Navigating Employment
As a Person with a Physical Disability
New Free Online Course: Navigating Employment as a Person with a Physical Disability
Finding and maintaining meaningful employment can be challenging for anyone. For people with physical disabilities, the process often involves additional considerations such as understanding benefits, navigating support systems, evaluating workplace accommodations, and advocating for accessibility.
The new online course Navigating Employment as a Person with a Physical Disability was created to help individuals build the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills needed to pursue competitive, integrated employment.
Developed as part of the ACCESS-PD Rehabilitation Research and Training Center, this free course provides evidence-informed information and real-world strategies designed specifically for people with physical disabilities across the United States.
What Participants Will Learn
The course is organized into five self-paced modules covering key aspects of employment preparation and success:
Module 1: Keeping Government Benefits While Working
Learn how employment may impact disability-related benefits and explore work incentives and reporting strategies that can help maintain critical supports while increasing earned income.
Module 2: Making the System Work for You
Develop strategies for navigating vocational rehabilitation, insurance programs, workforce services, and other systems that support employment.
Module 3: Effectively Communicating with Employers
Explore approaches for discussing strengths, making decisions about disability disclosure, and requesting reasonable accommodations throughout the employment process.
Module 4: Leveraging Assistive Technology
Learn about assistive technology options that can improve workplace access, productivity, communication, and independence.
Module 5: Understanding Civil Rights
Gain a practical understanding of disability employment laws and protections and learn how to advocate for equitable treatment in the workplace.
Meet the Course Author
The course was developed by Tracy Rackensperger, Ph.D., a public service faculty member at the University of Georgia's Center on Human Development and Disability (CHDD).
For more than two decades, Dr. Rackensperger has worked to improve employment outcomes for people with disabilities. Her expertise is complemented by her own lived experience navigating employment as a person with multiple significant physical disabilities who uses augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).
Her professional knowledge and personal perspective bring authenticity and practical insight to this learning experience.