Search for organizations that train, place and support job seekers with disabilities, and search for disability owned businesses. Learn more.
Donka, Inc.
Donka, Inc. is a non-profit organization that provides computer training and job readiness services to persons with physical, visual and limited learning disabilities. Through use of computers and assistive technology, our clients become more self-sufficient and independent members of the community.
Computer Training
Donka’s signature computer training program uses cutting-edge assistive technology to train students in Microsoft Office and other business applications that will help them meet their individualized goals of help with school work, employment and/or independent computer usage.
Donka was founded in 1987 by Don Van Haveren, a retired Wheaton businessman, who became friends with residents of the DuPage Convalescent Center where he volunteered. He believed that computer training was the way to increase opportunities for people limited by disabilities. Don’s vision has grown into the only program in the Chicago area that provides free computer training as a means of education leading to employment, and human service leading to more independent living. Many Donka clients are reaching goals they never thought possible.
“I named it DONKA (thank you in Dutch and German) in honor of the thanks I give for Don-Williethe opportunity to work with these extraordinary people who teach me so much each day.”
Founder Don Van Haveren
(1924-1993)
Ablr
Ablr is a leading disability inclusion and accessibility company that was created to level the playing field for people of all abilities while protecting organizations through mitigating legal risk, maximizing revenues, and ensuring inclusivity!
We help organizations by:
- Eliminating the digital divide through our Digital Accessibility Services
- Changing the mindsets of people and organizations through our Disability Inclusion Training Modules and advisory services
- Creating pathways for employment though our Workforce Development and Internship Programs.
Ablr deploys an industry-first approach to digital accessibility through an optimal blend of technology AND Certified Accessibility Analysts, many of whom have disabilities themselves. This ensures your content is not only ADA compliant, but fully accessible and usable for people with disabilities in support of WCAG. Additionally, our range of DEI training and service offerings will help integrate accessibility practices into the core of your organization.
Job Accommodation Network
Ask JAN – We Can Help
The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is the leading source of free, expert, and confidential guidance on job accommodations and disability employment issues. Serving customers across the United States and around the world for more than 35 years, JAN provides free one-on-one practical guidance and technical assistance on job accommodation solutions, Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and related legislation, and self-employment and entrepreneurship options for people with disabilities. JAN provides individualized consultation to assist:
- Employers and their representatives seeking guidance on practical ways to engage in the interactive process, provide job accommodation solutions, and comply with Title I of the ADA;
- Individuals with medical conditions and disabilities seeking information about job accommodation solutions, employment rights under the ADA, and self-employment and entrepreneurship opportunities; and
- Family members and rehabilitation, medical, educational, and other professionals in their effort to support successful employment outcomes for individuals with medical conditions and disabilities.
Ask JAN! We can help. JAN consultants and employment specialists are highly qualified and experienced thought leaders and innovators on disability employment issues. By providing trusted guidance on the ADA and practical accommodation solutions that benefit employers and individuals with medical conditions and disabilities, JAN helps everyone recognize the value and talents that qualified workers with disabilities add to the workforce.
For detailed information about the services JAN provides, see our Frequently Asked Questions and view JAN is here for YOU!
JAN services are available 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Eastern, Monday through Friday.
Please direct general inquiries to [email protected] or use the JAN on Demand option to receive practical guidance and technical assistance on job accommodation solutions and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and related legislation. Inquiries are routed to JAN staff who will respond in a timely manner.
To receive the JAN Newsletter & Updates, email [email protected].
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Vocational Rehabilitation Service - Edward Hines Junior VA Hospital
VHA Vocational Rehabilitation Service (VR) is a program designed to support Veterans in finding and keeping employment within their community.
VR is made up of three programs:
Supported Employment (SE): SE is the highest level of care within VR. SE is an individualized, long-term program to help Veterans find and keep a permanent job within their community. SE is structured to support Veterans who struggle with barriers related to mental illness or severe disabilities such as psychosis, brain injury, spinal cord injury, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Veterans with other chronic and/or serious conditions may request SE if they require long-term employment supports.
Transitional Work (TW): TW is a time-limited program that allows Veterans to gain work experience for up to six months while working to find a permanent job. Veterans who do not meet criteria for SE may be more appropriate for TW. TW is for Veterans with limited or unstable work histories due to disability, mental health conditions, homelessness, or substance abuse.
Community-Based Employment Services (CBES): CBES is an individualized, short-term program to help Veterans find a permanent job within their community. CBES is structured for Veterans who do not meet the criteria for SE or TW, but who are currently unemployed or underemployed, and need help in securing employment.
DONKA, INC.
COMPUTER TRAINING: Donka, Inc. is a non-profit organization that provides computer training, assistive technology training and job readiness services to persons with physical, visual, and limited learning disabilities. By learning to access and operate a computer with assistive technology, our students become more independent and self-sufficient at work, school, and home.
JOB PLACEMENT: We work with candidates to identify skills and capabilities, define job search, discover employment interest. Donka helps job seekers overcome the barriers to employment – connecting to transportation resources, housing resources, mental health resources, and provides weekly meetings to address all issues.
The Diversity Movement
At The Diversity Movement, we’re business strategists with an employee-centered lens. As diversity experts, we know that inclusive organizations generate 19-33% more revenue than their peers. Yet most organizations don’t know how to retrofit their processes and fix their cultures to reap these benefits. We work with you to drive business transformation by helping you create world-class employee experiences. Unlocking workplace excellence is hard; we make it easier.
Our people, products, and perspectives make the difference. We’re a company of business executives, PhDs, MBAs, writers, designers, marketers, historians, and computer scientists. Our diverse skill sets help us understand our clients then create faster time to value using tech-based tools that deliver DEI learning and foster behavior change at scale. We use data analytics to derive real-time, ongoing insights and make the best informed decisions. We scale what’s working in your organization and add expert perspective from across our client spectrum.
The College Internship Program
The College Internship Program or CIP is a comprehensive transition program for young adults age 18-26 with autism and other learning differences. CIP supports students as they transition to college and the workplace with locations in Indiana, Massachusetts, Florida, Northern and Southern California.
All students have internships or jobs and live independently in apartments. Students also receive a variety of support in areas including Individual Therapy; Advising; Tutorials; Social Skills and Social Mentoring; Relationship Development Groups; Sensory Integration; Wellness; Executive Functioning; Residential support; career supports, recreational programming, etc. CIP welcomes part-time and full-time employment opportunities for their students and alumni around the country.
Please visit www.cipworldwide.org or call 877-566-9247 for more information.
Equability
Equability is a clothing adaptation service for people with disabilities.
We don't make any of our own clothes, we take existing clothes like button-down shirts or jeans and use materials like magnets, snap buttons, and Velcro to make them easier to wear.
Our mission is simple: change clothes, so people don't have to. We want to adapt clothes so no one has to change their lifestyle or clothing style because of their abilities.
Alliance of Disability Advocates
Centers for Independent Living (CILs) have been at the forefront of activism and leadership on any and all issues affecting people with disabilities – issues like accessibility, public accommodations, transportation, and education. These activities are critical in achieving full inclusion in community life. CILs work with local, state, and national leaders to bring about change and create opportunities.
We provide several services including Individual advocacy skills which allow people with disabilities to become proficient in their efforts to increase their access to the services and programs they desire in the community they choose. ADA helps each individual develop effective communication skills so they gain the necessary support services to accomplish their personal goals including developing job readiness skills. This is accomplished by a Community Inclusion Specialist working directly with a consumer.
ITKAN
ITKAN is a member-driven professional networking and growth organization with a focus on professionals and aspiring professionals with disabilities within the technology field!
ITKAN is affiliated with the Illinois Technology Foundation – the not-for-profit academic arm of the Illinois Technology Association. We meet face-to-face on the 2nd Thursday of each month from 5-7PM CST at the Microsoft Technology Center in Chicago. Contact Pat Maher at for more information.
Mission: Developing Professionals with Disabilities into Passionate Technology Leaders to Support the Aggressive Adoption of Deep Diversity™
Commitment: Our Members Commit to Support the Mission of ITKAN through their active Participation in monthly meetings, Service on one of our Core Committees (Membership, Communications, Development), and Active Evangelism of Deep Diversity – the Adoption by the Business Community of a Culture of Support for Disability as a Strategic Factor of Diversity in the Workplace.
Aspiration: ITKAN will become the Provider of Choice to the Technology Community for Leading Professionals with Disabilities into focused, high-demand technology support skill sets. Further, ITKAN will be respected as an expert on the interface of Assistive Technology with traditional and evolving UI’s such as mobile devices.
Follow us on Twitter @ITKAN_Chicago and join our LinkedIn group!
