The Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) recognizes the invaluable contributions individuals with disabilities make on Arizona’s workforce.
DES’ Rehabilitation Service Administration (RSA) is designed to support job seekers with disabilities to prepare for and obtain fulfilling and gainful employment.
In recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), DES staff have partnered with local organizations and employers to share exciting employment opportunities with workers who have disabilities.
The DES RSA prepares clients who have disabilities for employment by assessing their goals as well as limitations. Clients work with their assigned counselors to explore employment opportunities, participate in relevant training and search for jobs with the ultimate goal of obtaining gainful employment.
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) counselors can help clients get acclimated to employment with supports that may include assistive technology, transportation assistance, interpreter services and more.
RSA clients with specific employment goals may qualify for educational assistance to acquire the degrees and/or certifications needed to meet their employment goals.
VR counselors will partner with clients to develop an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) tailored specifically to meet their employment goals. Clients must be active participants in their plans in order to accomplish their goals.
Job Opportunities in Arizona
The following employers currently have several opportunities for Arizona job seekers who have disabilities:
- Beacon Group (Distribution Center)
- Peckham (Call Center)
- Synchrony Financial (Call Center)
- Arizona Department of Economic Security (State Agency)
- REI (Distribution Center)
- Goodwill (retail, driver and warehouse opportunities)
- Fry's Food Stores (retail and warehouse opportunities)
RSA is comprised of several programs designed to meet the unique needs of job seekers who have disabilities.
The DES Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program supports job seekers with disabilities in reaching their employment goals. Job seekers with mental (including mental illness and learning disabilities) or physical impairments may qualify for VR assistance. To learn more about the VR services available to job seekers, please visit our VR webpage.
The Business Enterprise Program (BEP) supports visually impaired entrepreneurs in the VR program to operate their own merchandising businesses under federal and state agency management. To learn more about BEP, please visit our BEP webpage.
The Ticket to Work program (TTW) supports individuals, ages 16-64, who receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits and want to enter or re-enter the workforce. To learn more about the TTW program, please watch the Meet Ben! video or visit our TTW webpage.
The Transition School to Work program (TSW) is designed to assist students who have disabilities prepare for employment. DES VR counselors collaborate with school social workers to ensure students are supported before and after graduation. For more information about the TSW program, please watch our TSW overview video or visit our VR webpage.
For more information about DES employment services for individuals with disabilities, please visit our Rehabilitation Services Administration webpage.
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