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Office of the Ombudsman for Individuals
with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities and Their Families
Employment Resources
New Jersey is an Employment First state that recognizes everyone's ability to work in a competitive, community-based environment. Many State Departments and Divisions offer programs and services – sometimes in partnership with private agencies and providers - to support people with disabilities in achieving their employment goals.
The Department of Labor and Workforce Development is home to the State's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS), which provides employment-related services for individuals whose disabilities – physical, mental, cognitive or otherwise – result in a substantial impediment to employment.
In compliance with and support of New Jersey's Employment First initiative, DDD offers supported employment services based on assessed needs and when the individual has already sought services through DVRS or CBVI and either have been rejected or exhausted their available resources. Individuals can receive services from both DVRS and DDD.
*Referrals to DVRS are made by support coordinators of DDD eligible individuals.
Vocational Rehabilitation Services offered by CBVI are tailored to the specific needs of people who are blind, visually impaired, or deaf-blind. Services include vocational evaluation, counseling, career exploration, supported employment, transition services, and training and assistive technology services.
If you have additional questions or would like to apply for VR services, please contact Vocational Rehabilitation and Transition Services: 973-648-3660
New Jersey is home to 12 Centers for Independent Living (CIL), which provide community-based, consumer-driven services and supports:
Information/Referral
Individual and Systems Advocacy
Peer Support
Transition
Independent Living Skills
Many CILs receive funding from Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS) to provide services that support employment goals. While many programs are free; access to employment related services requires a referral from DVRS or the Division of Developmental Disabilities
The Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS) Program helps people with disabilities who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) remove barriers to employment. PABSS advocates provide legal support, advocacy and information to help beneficiaries understand their employment rights. Disability Rights NJ operates the PABSS program for New Jersey.
The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) is the only non-regulatory federal agency that promotes policies and coordinates with employers and all levels of government to increase workplace success for people with disabilities.
Everyone age 18 through 64 who receives Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits because of his or her disability is eligible to participate in the Ticket to Work Program. Participation in the Ticket to Work Program is free and voluntary. Anyone who chooses to participate receives services such as career counseling, vocational rehabilitation, and job placement and training from authorized Ticket to Work service providers, such as the State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agency. The service provider chosen will serve as an important part of the Ticket to Work " employment team."
Official Site of The State of New Jersey
