Resources

DRS offers specific employment-related services for people with disabilities who want to work. Many other helpful resources are available elsewhere. The links below may provide a start for West Virginians seeking other disability-related assistance.

Pandemic response

For students

  • Pathways to the Future: This site is a collection of resources, tools and people to help students — including those with disabilities — through the journey from youth to adulthood.

For employers

  • Employer Assistance and Resource Network (EARN): Link to this resource and assistance service for employers seeking to recruit, hire and/or retain qualified individuals with disabilities.
  • Job Accommodation Network (JAN): Comprehensive information about employing and retaining workers with disabilities, including resources for job accommodations.
  • National Organization on Disability: Access current disability-related news and a wide range of resources and information about increasing the participation of people with disabilities in all aspects of life
  • Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP): This U.S. Department of Labor office helps increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities through education, training, assistive technology, and awareness programs
  • The Work Site: This Social Security Administration (SSA) website facilitates the employment of beneficiaries with disabilities through partnerships and program innovation.

Accessibility, physical and virtual

  • WVABLE: A WVABLE account is an investment account that allows qualified individuals with disabilities to save and invest money without losing eligibility for certain public benefit programs, like Medicaid or SSI. WVABLE is a program of the West Virginia State Treasurer's Office.
  • Web Accessibility Evaluation Tools: Access a variety of evaluation tools, provided by the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI), which can be used to help determine if a web site meets accessibility guidelines.
  • West Virginia Assistive Technology System: WVATS strives to bring assistive technology into the lives of all state residents who have assistive technology needs. Assistive Technology describes any device used to perform tasks that would otherwise be difficult or impossible. These devices can be as complex as computers with screen reading software, as simple as Velcro used in place of buttons or shoelaces.

For job seekers with disabilities

  • AbilityOne: The AbilityOne Program is the largest source of employment for people with disabilities, providing products and services under contract with the federal government and the U.S. Department of Defense.
  • Benefits.gov: Use this confidential tool designed to help people find government benefit programs for which they may be eligible.
  • disABLED Person: Job hunting? Looking for an accessible job search website? Disabled Person is the place for you!
  • Job Accommodation Network (JAN): Comprehensive information about employing and retaining workers with disabilities, including resources for job accommodations.
  • National Organization on Disability: Current disability-related news, and a wide range of resources and information about increasing the participation of people with disabilities in all aspects of life.
  • Rehabilitation Services Administration: This federal agency oversees formula and discretionary grant programs that help people with physical or mental disabilities to gain employment and live more independently.
  • Your Ticket to Work: A ticket is a voucher that lets you get employment, vocational rehabilitation and other support services from public and private providers if you receive Social Security Disability (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
  • SSI/SSDI
  • Medicaid/Medicare for long-term care
  • Disability Determination Section: Disability Determination Services processes claims for benefits under the Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income Disability programs. For more information about Social Security, go to www.ssa.gov.
  • Social Security Disability Help provides information and assistance to individuals who are interested in filing a disability claim for Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income benefits.
  • WV Developmental Disabilities Council: Working to assure that West Virginians with developmental disabilities receive the services, supports, and other forms of assistance they need to exercise self-determination and achieve independence, productivity, integration, and inclusion in the community.
  • Disability Rights of West Virginia (formerly West Virginia Advocates) is a private non-profit agency dedicated to protecting and advocating for the legal rights of West Virginians with disabilities.
  • West Virginia University Center for Excellence in Disabilities: For nearly 30 years, WVUCED has worked with consumers and state, local, and federal agencies to realize opportunities and tackle and overcome challenges for people with developmental and other disabilities of all ages. CED is West Virginia's only federally designated Center for Excellence in Disabilities providing resources and supports in all 55 West Virginia counties.