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Work Toolkit:

Work Toolkit

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Hands-on tools

Below are tools you can use with people to help them identify and reach their work goals.

These tools can help inform the person's positive summary and be included in their employment portfolio. Though the specific tools you use with each person will depend on their needs, the portfolio should ideally include documents that represent each of the following categories.

With a My Vault account, a person can complete employment activities as well as store and share relevant documents with their employment support team. This helps support professionals coordinate and deliver employment services that meet the person's needs.

The Charting the LifeCourse daily life and employment guide (PDF) can help the person explore what daily life will look like as an adult.   

Below are additional tools that can help a person:

<ul> <li><img style="margin: 20px 0px 10px 20px;" src="/media/vqieamse/myvault.png?width=45&amp;height=47" alt="" width="45" height="47" align="right"><a rel="noopener" href="/my.htm" target="_blank" title="My profile: Work">My profile: Work</a><br>This My Vault activity helps people complete, save and share their profile — a way to tell others what matters to a person and how to best support them.</li> <li><a rel="noopener" href="/media/kiip1at2/my-profile-fillable-form.pdf" target="_blank" title="My profile: Work">My profile: Work</a> (PDF)<br>The profile can also be completed as a fillable PDF, if the person prefers not to use My Vault.</li> <li><a rel="noopener" href="/media/gmong1r1/sam-sample-my-profile-work.pdf" target="_blank" title="Sample profile: Work">Sample profile: Work</a> (PDF)</li> </ul>
<ul> <li><img style="margin: 20px 0px 10px 20px;" src="/media/vqieamse/myvault.png?width=45&amp;height=47" alt="" width="45" height="47" align="right"><a rel="noopener" href="/my.htm" target="_blank" title="My vision: Work">My vision: Work</a><br>This My Vault activity helps people complete the life trajectory — a way to describe what the person wants (and doesn't want) in a job.</li> <li><a rel="noopener" href="/media/1a1bi3vv/hub_lifecourse_lifetrajectory_fillable.pdf" target="_blank" title="My Vision: Work">My vision: Work</a> (PDF) <br>The life trajectory can also be completed as a fillable PDF, if the person prefers not to use My Vault.</li> <li><a rel="noopener" href="/media/wseletin/life-trajectory-sample.pdf" target="_blank" title="Sample life trajectory">Sample life trajectory</a> (PDF)</li> </ul>
<ul> <li><img style="margin: 20px 0px 10px 20px;" src="/media/vqieamse/myvault.png?width=45&amp;height=47" alt="" width="45" height="47" align="right"><a rel="noopener" href="/my.htm" target="_blank" title="My resources and supports: Work">My resources and supports: Work</a><br>This My Vault activity helps people complete the integrated supports star — a way to see where supports are strong and where more attention might be needed.</li> <li><a rel="noopener" href="/media/s14lmotm/hub_lifecourse_integratedsupportsstar_fillable.pdf" target="_blank" title="My resources and supports: Work">My resources and supports: Work</a> (PDF)<br>The integrated supports star can also be completed as a fillable PDF, if the person prefers not to use My Vault.</li> <li><a rel="noopener" href="https://static.prod01.ue1.p.pcomm.net/umass/content/RelationshipMap%201.pdf" target="_blank" title="Relationship map">Relationship map</a> (PDF)<br>This person-centered activity helps people identify family members, friends and others who offer support.</li> <li><a rel="noopener" href="/media/acbboxcg/integrated-supports-star-sample.pdf" target="_blank" title="Sample integrated supports star">Sample integrated supports star</a> (PDF)</li> </ul>
<ul> <li><img style="margin: 20px 0px 10px 20px;" src="/media/vqieamse/myvault.png?width=45&amp;height=47" alt="" width="45" height="47" align="right"><a rel="noopener" href="/my.htm#paths" target="_blank" title="My team: Work" data-anchor="#paths">My team: Work</a><br>This My Vault activity helps people identify the people on their employment team.</li> <li><a rel="noopener" href="/media/m43bbdey/build-my-team-work-sample.pdf" target="_blank" title="Sample activity: My work team">Sample activity: My work team</a> (PDF)</li> </ul>
<ul> <li><a rel="noopener" href="https://sdaus.com/sda-resources/discovery-skills-like-admire-talk-to-and-listen-to/" target="_blank" title="Like and admire activity">Like and admire activity</a><br />This activity from Support Development Associates helps to identify a person's positive attributes.</li> </ul>
<ul> <li><a rel="noopener" href="https://thinkcollege.net/sites/default/files/files/resources/work_values_checklist_0.pdf" target="_blank" title="Values checklist">Values checklist</a> (PDF)<br />This checklist from Think College presents common satisfaction factors that people receive from their jobs.</li> </ul>
<ul> <li style="margin-top: 15px;"><img style="margin: 20px 0px 10px 20px;" src="/media/vqieamse/myvault.png?width=45&amp;height=47" alt="" width="45" height="47" align="right"><a rel="noopener" href="/my.htm" target="_blank" title="My communications profile">My communications profile</a><br>This My Vault activity helps people identify how they like to communicate.</li> <li style="margin-top: 15px;"><a rel="noopener" href="https://static.prod01.ue1.p.pcomm.net/umass/content/CMG/Communication%20Chart-seln.pdf" target="_blank" title="Communication chart">Communication chart</a> (PDF)<br>This chart from Helen Sanderson Associates helps improve communication with someone who expresses themselves nonverbally.</li> </ul>

The resources and tools section of the benefits planning toolkit offers videos, guides and other resources you can use to help people understand benefits and work.

Below are additional tools that can help a person:

<ul> <li><a href="/your-options/work/work-and-benefits/" title="Work and benefits">Work and benefits</a><br />This Hub page helps people see how work and benefits can go together. It also introduces helpful tools and information in Disability Benefits 101.</li> <li><a rel="noopener" href="https://mn.db101.org/mn/situations/workandbenefits/myths/article.htm" target="_blank" title="Getting past the myths">Getting past the myths</a> <br />This Disability Benefits 101 article explains the truth about working.</li> </ul>
<p>It's important to know what benefits the person is getting when talking about the impact of work on benefits. The person can confirm their benefits with the <strong>benefits lookup</strong> activity in <a rel="noopener" href="/my.htm" target="_blank" title="My Vault">My Vault</a>.</p>
<ul> <li><a rel="noopener" href="/{localLink:68f8f48c-dc01-432a-9d79-1736f6cb128f}" type="document#accordion-Benefitsvideos" target="_blank" title="Resources and tools" data-anchor="#accordion-Benefitsvideos">Benefits videos</a> <br />This collection of short videos describes different types of benefits and work incentives. Watch the videos that relate to the person's specific benefits. </li> <li><a rel="noopener" href="https://mn.db101.org/mn/programs/job_planning/incentives/program.htm" target="_blank" title="Work incentives: The basics">Work incentives: The basics</a> <br />This Disability Benefits 101 page describes different types of work incentives. </li> <li><a rel="noopener" href="https://mn.db101.org/mn/programs/job_planning/incentives/program.htm#wi_nav" target="_blank" title="Which work incentives can help me?" data-anchor="#wi_nav">Which work incentives can help me?</a> <br />This Disability Benefits 101 "try-it" tool helps people find work incentives that might apply to them.</li> </ul>
<ul> <li>My Vault video: <a rel="noopener" href="/vault.htm#paths" target="_blank" title="Think about work" data-anchor="#paths">Think about work</a> <br />This 10-minute benefits planning video helps people see how work can increase their income.</li> <li>My Vault activity: <a rel="noopener" href="/vault.htm#paths" target="_blank" title="Make a work plan" data-anchor="#paths">Make a work plan</a> <br />This benefits planning activity will create an estimator session based on a person's work goals.</li> </ul>

Group and self-guided discovery can be helpful for job exploration. Check out the self-guided discovery facilitator's guide (PDF) and guided group discovery resources from the Lead Center.

Below are additional tools that can help a person:

<ul> <li><strong>CareerForce</strong> <br />The <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.careerforcemn.com/occupations/interest_profiler" target="_blank" title="Interest profiler">interest profiler</a> matches occupations and interest categories, while the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.careerforcemn.com/occupations/skills_matcher" target="_blank" title="Skill matcher">skill matcher</a> matches skills and career paths.</li> <li><strong>O*NET</strong> <br />The <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.mynextmove.org/explore/ip" target="_blank" title="Interest profiler">interest profiler</a> reveals interests and how they relate to work.</li> <li><strong>My Skills My Future</strong> <br />The <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.myskillsmyfuture.org/default.aspx?&amp;zipcode=0&amp;radius=0&amp;workPref=0&amp;indgroup=0&amp;indsize" target="_blank" title="Career matches" data-anchor="?&amp;zipcode=0&amp;radius=0&amp;workPref=0&amp;indgroup=0&amp;indsize">career matches</a> activity finds career matches based on current or past jobs.</li> </ul>
<ul> <li><a rel="noopener" href="/media/qllb0rx5/hub_workexperienceguide_0929.pdf" target="_blank" title="Guide to work-based learning experiences">Guide to work-based learning experiences</a> (PDF)<br />This resource from Disability Hub MN lists 10 steps for creating effective work-based learning experiences.</li> <li><a rel="noopener" href="https://sdaus.com/sda-resources/problem-solving-skills-learning-logs/" target="_blank" title="Learning log">Learning log</a><br />This log from Support Development Associates provides a place to document what's working (and what's not) during work-based experiences.</li> <li><a rel="noopener" href="https://sdaus.com/sda-resources/problem-solving-skills-4-1-questions/" target="_blank" title="4+1 questions">4+1 questions</a><br />This template from Support Development Associates can be used to guide discussion about work-based learning experiences.</li> </ul>
<ul> <li><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.minnstate.edu/system/cte/consortium_resources/documents/POS-Career-Wheel-8x11-2016.pdf" target="_blank" title="Minnesota career fields, clusters and pathways">Minnesota career fields, clusters and pathways</a> (PDF)<br />This infographic from the Minnesota Department of Education outlines career fields and sample occupations in each field.</li> <li><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.careeronestop.org/ExploreCareers/Learn/career-profiles.aspx" target="_blank" title="CareerOneStop">CareerOneStop</a><br />This site provides career profiles, labor market information, self-assessments, videos and other tools to help people explore careers.</li> <li><a rel="noopener" href="https://mn.gov/deed/data/data-tools/career-education-explorer/" target="_blank" title="Career and education explorer">Career and education explorer</a><br />This tool from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development helps people explore potential jobs and where they can get the necessary education.</li> <li><a rel="noopener" href="https://askjan.org/publications/individuals/Finding-a-Job-that-is-Right-for-You.cfm" target="_blank" title="Finding a job that is right for you">Finding a job that is right for you</a><br />This practical guide from the Job Accommodation Network outlines a four-step process to find the right job.</li> </ul>

Below are tools that can help a person:

<ul> <li><a rel="noopener" href="http://www.worksupport.com/documents/disclosure_decisions.pdf" target="_blank" title="Disclosure decisions to get the job">Disclosure decisions to get the job</a> (PDF)<br />This guide from the Virginia Commonwealth University describes three steps to disclosing a disability.</li> <li><a rel="noopener" href="https://cdn.sanity.io/files/y936aps5/production/23f2140f97afb0ed74e644a62eb7e043ff75dd9d.pdf?dl=" target="_blank" title="Disclosure decision worksheet" data-anchor="?dl=">Disclosure decision worksheet</a> (PDF) <br />This worksheet from the MS Society can be used to weigh the pros and cons of disclosure.</li> <li><a rel="noopener" href="https://askjan.org/topics/Disability-Disclosure.cfm" target="_blank" title="Disability disclosure">Disability disclosure</a> <br />This article from the Job Accommodation Network describes when and how to disclose a disability.</li> </ul>
<p>The Job Accommodation Network is a starting point for the accommodation process, including:</p> <ul> <li><a rel="noopener" href="https://askjan.org/info-by-role.cfm#for-individuals" target="_blank" title="Accommodation information by role" data-anchor="#for-individuals">Accommodation information by role</a></li> <li><a rel="noopener" href="https://askjan.org/a-to-z.cfm" target="_blank" title="A to Z listings by disability, topic and limitation">A to Z listings by disability, topic and limitation</a></li> <li><a rel="noopener" href="https://askjan.org/publications/individuals/employee-guide.cfm" target="_blank" title="Guide to requesting and negotiating reasonable accommodation">Guide to requesting and negotiating reasonable accommodation</a></li> </ul>
<ul> <li><a rel="noopener" href="https://mn.gov/admin-stat/tools-for-your-future/" target="_blank" title="Assistive technology e-learning course">Assistive technology e-learning course</a><br />This free online course help people understand assistive technology and how it can help them succeed at school or work.</li> </ul>

Below are tools that can help a person:

<ul> <li><a rel="noopener" href="/media/htfbqw1z/employment-application-sample.docx" target="_blank" title="Sample employment application">Sample application template</a> (Word document)<br />This template can be used to practice filling out job applications.</li> </ul>
<ul> <li><a rel="noopener" href="/media/jpfdzs1w/resume-overview-and-checklist.pdf" target="_blank" title="Resume overview and checklist">Resume overview and checklist</a> (PDF)<br />This guide offers tips for selecting a resume format and writing a resume.</li> <li><a rel="noopener" href="https://resumebuilder.indeed.com/?utm_source=bing&amp;utm_medium=sem&amp;utm_campaign=51646839&amp;utm_term=%2Beasy%20%2Bresume%20%2Bbuilder&amp;network=o&amp;device=c&amp;adposition=&amp;adgroupid=1232467133&amp;msclkid=118f09ec20ce150d9ea46998d43b5450" target="_blank" title="Resume templates" data-anchor="?utm_source=bing&amp;utm_medium=sem&amp;utm_campaign=51646839&amp;utm_term=%2Beasy%20%2Bresume%20%2Bbuilder&amp;network=o&amp;device=c&amp;adposition=&amp;adgroupid=1232467133&amp;msclkid=118f09ec20ce150d9ea46998d43b5450">Online resume templates</a><br />Choose from a collection of free resume templates from the Indeed resume builder.</li> </ul>
<ul> <li><a rel="noopener" href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/57fa78cd6a496306c83a2ca7/t/5cd5d535ec212d958b51135d/1557517622037/Visual%2BResume%2BArticle+5-10-2019.pdf" target="_blank" title="Using a visual resume for job development">Using a visual resume for job development</a> (PDF)<br />This guide from Marc Gold and Associates describes how to use a visual resume (photographs and descriptions of skills, abilities, experiences, and contributions) to make a first impression on an employer.</li> <li><a rel="noopener" href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/57fa78cd6a496306c83a2ca7/t/583218b8f7e0ab3a3c962757/1479678141157/Visual+Resume+Example.pdf" target="_blank" title="Sample visual resume">Sample visual resume</a> (PDF)</li> </ul>

The positive summary is a two-page form that highlights what was learned during the plan phase to help shape work goals and future success.

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