Transition: Work Resources
Hire Autism is a free program from the Organization for Autism Research to help autistic job seekers find meaningful employment opportunities and connect with autism-friendly employers.
The site features include a searchable jobs board and resource library, profile and job board navigation tutorials, personalized job alerts and autism- or disability-related employment events. Job seekers can request free one-on-one virtual assistance with resume and cover letter writing as well as interview preparation through Hire Autism’s volunteer mentoring program.
Holly’s House of Hope helps young adults with disabilities who had an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and are on the PUNS (Prioritization of Urgency of Needs) waiting list build job skills, socialize and engage in their community. It offers skill assessment, vocational training, life skills, employment placement in inclusive environments and social interaction.
Holly’s House of Hope partners with local ministries and agencies to help participants gain skills, find joy and serve others in need throughout the community.
Illinois Center for Transition and Work
The Illinois Center for Transition and Work (ICTW) provides support to special educators, related services personnel and administrators by providing statewide training and technical assistance. ICTW strives to improve employment outcomes by focusing on preparing students with extensive support needs for the transition from high school to employment.
The ICTW website offers information and webinars on a wide range of resources, including:
- Customized employment
- Pathways to employment
- Building self-determination skills
- Transition assessment tools
- The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
- Work-based learning experiences
Illinois Department of Employment Security Youth Program
The Hire the Future Program at the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) is designed to provide youth ages 16 to 24 with employment assistance, job readiness and career development services. You c an find out what careers match your skills and interests by using IDES’ online job resources.
Illinois Disability Benefits 101
Illinois Disability Benefits 101 is a free, user-friendly, Illinois-specific website that helps work through the myths and confusion of Social Security benefits, health care, employment and more. It is a one-stop shop for information, resources, and tools to motivate and support employment and community inclusion for individuals with disabilities, their families and professionals.
Illinois School-to-Work Transition Guide
The Illinois School-to-Work Transition Guide is a comprehensive resource for transition-age students and their families as they plan for the transition from school to adult life. This user-friendly guide provides clear, up-to-date information about the transition process with a focus on the transition from school to work. The guide is designed to be a key resource for Illinois students, parents/guardians, teachers, school administrators, guidance and vocational rehabilitation counselors, and other school-based and adult services providers.
The guide includes information specific to Illinois for the school-to-work (STW) transition, such as:
- Key individuals and their roles and responsibilities
- Important steps and stages in the STW transition process
- Key terms and definitions
- Legal aspects
- Helpful guidelines and resources
Illinois workNet provides employment information, resources and tools to help individuals with and without disabilities find a job, internship or training, create a career plan, build a resume and more.
Illinois workNet includes Disability Works, which connects and guides individuals with disabilities to benefits, services, training and employment information.
IllinoisJobLink.com
IllinoisJobLink.com is a robust, dynamic and comprehensive, web-based workforce development system for job seekers, employers, training providers and workforce professionals with realtime
data. For job seekers, it features job matching, resume creation and career management tools and resources.See the IllinoisJobLink.com brochure for more information.
The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) provides free consulting services for all employees, regardless of the condition. Services include one-on-one consultation about all aspects of job accommodations, including the accommodation process, accommodation ideas, product vendors, referral to other resources and Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance assistance.
Junior Achievement USA and Illinois Chapters
Junior Achievement USA (JA) helps young people own their economic success, plan for their future and make smart academic and economic choices. The organization offers educational materials for schools and other organizations and hands-on learning experiences for students focusing on work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy. JA Connect also provides online self-guided activities to help students learn, apply and practice new skills. JA outreach in Illinois also includes: