One agency that parents can contact is Bridges From School to Work, headed by the Marriott Foundation for People with Disabilities. This agency is nationwide and supports people with disabilities as they transition into the workforce. The agency finds, trains and matches youths with disabilities to suitable jobs. The agency has relationships with over 3,500 businesses nationwide. It assists youths, primarily inner-city youths with disabilities, in identifying their skills and job interests, and prepares them for the interview process, as well as vocational training for that particular job.
JAN, or Job Accommodation Network, is an agency that provides free advice regarding the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) and accommodations in the work environment. This agency does not assist clients in finding an actual job, but provides information about certain legalities and rights within the workplace. Parents, employers, and individuals with disabilities can contact the agency via its website or toll-free number (see Resources).
The Council for Exceptional Children is another national agency for people with disabilities and their families. It is a multifaceted agency that performs research on all areas of special education, and also provides information and supports for parents, special educators and individuals with disabilities. The Council handles special education from the youngest ages through the transition stage. Parents can explore the website, especially the section regarding vocational training (see Resources). Some website pages are restricted to paying members.
Besides the national agencies, each state has a conglomeration of agencies that parents can contact to assist in job training for their children with special needs. By going to your state's education website, you will be able to search for agencies that train and place your child with special needs. In addition, you can explore the U.S. Department of Education website (www.ed.gov).