers to playing checkers in his free time! (4 min)
Meet Nick, a young man with cerebral palsy who runs his own lawn care business. Nick shows you the adapted van he drives, with a driving knob on the steering wheel, custom foot pedals, and hands-free controls for the turn signals, the windshield wipers, and the headlights! Nick also shows you the adapted lawnmower he operates for work, and the adapted computer he uses to email his customers. (4 min)
Meet Brandon, a young man with an intellectual disability who is going to college and working part-time at Kowalski’s. Brandon talks about overcoming obstacles, the impact of caring adults in his life, and his hopes and dreams for the future. (3 min)
Disclosing your disability is a very personal decision. It means making an informed decision when or if to tell someone about your disability. Your decision will affect you at school, at work, and in your social life. In this video, Nellie, Alex, Nick, and Mimi talk about how they made their own decisions to disclose their disabilities, and how it changed things for them. (4 min)
John is an Assistive Technology Specialist at PACER Center and a young adult with a cognitive disability. John talks about understanding his disability, finding his strengths, and the role high expectations played in his academic and career success. (4 min)
Serve Overseas: You Always Have Something to Contribute and Learn
Meet Allen. Fascinated with the overseas experiences of a friend who joined the Peace Corps, Allen followed her example and became a Peace Corps volunteer himself. Allen is a Teacher who is Deaf, and he shares his stories of empowering Deaf students in Kenya, Zambia, and Guyana, from 2007-2011. Now he works at the Peace Corps headquarters in Washington, D.C. (2 min)
Workforce Centers: The Work Force Is With You!
John, TJ, and Tim are high school students with disabilities who explore the services available to them at their local Workforce Center. (7 min)
Danette Smith: Job Search and Interview Tips
In this video, Danette talks about what employers look for in a resume, how a Job Coach can help you in a job interview, how a mentor can help you make connections that may lead to a job opportunity, why a cover letter is important, and how your family can help you get ready for a job interview. (4 min)
The Job Accommodation Network: JAN is here for YOU!
The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is a free service of the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy. JAN helps people with disabilities get accommodations at their workplace so that they can succeed on the job, and many of these job accommodations are different kinds of assistive technology. This video uses simple drawings and easy-to-understand language to explain how JAN could help you. (4 min)
Meet Ben! An Introduction to Ticket to Work
Work gives you opportunities to earn income, meet new people, and learn new skills. What is the Ticket to Work program? And how can it help you? This video answers these questions with simple drawings and easy-to-understand language. Meet Ben, an animated character who goes on a journey to figure out the services and supports he could be eligible for by applying to Ticket to Work. (5 min)
