job seeker Resources

 

Myths and Facts On Disability Employment

This factsheet was created by people with disabilities, for people with disabilities. It addresses 3 myths, provides facts to debunk those myths, quotes from individuals with disabilities, and resources for individuals with disabilities in South Carolina.


What are my employment rights?

Individuals with disabilities have the right to work in the community, and there are federal laws to protect you from discrimination. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects individuals with disabilities from employment discrimination in all phases of the employment process, including hiring, training, advancement, and firing. There are also protections in accessing employment training programs. There are also other federal laws that protect federal employees and job applicants.

Disability Disclosure

Individuals with disabilities have the choice whether to disclose a disability to their employer. There is no one right answer for every potential disclosure situation. Each situation will require the individual to determine how disclosure may affect the hiring process and future success on the job.

  •  The Job Accommodation Network (JAN): visit AskJAN for more information about if, when, and how to disclose.

Requesting Reasonable Accommodations

People with disabilities have the right to reasonable accommodations to fully participate in the application and employment process. A reasonable accommodation is a change to a job, work environment, policy or procedure that allows an individual with a disability to apply for a job, perform job duties, or access the same benefits available to coworkers. Reasonable accommodations can include a variety of changes, such as creating a visual task list, an adapted keyboard, text to voice software, shorter or more frequent breaks, an adjusted work schedule, a sign language interpreter for meetings, shifting non-essential duties, reminder apps for smartphones, etc.

Employment Advocacy

If you need assistance in understanding or advocating for your rights in employment situations, there are organizations that may be able to help.

Assistance for Employment Discrimination Claims

If you believe that you have been discriminated against at work because of your disability you can file a Charge of Discrimination with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.


What employment services are available?

South Carolina has many providers all over the state who can assist you in reaching your employment goals. See below for a list of providers, their eligibility criteria, and how to apply for services. Note: Some services may be based on financial need.

State Agencies

  • SC Commission for the Blind (SCCB)

    • Eligibility Criteria: Must be legally blind or have a visual impairment that will lead to legal blindness; must have impediments to employment due to the visual impairment; and must intend to obtain competitive, integrated employment as a result of services.

    • How to apply: Contact your local office to schedule an appointment with a VR counselor who will help with the application process.

    • Employment Services Offered: Benefits/Work Incentives Counseling; Career Exploration; College Exploration; College Tour Planning and Transportation; Disability Disclosure Guidance; Employment Advocacy; Employment Rights Guidance; Funding for Reasonable Accommodations; Interview Skills; Job Coaching; Job Placement; Job Search Assistance; On the Job Training Opportunities; Peer Mentoring; Professionalism Skills; Reasonable Accommodation Request Assistance; Resume Development; Self-Advocacy Skills; Technical Training Program Access; Transportation Assistance; Tuition Assistance

  • SC Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (SC DDSN)

    • Eligibility Criteria: SC DDSN plans, develops, coordinates, and funds services for South Carolinians with severe, lifelong disabilities. These disabilities include intellectual disability and related disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord injury and similar disability.

    • How to apply: Call 1-800-289-7012 (Monday through Friday 8:30 am - 5:00pm, excluding holidays.)

    • Employment Services Offered: Career Exploration; Disability Disclosure Guidance; Interview Skills; Job Coaching; Job Placement; Job Search Assistance; On the Job Training Opportunities; Peer Mentoring; Professionalism Skills; Reasonable Accommodation Request Assistance; Resume Development; Self-Advocacy Skills; Transportation Assistance; Vehicle Modifications

  • SC Vocational Rehabilitation Department (SCVRD)

    • Eligibility Criteria: You must have a physical or mental barrier to employment, need help to overcome it, and be able to benefit from VR services.

    • How to apply: Apply for services at any of the 30+ local area offices throughout the state.

    • Employment Services Offered: Benefits/Work Incentives Counseling, Career Exploration, College Exploration, Disability Disclosure Guidance, Funding for Reasonable Accommodations, Interview Skills, Job Coaching, Job Placement, Job Search Assistance, On the Job Training Opportunities, Overpayment of Benefits Assistance, Professionalism Skills, Reasonable Accommodation Request Assistance, Resume Development, Self-Advocacy Skills, Technical Training Program Access, Transportation Assistance, Tuition Assistance, Vehicle Modifications

  • SC Department of Employment and Workforce (SC DEW)

Private Non-Profits

  • Able South Carolina

    • Eligibility Criteria: The only criteria is to identify as having a disability.

    • How to apply: Call the Able SC office at 1-800-681-6805 to apply. If you require TTY services, call 803-779-0949 for Columbia or 864-235-8798 for Greenville.

    • Employment Services Offered: Assistance with Filing Employment Discrimination Complaints; Benefits/Work Incentives Counseling; Career Exploration; College Exploration; College Tour Planning and Transportation; Disability Disclosure Guidance; Employment Advocacy; Employment Rights Guidance; Interview Skills; Job Search Assistance; Peer Mentoring; Professionalism Skills; Reasonable Accommodation Request Assistance; Resume Development; Self-Advocacy Skills, Pre-Employment Transition Services

  • Walton Options for Independent Living

    • Eligibility Criteria: Walton Options provides services for persons with disabilities including those looking to gain or maintain employment in South Carolina. We also work with transition aged youth as they plan ahead toward employment goals.

    • How to apply: Call the Walton Options office closest to you to speak with an Information and Referral Specialist who will work with you to identify the services you’re looking for and connect you with the appropriate staff to help you move forward with your goals.

    • Employment Services Offered: Assistance with Filing Employment Discrimination Complaints; Benefits/Work Incentives Counseling; Career Exploration; College Exploration; Disability Disclosure Guidance; Employment Advocacy; Employment Rights Guidance; Interview Skills; Job Coaching; Job Placement; Job Search Assistance; Peer Mentoring; Professionalism Skills; Reasonable Accommodation Request Assistance; Resume Development; Self-Advocacy Skills; Transportation Assistance, Pre-Employment Transition Services.

  • AccessAbility

    • Eligibility Criteria: AccessAbility provides services to people with disabilities in Williamsburg, Orangeburg, Dorchester, Berkeley, and Charleston Counties

    • How to Apply: Call the AccessAbility office at 843-225-5080 to apply.

    • Employment Services Offered: Assistance with Filing Employment Discrimination Complaints, Benefits/Work Incentives Counseling, Career Exploration, College Exploration, College Tour Planning and Transportation, Disability Disclosure Guidance, Employment Advocacy, Employment Rights Guidance, Funding for Reasonable Accommodations, Interview Skills, Job Search Assistance, On the Job Training Opportunities, Peer Mentoring, Professionalism Skills, Reasonable Accommodation Request Assistance, Resume Development, Self-Advocacy Skills, Technical Training Program Access

  • Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina

    • Eligibility Criteria: All of the Job Connections are open to anyone look for employment. The other programs have different eligibility requirements. Applicants may be chronically unemployed, underemployed, or under skilled. Goodwill Industries Upstate Midlands SC specializes in services to those who have a disability, are age 55 or older, are at risk youth, are unemployed veterans or family member of a veteran and who are reentering the workforce after incarceration.

    • How to apply: Attend a Program Informational Session held every Friday at 9 AM. Locations can be found on the website under the job training tab or call 864-351-0100.

    • Employment Services Offered: Career Exploration, Interview Skills, Job Placement, Job Search Assistance, On the Job Training Opportunities, Professionalism Skills, Resume Development, Self-Advocacy Skills, Technical Training Program Access, Tuition Assistance

  • Goodwill Industries of Lower South Carolina, Inc.

Self Employment

The following resources can be used for starting, improving, or answering questions about a small business in South Carolina

  • The US Small Business Administration (SBA) is a federal agency that helps Americans start, build, and grow businesses. They can provide free business counseling and guaranteed business loans.

  • SC Small Business Development Centers offer seminars, resources, and free counseling that will jump start your start up. Learn how to write a business plan and secure startup capital, and see if a new business idea is feasible.

Denial of Services or Dissatisfied with Services

If you have been denied employment services or are dissatisfied with the services you received, there are agencies that can assist you.

  • Centers for Independent Living are designed and operated by people with disabilities. They can assist you in advocating for appropriate services.

  • Disability Rights South Carolina serves as the Client Assistance Program and handles complaints about services provided through SC Vocational Rehabilitation Department, SC Commission for the Blind, and Centers for Independent Living.


What educational opportunities exist for me?

For many people, education can be the path to new or better careers and, ultimately, to a better future. It’s important that you understand the educational opportunities that would be available to you

South Carolina High School Credential

The SC High School Credential is a new non-diploma option to recognize the work students with disabilities complete in high school to prepare for a career.

SC Technical Colleges

SC Technical Colleges offer bridge programs to 4-year schools, 2-year degrees, and certificate programs that don’t necessarily require a high school diploma.

Four-Year Colleges and Universities

There are plenty of options for finding a 4-year college or university that offers a degree in your area of interest.

  • College Raptor is one search engine that can help you find the college that’s right for you.

Inclusive Higher Education Programs for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities

SC has five college programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities who left high school without a traditional diploma. They typically focus on providing employment, social, academic and independent living support on a college campus.

Adult Education

Adult Education can assist you with obtaining a high school diploma, GED, or help to improve your reading skills.

Financial Assistance for Education

College can be costly but there are resources to help.

Educational Rights

Whether you are in high school, considering your college options, or actually enrolled in a college training or degree program, it is important to know your rights as a person with a disability.

  • If you are in middle or high school and have an IEP or think you may be eligible for an IEP, your rights are protected under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. This law, alongside others, helps to ensure that you have the support and experiences necessary to leave school prepared for “further education, employment, and independent living.” If you have specific questions about your rights as a student under IDEA, visit WrightsLaw.com and enter the topic you’d like to know more about in the search bar.

  • All students in K-12 education settings are also protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.To understand how these three laws work together, here is a comparison of the ADA, IDEA, and Section 504.

  • If you are interested in pursuing additional training or a degree from a college (including technical colleges) or university, your rights are also protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. SC’s own Disability Rights SC created a great fact sheet.

If you feel you have been discriminated by a school that receives federal funding, find out How to File a Discrimination Complaint with the Office for Civil Rights (OCR).


Will I lose my benefits if I decide to work?

Social Security has created several work incentives to encourage individuals with disabilities who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) to work without jeopardizing the benefits they may need until they become financially self-sufficient. Some examples include the Student Earned Income Exception or PASS to help you save for a vehicle or job certification programs without decreasing your monthly check.


What are my transportation resources?

Transportation can be a big barrier to people with disabilities seeking and maintaining employment. It’s important that you understand your transportation options!

Driving Evaluations

Are you unsure if driving is an option based on your disability? This organization offers driver evaluations to help you find out.

DMV Practice Tests

Practice tests can help you prepare for getting your driver’s permit and license.

  • 2021 FREE SC DMV Practice Tests: Offered in partnership with the Greenville County Library System, the 2020 SC DMV Practice Tests are good for the beginner’s permit test, driver’s license test, and the senior citizens’ refresher test.

Vehicle Modifications and Training Resources

Vehicle modifications can make driving possible for some individuals with disabilities.  

Public Transportation

Public Transportation can be a great, inexpensive option for individuals who can’t drive or don’t have access to a vehicle.

Private Bus Options

  • Greyhound: private bus service for connecting to other counties in the state. It also travels out of state.

  • MegaBus: private bus service in Columbia that may be more affordable than others. It travels mostly out of state.

  • Amtrak: Amtrak is a rail system that can be used to travel within and outside of the state.

Rideshare or Taxi Services

Alternative Transportation Options

Bikes are great tools for connecting to Public Transportation or just making short trips. Adapted bikes such as handcycles are available through several different online vendors. Adult Tricycles can be found in most major retail stores as well as online.


What other resources are available to me?

There are a variety of additional resources that can assist you with maintaining your independence so you can obtain and maintain employment.

  • South Carolina Assistive Technology Program
    A federally funded program that connects people with disabilities to technology so that they can live, work, learn and be a more independent part of the community. As part of a national network of technology-related assistance programs, their goal is to enhance independence, productivity, and quality of life for all South Carolinians through access to assistive technology devices and services.

  • Palmetto ABLE Savings Program
    The Palmetto Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Savings Program allows individuals with disabilities the opportunity to save and invest money without jeopardizing existing benefits such as Medicaid and SSI.