The Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) for each state provides training, education and employment assistance for people with disabilities. Training programs offered in Tennessee, Kentucky, Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Arkansas, Michigan and Georgia are residential, meaning students live on campus during training. Other programs through DRS offer day training. This training also prepares students for other warehouse positions such as order pullers and inventory clerks. Contact your local Division of Rehabilitation Services or Department of Vocational Rehabilitation to determine the programs available in your area and eligibility requirements.
Goodwill Industries International provides employment and training opportunities for people with disabilities and other specialized needs. Some of their facilities offer forklift training certification. These programs can be completed in one or two days and include classroom instruction and hands-on learning opportunities. Programs are available throughout the country and include Goodwill of Southern New Jersey and Philadelphia, Middle Tennessee and Central Illinois. Contact a Goodwill store to determine where forklift training services are offered in your area.
Easter Seals Disabilities Services provides support and assistance to people with disabilities throughout the country. The Easter Seals Rotary Work Center in Central Alabama provides workplace training, including forklift certification. This program outsources warehouse services for local businesses while providing training opportunities for people with disabilities. Contact the Easter Seals of Central Alabama office at 334-288-0240 for more information regarding this program.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects the rights of people with disabilities in educational settings and the workplace. According to ADA, people with disabilities cannot be discriminated against when applying for training opportunities or job openings. These people should be considered eligible as long as reasonable accommodations will allow the person to perform the job satisfactorily. Accommodations may include specialized equipment, facility modifications such as wheelchair ramps or handicapped-accessible doors, adjustments to work schedule or duties or many other adjustments to the learning or work environment.