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Learn about job services and supports

Job options are wide open — and supports are available to meet nearly any interest or need. Learn how to help your child connect with programs, services and accommodations in the workplace.

Employment services and supports

Employment services and supports can help youth explore careers, gain work-based learning experiences, practice job skills and succeed on the job. Informal supports may come from friends, family or community contacts. Formal supports may be available from the school or community programs, such as Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS), State Services for the Blind (SSB) and Medicaid waivers.

Ways to support your child in connecting with job supports

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Formal job supports

Formal job support resources include:

  • School work-based learning programs: These programs help students explore their interests, learn about career options and build job skills. Many schools offer work-based learning programming to give students a chance to connect what they learn in the classroom with work experiences in the community. Some schools have programs to help students with disabilities practice job skills and meet their Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals. If your child needs support to participate in a work-based learning experience, these programs can help with finding a work experiences or assigning a coach to help them learn to perform any assigned tasks.

  • VRS and SSB services: Vocational Rehabilitation Services and State Services for the Blind help students with disabilities explore, prepare for, find and keep a job.

  • Disability program services: Your child may be eligible to receive services through programs such as a waiver or Community First Services and Supports (CFSS). This could include employment services and supports.

Accommodations and assistive technology

A job accommodation is an adjustment to a job or work environment that makes it possible for a person with a disability to do their job duties. Accommodations and assistive technology may include specialized equipment, modifications to the work environment, job coaching or adjustments to work schedules.

Learn more about job supports and accommodations at work and check out this video about assistive technology.

School support

Reach out to your child's IEP case manager, high school counselor or career and technical education department to learn about what work-based learning programs are available. Ask about opportunities like work experiences, internships or job shadowing.

VRS counselor or SSB transition specialist

Contact the VRS counselor assigned to your child's high school and ask about supports available to help your child gain work skills and experience outside of the school day. If your child is blind, low vision, or DeafBlind, contact the SSB Transition Specialist instead.

Disability services case manager or team

Talk to your child's disability services case manager or team and ask about options for services that help support work. They can help explore more information about disability home and community services and how to apply by requesting a MnCHOICES assessment [is this sentence related to work, or getting waiver services in general?].

Hear what young adults have to say about transition services and supports

Watch this 7-minute video to hear young adults talk about how services and supports helped them in their journey to adulthood.

Services and Supports

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