CareerCenter Services for Persons with Disabilities
The Maine CareerCenter system welcomes all customers and provides reasonable accommodations to ensure that its buildings, programs and services are accessible.
Persons with disabilities needing accommodations to participate in any CareerCenter program or service should make a request directly to their local CareerCenter. Information on accessibility equipment in Maine's CareerCenters may be found below. Many CareerCenter services are considered to be self-directed — meaning that they can be completed without staff assistance. However, staff in the information center are always available to help answer your questions.
Support for Employers
The Maine CareerCenter system welcomes Maine businesses seeking to recruit workers for a diverse workforce, including workers who have disabilities.
“Despite the current labor surplus, shortages are expected to occur in the future as the population grows slowly and older. To meet the challenges of long-term labor needs, Maine employers and policy makers will need to pursue innovative ways to grow the labor force. This offers an opportunity to engage populations underrepresented in the work force, including those with some form of disability.” (Center for Workforce Research and Information 2009 publication The Maine Labor Market: Trends and Issues)
For assistance in attracting and retaining a diverse workforce – including workers with disabilities, contact the CareerCenter nearest you.
Disability Program Navigators
In August 2007, the Maine Department of Labor launched a new effort to promote systems change in the employment of people with disabilities by increasing accessibility to programs and services at Maine’s CareerCenters. The Disability Program Navigator initiative is a grant-funded opportunity to build on previous work done in the Department of Labor as well as with other state and partner projects.
The Disability Program Navigator (DPN) team works closely in Maine CareerCenters with other CareerCenter staff and partners in the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services. Disability Program Navigators are available to provide technical assistance to other staff on issues from accommodations to Social Security work incentives to use of assistive technology. Navigators can also be a resource to customers by helping them “navigate” the many work-related programs and services that are available in the CareerCenters. DPNs additionally provide outreach to employers to share information about the benefits of hiring people with disabilities, traditionally under-represented in the workforce, and to community agencies about CareerCenter programs and services of which they and their clients may not be aware.
Each week Navigators send out electronic “Tips of the Week” on disability and employment related topics. If you would like to be on the mailing list or learn more about how a Disability Program Navigator could assist you, contact your local CareerCenter.
Find your local CareerCenter:
Are you receiving SSI or SSDI benefits and interested in going to work? The Maine Department of Labor, Bureau of Employment Services is now an approved Employment Network under the Social Security Administration's Ticket to Work program. Currently, CareerCenters in Bangor, Presque Isle, and Machias are able to accept Tickets. For more information contact Libby Stone-Sterling, Lead Disability Program Navigator at 207-623-7969 (voice) or 1-800-794-1110 (TTY) or email: libby.stone-sterling@maine.gov
Visit Maine's Ticket to Work Web site for more resources.
How your benefits will be impacted by going back to work
If you receive SSI/SSDI benefits and are thinking about going back to work, you might be concerned about how your earnings will affect your benefits. By attending a WISE (Work Incentive Seminar Event) event, you may be able to get some of your questions answered. These events are held in various locations around the state and can be accessed online.
To find out more information on events in your area, contact your local Community Work Incentive Coordinator (CWIC).
Maine Department of Labor, Bureau of Rehabilitation Services
The Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS)works to bring about full access to employment, independence and community integration for people with disabilities.
Working with its partners in the Maine Department of Labor's CareerCenter and the rehabilitation community, BRS works with persons with disabilities through its three primary service provision units:
CareerCenter Accessibility Equipment List
All CareerCenters are equipped to serve those with disabilities. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request.
- Video Magnifier (aka CCTV)
Device for magnifying printed material
- Sorenson Video Phone
Allows ASL users to communicate with other ASL users or hearing persons
- Jaws (a screen reader)
Program for speaking text displayed on the computer screen
- ZoomText (a screen magnifier)
Program for magnifying text displayed on the computer screen
- Complete Reading System
An optical character recognition program
- Interpretype/ITY
An interactive communication system that provides a means of communicating without using speech
- Pocketalker Pro
Device for amplifying speech for individuals communicating in a one-on-one situation
- FM System
Device for amplifying speech in a group setting
- Infinity Table
A motorized table that may be height adjusted
- Turbo Trackball
Computer mouse alternative
- GoldTouch/Keyboard/Pad
Alternative keyboard
- SmartNAV AT
Hands free computer operation
- TextHelp! Read & Write Gold
Computer program to assist with writing and reading
The Maine Department of Labor provides Equal Opportunity in employment and programs. Auxiliary aids and services are available to individuals with disabilities upon request. |
