DISABILITY SERVICES

A Better Bottom Line: Employing Virginians with Disabilities

A wide range of employment, training, and career education program services are accessible to job seekers with disabilities at Virginia Workforce Centers, also known as One-Stops. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request.

Learn more about the services offered at the Virginia Workforce Centers and check the list below to assist individuals with disabilities navigate through the array of resources and services available.

	Disability Services for Career and Job Seekers
Employment, Computer, and Assistive Technology Resources	Virginia Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS) – provides and advocates for resources and services to improve the employment, quality of life, security, and independence of older Virginians, Virginians with disabilities, and their families. Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center – provides comprehensive medical, assistive technology and vocational rehabilitation services to persons with disabilities to help them gain increased independence and employment. Virginia Assistive Technology System (VATS) – VATS can help you learn about the range of available technology, select the most appropriate device, receive training on how to use the selected device, and find resources to pay for the device. Virginia Assistive Technology Loan Fund Authority (ATLFA) – is a low interest loan program that assists Virginians with disabilities to get the assistive technology they need for work, play, education, and daily life.
Hearing Impaired	The Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (VDDHH) works to reduce the communication barriers between persons who are deaf or hard of hearing and those who are hearing, including family members, service providers, and the public. VA Relay – The telecommunications system for the deaf and hard of hearing communities in Virginia. It allows individuals to use specialized telecommunication devices or features to communicate with standard telephone users. Technology Assistance Program –provides adaptive telecommunication equipment to qualified applicants whose hearing loss or disabilities prevent them from using a standard telephone. Sign Language Interpreters – The interpreter services program includes a Directory of Qualified Interpreters and Interpreter Services Coordination. Deaf & Hard of Hearing Outreach Services – Information and training about local services including where to find sign language classes, support services, and the technical equipment needed to aid persons who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing with their communication needs.
Vision Impaired	TheDepartment for the Blind and Vision Impaired (DBVI) is committed to providing quality services to assist Virginia’s citizens who are blind, deafblind or vision impaired in achieving their maximum level of employment, education, and personal independence.
Workplace Accommodations	Job Accommodation Network (JAN) information about workplace accommodations, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and related legislation. The Mid-Atlantic ADA Center provides information, guidance and training on the ADA, tailored to meet the needs of businesses, government entities, organizations, and individuals.

Questions? Contact Aida Pacheco, Virginia Community College System (VCCS),
(804) 819-1685 or [email protected].

Additional Resources

If you live in Workforce Investment Board Areas (WIB) Areas 2 -New River/Mt. Rogers or 15 – Crater Area, there may be additional services available to job seekers with disabilities through the Disability Employment Initiative (DEI); such as the Ticket to Work Program for job seekers who receive Social Security disability benefits.

Click here to find these WIB areas.

Please contact Sinclair Hubard, Virginia’s Disability Employment Initiative Project Lead, with any questions at (540) 434-5981 or [email protected].