Planning for employment after high school is an exciting and important part of every student’s transition journey. Exploring career interests, developing workplace skills, and connecting with community supports all help young people prepare for meaningful, integrated employment.
This page highlights local and statewide programs that help students explore careers, build job skills, and find employment opportunities in their communities. These organizations provide guidance with career planning, job training, and workplace readiness for youth and adults with disabilities.
By connecting with these resources early, students and families can build the confidence and experience needed to take the next step toward independence and success in the workforce.
Below are local and statewide organizations that support students and adults with disabilities in exploring careers, developing job skills, and finding meaningful employment. These organizations partner with schools, families, and community agencies to help students with disabilities prepare for, obtain, and maintain employment after high school.
Lawrence High School Work-Based Learning Program
Career exploration and real-world learning for LHS students.
The Work-Based Learning (WBL) Program connects classroom learning to career experiences through internships, job shadows, and work-readiness training. Students develop professional skills, explore career interests, and gain hands-on experience with community partners and employers.
American Training, Inc.
Day and employment services for individuals with disabilities.
American Training provides day programs, career development, and job coaching for individuals with developmental disabilities, autism spectrum diagnoses, or acquired brain injuries. Services focus on building independence, confidence, and community inclusion through meaningful employment opportunities.
Employment First Massachusetts
Statewide initiative promoting competitive, integrated employment.
Employment First Massachusetts offers webinars, toolkits, and professional development on benefits planning, job development, discovery, and coaching strategies. Resources are valuable for professionals, families, and self-advocates interested in expanding employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS)
Early career preparation for students with disabilities ages 14–22.
Pre-ETS programs, offered through MassAbility and community partners like American Training, provide instruction in workplace readiness, self-advocacy, career exploration, and work-based learning experiences.
Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
National resource for workplace accommodations and disability rights.
JAN is a free, confidential service from the U.S. Department of Labor that helps individuals and employers understand disability rights under the ADA, explore workplace accommodations, and access entrepreneurship guidance.
MassAbility – Lawrence Career Services
Career counseling and employment support for individuals with disabilities.
MassAbility’s Lawrence office offers vocational assessments, job placement, and training services for people with disabilities. Staff provide individualized career counseling, resume support, and connection to employers, with full accessibility and bilingual assistance available.
MassHire Merrimack Valley Career Center
Free employment and training services for youth and adults.
MassHire provides career counseling, resume and interview support, digital skills workshops, and access to job fairs and training programs. Services are available in English and Spanish, with specialized programs for youth, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.
🔗 Learn more about MassHire Merrimack Valley Career Center →