Anybody can work and we all should.

This is true for people with and without disabilities. You need to make money if you want to live an independent life. Money isn’t the only reason people want to work. We like to work to meet new people, stay busy, and feel good about ourselves.

Finding a job or picking a career can be challenging, but it is also exciting. There’s a big world out there, and there are a lot of different jobs. One of them is right for you. Employment First Florida is here to give you information and ideas on how to find employment.

What is Employment First?

Employment First is not just our name. It is an important idea and a law. The Employment Fist law says state employees need to help you learn about jobs, get ready for a job, find a job, and then support you be successful in your job. Here’s a tip. Don’t wait for service providers to talk to you about employment. Learn about it on your own. Here are 4 ways.

1. Check out our Explore Work online lessons.

Explore Work has 5 lessons that teach you about employment. Self-advocates from Florida helped us create it. You can learn about why people work, how to decide about jobs, and advocating for yourself. Click here to go to the lessons.

2. Get the facts.

Facts tells us what’s happening in the real world. It’s important to know what’s really going on with employment for people with disabilities. Read the facts here.

3. Learn what other people with disabilities do.

Many people have a job story, and sharing stories is a great way to help encourage other folks to try work. Read and watch stories about people with disabilities working in the community.

4. Watch videos of self-advocate interviews.

Employment First Florida went to the Florida SANDs conference in Orlando and asked people with disabilities about their experiences, feelings, and ideas about work. Watch now!


Try some of these things while you learn.

  • Request a visit to a business you like for a tour or interview.
  • Make an employer community map, and think about what businesses are in your local community where you might want to work.
  • List people in your network who can connect you to a job.
  • Visit your local CareerSource Florida.
  • Consider applying to the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) for help. Visit DVR’s website.
  • You may be eligible for services from the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD). APD can help even if you are on the waiver wait list. Visit APD’s website. 

And get involved in your community!