Employment

Working Healthy is a state program that provides services so that individuals with disability who want to work can do so without losing their healthcare and/or long-term care benefits. It is important to note that you do not need to enroll in Working Healthy or WORK (detailed below) if you are eligible for SSI/SSDI benefits.

Eligibility:

• Have a disability determined by Social Security;

• Be no younger than 16 and no older than 64;

• Be employed (earning more than $65 per month, federal minimum wage or better, FICA withholding from wages or pay SECA if self-employed);

• Have a total countable income of less than 300% of the Federal Poverty Level;

• Not be receiving Home and Community Based Services;

• Not be an SSI recipient;

• Not be living in a nursing facility; and

• Have countable resources that are less than $15,000.

Important Links:

• Working Healthy Main Website -- Main page that details Working Healthy

• SSI vs. Working Healthy -- PDF that compares the two programs

• Working Healthy FAQs -- 4-page PDF document with FAQs about the Working Healthy program

Work Opportunities Rewards Kansans (WORK) is a state program for people enrolled in Working Healthy so that they can receive personal assistant services, as those enrolled in Working Healthy cannot receive HCBS waiver services. Other services through WORK include supported/individual employment services and assistive technology independent living counseling.

Eligibility:

• To receive WORK services, people must be eligible for Working Healthy, and

• be receiving services through one of these HCBS waivers: the Intellectual/Developmental Disability (I/DD), Physical Disability (PD), or Brain Injury (BI), or

• be on the waiting lists to receive services through these waivers (waivers screenings must have been conducted within the last 12 months or new waiver screenings will be required), or

• be screened for I/DD, PD, or BI waiver eligibility before a WORK assessment can be conducted.

Important Links:

• WORK Main Website -- Main website with an overview of the WORK program

• WORK Fast Facts -- PDF document that gives details on the WORK program and its services

• WORK Manual -- Word document that outlines the WORK program in detail.

Project SEARCH is a national program that provides on-the-job, site-specific training to individuals with disabilities. Each Project SEARCH site is individually operated but all have the same goal. Project SEARCH is structured to fit the job schedule of an adult, so it is an all-day program. Project SEARCH internships last for 1 year with the end goal of long-term, competitive employment.

Eligibility:

• Age 18 or older; typically in the last year of high school

• Have a documented disability and an IEP

• Have the desire to achieve competitive employment

Important Links:

• Project SEARCH Main Website -- Main website with an overview of Project SEARCH

• Transition to Work Program -- Website with details about the Transition to Work program with Project SEARCH

Pre-ETS is an agency that provides employment transition services for students with IEPs or 504 plans. These services include job exploration counseling, self-advocacy, and work-based learning experiences.

Eligibility:

• The student is 16-21 years of age.

• The student is in a secondary, post-secondary, or other recognized education program.

• The student is eligible for, and receiving services under an Individual Education Plan or 504 Plan, or the student is an individual with a disability, as defined by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

• The student is a resident of Kansas. Any student with a disability who is not a U.S. citizen must have employment authorization documentation.

Important Links:

• Pre-ETS Flyer -- PDF flyer with an overview of Pre-ETS services and eligibility criteria

• Pre-ETS Application -- PDF application form for Pre-ETS services

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) is a state agency that focuses on providing opportunities for people with disabilities to become meaningfully and gainfully employed and self-sufficient in their communities.

Eligibility:

• You must have a physical or mental impairment or disability; and

• Your disability must result in a substantial impediment to employment; and

• You must require VR services to prepare for, secure, retain or regain employment.

• Individuals who are eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) are presumed tobe eligible for VR services.

• VR services are available for ages 16 and older.

Important Links:

• Vocational Rehabilitation Services Main Website -- Main page with a very brief overview of VR services

• Kansas VR Handbook -- PDF document with detailed information about VR services and eligibility

• Kansas VR Application -- PDF application that can be printed and filled-out for submission

Workforce Partnership is a local area workforce investment board of the Kansas Works system. Workforce Partnership (locally WyCo Works) provides job seekers with the skills, training and education to get and keep a job. While not disability specific, WyCo Works does provide resources for people with disabilities.

Eligibility:

• Be at least 18 years old.

• Live in Wyandotte County.

• Be eligible to work in the U.S.

Important Links:

• Kansas Works Main Website -- Main page for Kansas Works; links to employment finding and applications

• Workforce Partnership Main Website -- Main page for Workforce Partnership; links to employment finding and applications

• WyCo Works Main Website -- Main page for WyCo Works

Job Corps is a nationwide residential training program for people with and without disabilities ages 16-24. When you are in Job Corps, you receive room and board while you are being trained in specific areas. Job Corps can also help individuals complete their high school education and earn a high school diploma. Placement with Job Corps can last up to 3 years.

Eligibility:

• Ages 16 through 24

• Be considered low-income (you may qualify if you receive SNAP, TANF, free or reduced school lunch, or if you are homeless or a foster youth)

Important Links:

• Job Corps Main Website -- Job Corps main page with links to a wide range of information

• Job Corps & Disability -- Brief information on how Job Corps works with individuals with disabilities who are seeking employment

Federal Student Aid (FSA) may be available to your child if they are completing a comprehensive transition and postsecondary program (CTP) at an institution of higher learning. The institution that they are participating in the CTP program at must participate in the federal student aid program. In the state of Kansas, only the University of Kansas is an eligible institution.

Eligibility:

• Must have an intellectual disability

• Must be participating in a CTP program at an institution of higher learning that participates in a federal student aid program

• Must maintain satisfactory academic progress

• Must meet the basic federal student aid eligibility requirements, except that you are not required to have a high school diploma or GED and are not required to be pursuing a degree or certificate.

Important Links:

• FSA Website -- Federal student aid website for persons with intellectual disability

• FASFA Website -- Website to fill out Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form.

Project RISE (Reaching for Independent Successful Employment) is a supported employment program at Children's Mercy Hospital for people with disabilities. There are opportunities for paid (full/part-time) employment and supported volunteering.

Eligibility

• Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age. Employment candidates must be at least 18 years of age and graduated from high school.

• Volunteers and employees are required to do a health screening and background check. Employees must also pass a drug screen.

• Available opportunities are determined by the business needs of the hospital. We expect that volunteers and employees are able to perform assigned tasks independently after an initial training period, as well as independently manage any personal care needs.

The Farmer's House is a working farm and market that employs adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. The Farmer's House's programming includes early work experience, employment services, community integration, and social enrichment.

Eligibility:

• Acceptance into the program

• Diagnosed with a developmental disability prior to the age of 18;

• Have been eligible for a free, public education;

• Demonstrates basic communication skills;

• Motivated to learn skills to increase independence;

• Possess sufficient emotional maturity and stability to participate in all aspects of the program;

• Demonstrate the ability to accept and follow reasonable rules and expectations;

• Interact respectfully with peers and staff;

• Capable of maintaining behavior which does not impede oneself or others from fully participating in all aspects of community activities; and

• Does not pose a danger to oneself or others.

• *Note: Completion of the application does not guarantee a spot for enrollment.

Important Links:

• The Farmer's House Main Website -- Main website with a general overview of The Farmer's House

• Programs Overview -- Website with general information about the programs that The Farmer's House provides