Alabama

 

• Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services - Provides specialized employment-related and education-related services and training to assist teens and adults with disabilities in becoming employed, through personalized programs designed specifically to meet the needs of each individual. Services can include educational services; vocational assessment, evaluation and counseling; job training; assistive technology; orientation and mobility training; and job placement.

 

 

 

Alaska

 

• Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD) Vocational Rehabilitation Services – Helps people with disabilities prepare for, obtain, and maintain good jobs.

 

 

 

Arizona

 

• Vocational Rehabilitation Services – Provides a variety of services to persons with disabilities, with the ultimate goal to prepare for, enter into, or retain employment.

 

 

 

Arkansas

 

• Arkansas Career Training Institute - Provides comprehensive vocational rehabilitation services to persons with disabilities, including counseling and case management, vocational assessment and evaluation, vocational training, employability skills, recreation and student living services, behavior enhancement and social skills development, psychological and medical services, and job placement.

 

 

 

California

 

• Bridges from School to Work / Marriott Foundation for People with Disabilities (Los Angeles, Oakland & San Francisco, California) - Engages employers, schools, community resources, youth and their families to help businesses meet their workforce needs while offering young people with disabilities the opportunity to learn, grow and succeed through employment.

 

• Department of Rehabilitation Services (California) - Assists people with disabilities to live independently, become employed and have equality in the communities in which they live and work, by providing consultation; counseling and vocational rehabilitation; and services with community partners.

 

• Exceptional Minds (Sherman Oaks, California) – Provides vocational in-studio training in animation and visual effects for young adults with autism. 

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• Inclusion Films (Bakersfield, Livermore, & Sacramento, California) - Provides training in film production for adults with autism and other developmental disabilities, moving them beyond classroom instruction and offering students real-world experience. After completing the program, students are encouraged to apply for a position with Inclusion Films production company, Team Diversity Media, as well as to seek employment through other avenues in the film industry. 

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• The Spero Vineyards Viticulture Vocational Training Program (Temecula, California) - Provides opportunities for young adults with developmental disabilities to train in various aspects of the winemaking business, and offers the opportunity to earn a customer service certification and food handler's license. 

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• The Specialists Guild (San Francisco, California) – Trains those with autism for jobs in line with their skills and interests, and connects them with companies and jobs so that they can earn a living doing meaningful and fulfilling work. 

 

• Actors for Autism (Los Angeles County, California) – Creates new and innovative programs for children and adults on the autism spectrum which help build a productive and meaningful future. Programs include social skills, filmmaking, visual effects, business development, and video game design.

 

• National Foundation for Autism Research / Technical Training Programs (San Diego, CA) – Offers technical training programs specifically designed to build technical skills for young adults with autism through instructor-lead, hands-on training with real life applications, which build confidence, expertise and experiences that can lead to careers within software testing, computer programming, and other technical professions.

 

 

 

Colorado ​

 

• Blue Star Recyclers (Denver and Colorado Springs, CO) - Offers meaningful employment, in the electronics recycling industry, for people with autism and other disabilities. Provides fair wages, and a sense of purpose, community, pride, and accomplishment. 

 

• Colorado Division of Labor and Employment (CDLE) / Division of Vocational Rehabilitation - Helps individuals with disabilities prepare for, obtain, advance in, and maintain employment by providing a range of services based on your individual employment needs and goals.

 

 

 

Connecticut

 

• Department of Rehabilitation Services - Assists individuals with significant physical and mental disabilities to prepare for, obtain, and maintain employment, by providing individualized services which support planning for and achieving their job goals.

 

• Network of Care State of Connecticut Vocational Rehabilitation Services Directory  – Documents contact information for organizations within the state who provide vocational training, support, and job placement.

 

 

 

Delaware

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• Autism Delaware / (POW&R) Productive Opportunities for Work and Recreation (Newark & Lewes, Delaware) — Offers a nationally recognized best practice model for providing adults with autism the opportunities to work and volunteer in businesses in their communities throughout the state, and engage in regular recreational activities.

 

• Delaware Department of Labor / Division of Vocational Rehabilitation – Provides training, support, and career placement services for people with disabilities. 

 

 

 

District of Columbia

 

• Bridges from School to Work / Marriott Foundation for People with Disabilities (Washington D.C.) - Engages employers, schools, community resources, youth and their families to help businesses meet their workforce needs while offering young people with disabilities the opportunity to learn, grow and succeed through employment.

 

 

 

Florida 

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• Division of Vocational Rehabilitation / Department of Education (Florida) - Helps people with disabilities find and maintain employment and enhance their independence through the education, training, and support services needed to succeed in the labor market.

 

• Rising Tide Car Wash (Parkland, Florida) – Established especially to provide employment for those with autism. 

 

• The Chocolate Spectrum (Jupiter, Florida)  – A top-notch chocolate shop that also trains and hires people on the autism spectrum. Guests can place orders online that can be shipped anywhere in the U.S. and to all military installations. 

 

 

 

Georgia 

 

• Bridges from School to Work / Marriott Foundation for People with Disabilities (Atlanta, Georgia) - Engages employers, schools, community resources, youth and their families to help businesses meet their workforce needs while offering young people with disabilities the opportunity to learn, grow and succeed through employment.

 

• Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (Georgia) – provides services to help eligible persons with disabilities prepare for, start and maintain competitive employment, thus becoming productive and independent citizens in their communities.

 

• Nobis Works (Marietta, Georgia) – Offers employment services through job training, education, job placement and support for those with autism and other disabilities.

 

 

 

Hawaii

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• Hawaii Division of Vocational Rehabilitation – Provides services that help those with disabilities who are looking to enter and retain employment. Partners the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, Department of Education, Department of Health, University of Hawaii, and the Community Colleges as well as divisions within the Department of Human Services in order to provide best quality services.

 

• State of Hawaii Department of Human Services / Vocational Rehabilitation – Provides services to citizens of Hawaii with physical or cognitive disabilities. Services help those with disabilities prepare, secure, and retain employment.

 

 

 

Idaho

 

• Idaho Division of Vocational Rehabilitation – Assists people with disabilities prepare for, secure, maintain, or re-enter employment, which enriches the lives of individuals and the community.

 

 

 

Illinois 

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•  Aspiritech (Chicago, Illinois) - Trains adults with autism and related disorders for jobs testing software for tech development companies. 

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• AutonomyWorks (Chicago, Illinois) – Provides jobs for people with autism which require attention to detail, focus through repetitive tasks, and dedication to quality. 

 

• Bridges from School to Work / Marriott Foundation for People with Disabilities (Chicago, Illinois) - Engages employers, schools, community resources, youth and their families to help businesses meet their workforce needs while offering young people with disabilities the opportunity to learn, grow and succeed through employment.

 

• Illinois Department of Human Services - Helps people with disabilities train, find and keep jobs that pay a living wage and offer a chance for advancement.

 

• PACCT Adult Vocational Programs (Chicago, Illinois) - Helps young adults with autism find meaningful volunteer and employment positions in the community, while respecting the person’s right to choose in regard to where they work.

 

• Turning Point Autism Foundation / Career College (Naperville, Illinois) - Offers an innovative approach to teaching life, social, and work readiness skills. Instruction is highly individualized and focuses on the development of skills and adaptive strategies that will support an individual’s success in school, in the workplace, and in life; and gives students the opportunity to interview with a corporate partner.

 

 

 

Indiana

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• Family and Social Services Administration / Vocational Rehabilitation - Helps people with disabilities prepare for, obtain, or maintain employment, which enriches their lives and creates greater level of independence.

 

• Vocational Rehabilitation Services  - Assists people with disabilities to obtain services that help them prepare to obtain and maintain employment.

 

 

 

Iowa

 

• Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services – Works with individuals who have disabilities to achieve their employment, independence, and economic goals.

 

 

 

Kansas

 

• Kansas Department for Children and Families / Vocational Rehabilitation Services – Empowers people with disabilities to become gainfully employed and self-sufficient. 

 

 

 

Kentucky

 

• Carl D. Perkins Vocational Training Center – Assists people with many types of disabilities including those with learning disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and intellectual disabilities to achieve their vocational goals.

 

 

 

Louisiana

 

• Louisiana Workforce Commission – Provides comprehensive rehabilitation services which include work evaluation and job readiness services; assessment for and provision of assistive technology; job counseling services, and medical and therapeutic services.

 

 

 

Maine

 

• Maine Vocational and Rehabilitation Associates - Provides support and treatment for individuals living with a range of disabilities by helping them identify, develop, and succeed in skills, interests, and abilities, which leads to a better quality of life.

 

• State of Maine Department of Labor / Division of Rehabilitation Services - Helps people who have physical, mental, or emotional disabilities achieve and maintain employment.

 

 

 

Maryland 

           

• Bridges from School to Work / Marriott Foundation for People with Disabilities (Baltimore, Maryland) - Engages employers, schools, community resources, youth and their families to help businesses meet their workforce needs while offering young people with disabilities the opportunity to learn, grow and succeed through employment.

 

• CSAAC / Community Services for Autistic Adults and Children (Montgomery Village & Brookeville, Maryland) - Provides direct services to children and adults diagnosed with autism across their lifespan to enable individuals to achieve their highest potential and contribute as  confident members of their community. 

 

• Maryland State Department of Education Division of Rehabilitation Services / Autism Spectrum Disorder Services - Assists individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders with self-determination, self-advocacy, decision making, career interests and skills, job exploration, work expectations & responsibilities, employer expectations, employee responsibilities, and job readiness.

 

 

 

Massachusetts

 

• Department of Health and Human Services / Division of Vocational Rehabilitation  - Helps individuals with physical, psychiatric and/or learning disabilities by identifying job goals based on individual interests and aptitudes, providing funds for college and vocational training, assessing worksite accommodations, and educating employers about the Americans With Disabilities Act.

 

 

 

Michigan 

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• FordInclusiveWorks / Autism Alliance of Michigan - Provides individuals who have autism with an opportunity to gain work experience at Ford.  

 

• Michigan Department of Health and Human Services / Michigan Rehabilitation Services - Works in partnership with individuals with disabilities to prepare for and obtain competitive employment, including exploring the possibilities of self-employment or owning a small business.

 

 

 

Minnesota

 

• Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development - Helps you prepare for, find and keep a job, and live as independently as possible, by providing counseling, training, and long term support.

 

 

 

Mississippi

 

• Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services - Helping people with disabilities achieve independence by providing services which include vocational evaluation, counseling and guidance, educational assistance, job training, job placement, and assistive technology.

 

 

 

Missouri

 

• Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education / Division of Rehabilitation Services - Offers a wide range of services for people with disabilities, which include guidance and counseling, job-seeking skills, job placement, and vocational training. Services also provided  through Transition Services, Supported Employment Services, Rehabilitation Technology Services, and the Ticket to Work Program.

 

 

 

Montana

 

• Montana Department of Rehabilitation Services – Provides evaluation, career counseling and guidance, medical and psychological; jog training, development, and placement; rehabilitation technology, post-employment services, and referrals.

 

 

 

 

Nebraska 

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• Autism Center of Nebraska (Omaha, Nebraska) - Provides a variety of residential, vocational, pre-vocational and educational services to help those with autism become active members of the community. 

 

• Nebraska Vocational Rehabilitation - Helps people with disabilities prepare for, obtain, and maintain employment while helping businesses recruit, train, and retain employees with disabilities.

 

 

 

 

Nevada

 

• Nevada Department of Employment, Training, and Rehabilitation - Provides assessment, training, treatment, and job placement for people with disabilities, which helps clients work and live independently.

 

 

 

 

New Hampshire

 

• New Hampshire Department of Education / Vocational Rehabilitation - Helps people with disabilities prepare for, obtain, and keep jobs; and live more independent and fulfilling lives.

 

 

 

New Jersey 

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• Ability2Work Foundation / Grateful Bites Bakery, Café, Restaurant (Flemington, New Jersey) - Trains and employs the developmentally disabled to work in their award-winning Grateful Bites restaurant. All proceeds from Grateful Bites support those with disabilities in job sampling, training, and employment through Ability2Work Foundations inclusive approach. Encourages and empowers those with autism to succeed, shine, and be contributing members of their community.  

 

• State of New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development / Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services – Provides people with disabilities with services including evaluations, counseling and guidance, skill building, job placement, post-employment supports, assistive technology, and transportation.

 

 

 

 

New Mexico

 

• New Mexico Division of Vocational Rehabilitation – Provides services required for  people with disabilities to live more independent and fulfilling lives.

 

 

 

 

New York

 

• ACCES-VR / Vocational Rehabilitation Services (New York) – Provides extensive and comprehensive services to people with disabilities, which helps them secure jobs integrated within their communities.

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• Spectrum Designs (Long Island, New York) – Established to provide jobs for people with autism in the clothing print design industry.

 

• ULTRA Testing (New York, New York) - Provides employment on their software testing services teams to individuals with Asperger Syndrome and similar autism profiles.

 

• Foundation for Empowering Citizens with Autism (Mount Kisco, New York) – Advocates for appropriate educational, vocational, employment, community, outreach and integration, treatment, and other related programs and services on behalf of individuals on the autism spectrum.    

 

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North Carolina 

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• Bitty & Beau’s Coffee (Wilmington, North Carolina) – Established to provide jobs for those with disabilities to earn money and participate in the community. 

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• Extraordinary Ventures (Chapel Hill, North Carolina) - Provides people with autism and other developmental disabilities various jobs within the community including event set up, laundry service and delivery, data entry, packaging, mailing, dog walking, cat sitting, city bus clean up, and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill football parking. 

 

• North Carolina Health and Human Services / Vocational Rehabilitation Division - Provides counseling, training, education, transportation, job placement, assistive technology, and other support services to people with disabilities.

 

• Vocational Rehabilitation Services - Provides counseling, training, education, transportation, job placement, assistive technology and other support services to people with disabilities.

 

 

 

 

North Dakota

 

• State of North Dakota Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services - Provides training and employment services to individuals with physical or mental impairments so they can become and remain employed, and enjoy greater independence.

 

 

 

 

 Ohio 

 

• Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities / Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation (Ohio) - Assists individuals with disabilities to become and remain employed, through various services such as counseling and planning, job training, job placement, and post-employment support.

 

 

 

 

Oklahoma

 

• Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services - Provides a wide variety of services and opportunities for people with disabilities seeking to prepare for work and become gainfully employed.

 

 

 

 

Oregon

 

• Oregon Department of Vocational Rehabilitation – Assists individuals with disabilities to obtain and keep jobs that complement, their skills, interests and abilities. Partners with the community and businesses to provide services that help clients receive services that are essential to their employment success, and greater independence.

 

 

 

 

Pennsylvania 

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• Barber National Institute Autism Support Services (Erie, Pittsburgh, Allegheny, & Philadelphia Pennsylvania) - Provides children and adults with intellectual disabilities and behavioral health challenges and their families, the education, support, and resources needed to be self-reliant, independent, and valued members of their communities; including pre-employment, supported employment, and transitional work services; as well as education and training to professionals. 

 

• Bridges from School to Work / Marriott Foundation for People with Disabilities (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) - Engages employers, schools, community resources, youth and their families to help businesses meet their workforce needs while offering young people with disabilities the opportunity to learn, grow and succeed through employment.

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• Keystone Autism Services (Harrisburg, Pennsylvania) - Provides services in both Pennsylvania and Delaware for children and adults with autism to help them reach their goals and participate meaningfully within their communities, including job coaching and employment placement.

 

• Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry / Vocational Rehabilitation Services – Helps, both directly and through a network of approved vendors, people with disabilities to prepare for, obtain, or maintain employment.

 

 

 

 

 

Rhode Island

 

• Rhode Island Department of Human Services / Office of Rehabilitation – Helps individuals with disabilities to choose, prepare for, obtain, and maintain employment,  0 0 1 40 228 Mad As A March Hare Ltd 1 1 267 14.0 Normal 0 false false false EN-US JA X-NONE economic self-sufficiency, independence, and integration into society.

 

 

 

 

South Carolina

 

• South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department - Assists people with disabilities to achieve and maintain competitive employment that complements their abilities, enabling them to achieve success and increased independence.

 

 

 

 

 

South Dakota

 

• South Dakota Department of Human Services / Division of Rehabilitation Services – Provides services that help people with disabilities to obtain or maintain employment, economic self-sufficiency, personal independence, and full inclusion into society.

 

 

 

 

 

Tennessee

 

• Tennessee Department of Human Services / Vocational Rehabilitation - Provides employment-focused rehabilitation services for individuals with disabilities consistent with their strengths, priorities and resources.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Texas 

 

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• Bridges from School to Work / Marriott Foundation for People with Disabilities (Dallas, Texas) - Engages employers, schools, community resources, youth and their families to help businesses meet their workforce needs while offering young people with disabilities the opportunity to learn, grow and succeed through employment.

 

 

 

• The nonPareil Institute (Plano, Texas & Portland Oregon) - Provides technical training, employment, and housing to individuals ages 17 and older who have been diagnosed with autism and related disorders. Trains individuals in different aspects of video game and app design and development.

 

 

 

 

Utah

 

• Andolsek Company (Salt Lake City, Utah) – Established by Founder and Executive Creator  Michael Ryan Andolsek, who has autism, this fashion house creates and sells women’s high-end apparel, while also providing jobs for other talented designers on the autism spectrum.

 

• Utah State Office of Rehabilitation - Assists people with disabilities to achieve and maintain meaningful employment, by providing services such as counseling and guidance, medical services and treatment, assistive technology, training and education, job placement, and follow up services.

 

 

 

 

Vermont

 

• VocRehab Vermont / Division of Vocational Rehabilitation - Provides a wide range of services and supports to help people with disabilities obtain and keep meaningful employment. 

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Virginia

 

• Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitation Services - Helps people with disabilities prepare for, obtain, and keep their jobs, through a variety of community based services.

 

 

 

 

Washington

 

• State of Washington Department of Social and Health Services / Division of Vocational Rehabilitation - Helping individuals with disabilities to become employed and participate fully in their communities, by providing an array of services to help them reach success.

 

 

 

 

West Virginia

 

• West Virginia Department of Education and the Arts / Division of Rehabilitation Services - Enables and empowers individuals with disabilities to work and to live independently, by helping clients to develop a plan for employment that is based on their interests, needs, and abilities.

 

 

 

 

Wisconsin

 

• State of Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development – Helps people with disabilities prepare for, secure, retain, or regain an employment outcome that is consistent with the strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests and informed choice of the client.

 

 

 

 

Wyoming

 

• Wyoming Department of Workforce Services / Vocational Rehabilitation Division – Provides services for people with disabilities to help establish and reach vocational goals, which helps them become productive, working citizens with greater independence.