Employment for Individuals with Disabilities
Information and resources for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities and those who support them
Free Webinars Open to the Public - Social Security Disability Information
Free Webinars Open to the Public - Social Security Disability Information
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) will be hosting two webinars regarding Social Security Disability benefits with a focus on the youth. In addition, each month, VR hosts general SSI & SSDI Ticket to Work webinars.
Social Security Disability - Youth Focused Orientation
The orientation will provide an overview of Social Security disability with a focus on the youth. It will review applying for social security disability, age 18 redetermination, work incentives for the youth (under age 22), introduction to the Ticket to Work program and an overview Benefits Counseling services.
The orientation will provide an overview of how earnings from work impact Social Security disability cash benefits and health insurance (Medicare and Medicaid). It also provides information work incentives available for both SSI and SSDI beneficiaries. Work Incentives are designed to protect cash and medical benefits when someone earns wages from work.
If you require an interpreter or other accommodations, please contact Kristin Venator at stacy.k.venator@doe.nh.gov or (603) 271-1482 as soon as possible.
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SSI & SSDI Ticket to Work
The orientation provides an overview of work incentives for both SSI and SSDI beneficiaries. It also reviews how work affects Social Security disability cash benefits as well as medical insurance such as Medicare and Medicaid. The orientation will also discuss what to expect when receiving an individualized benefits counseling service.
All registration information can be found on their website at www.education.nh.gov/vr.
Individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) or acquired brain disorders (ABD) are valued employees in our state economy. Their skills and abilities help to strengthen the workplace, drive innovation and better serve and represent the community. For an employee with a disability, employment provides opportunities for economic, social and emotional growth. Unfortunately, individuals with IDD or ABD are underrepresented in our workforce.
The NH Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Developmental Services, in partnership with Area Agencies, service providers/vendors and businesses, are working to expand the opportunities for individuals with disabilities to become valued members of our workforce and to enjoy all the benefits that employment provides. There are a wide variety of resources and supports available to both the individual with a disability and employers to support the vision of a fully inclusive workforce in New Hampshire.
New Hampshire’s Regional Service System (RSS) is working hard to address employment challenges. The RSS includes a partnership of Area Agencies, Service Providers/Vendors and the Bureau of Developmental Services, all working together to provide the necessary services and supports for individuals to live in and become contributing members of their communities. These partners, along with State agencies, local organizations and families, come together regularly through the Employment Leadership Committee.
NH Employment Leadership Committee (ELC)
The mission of the ELC is to advance inclusion of individuals with disabilities in the workforce through collaboration, education and advocacy.
Additional Resources
- Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators (ACRE) Training
- Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation
- CSNI
- Disability Rights Center - NH
- NH Governor's Commission on Disability
- Institute on Disability
- Intelligent Lives
- New Hampshire Employment Security
- New Hampshire Center for START Services
- Private Provider Network - NH
- Stable NH - The Granite State's Saving Plan for People With Disabilities
BDS - IOD Employment Data Reports
Strategic Initiative on Employment
The mission and focus of the Strategic Initiative on Employment (SIE) builds on the work and history of the Employment Leadership Committee, while broadening its focus and adding structure, partners and outcomes. This document is a working draft and will be edited during the fall and winter of 2020 to address the COVID-19 impact on our employment efforts.
Employment Data System
The Employment Data System (EDS) is used by Area Agencies and Service Providers/Vendors to track the employment of individuals with developmental disabilities and/or acquired brain injuries who receive services through the NH Area Agency System. The EDS contains current and historical information including where individuals are employed, their hourly wages, hours per week, transportation methods, workplace supports, and more. Data collected through this system is used to inform quality improvement efforts, assist in service planning, promote employment efforts, and to generate quarterly reports.
Workforce Coalitions Across New Hampshire
Workforce Coalitions are community driven groups located across the state that help to promote integrated, competitive employment for individuals with developmental disabilities, acquired brain injuries, mental health disorders, and other disabilities. The Workforce Coalitions focus on sharing job leads, exchanging employment resources, introducing new business contacts, networking, and guest speaker presentations.
Medicaid for Employed Adults with Disabilities
The Medicaid for Employed Adults with Disabilities (MEAD) program provides Medicaid coverage to adults with disabilities who are working and who would not otherwise be financially eligible for Medicaid. MEAD was designed to allow individuals with disabilities to increase their working income and have higher resource limits.