Employment Resources
The programs and services listed below place an emphasis on helping individuals gain work experiences or jobs in competitive integrated employment.
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Please note: Blue Valley School District #229 does not necessarily recommend or endorse providers included in this or any subsequent notices. All information provided on the following links is for information purposes only and should not be considered as an endorsement.
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services are the cornerstone of our efforts to empower Kansans with disabilities to become gainfully employed and self-sufficient.
Many people with disabilities want to work but worry that doing so could jeopardize their vital health and long term care coverage. Working Healthy employment supports offer people with disabilities who are working or interested in working the opportunity to keep Medicaid coverage while on the job. Through Working Healthy people can earn more, save more, achieve their career goals, and still maintain their health coverage.
Children's Mercy's Project RISE provides employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities through paid employment, supported volunteering, and career guidance.
Johnson County Project SEARCH is an education and employment program for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities 18 years of age or older who are interested in community employment. Project SEARCH application materials include:
Employment is the pathway to independence and helps define one’s place in community life. During training, Paws students learn job skills baking dog treats, sewing dog bandanas, and crafting other products. Skills include operating commercial kitchen equipment, operating a cash register, cleaning and janitorial tasks, sewing, baking, packaging, inventory, and customer service. Trainees run the Olathe PawsAbilities retail store and the mobile pop-up store which visits local businesses and events. Educational classes consist of pre-employment skills, such as building resumes, exploring job interests, conducting online job searches, and growing communication skills.
Is your self-advocate preparing for employment, or needing support in their current job? Down Syndrome Innovations has a certified employment support professional to help your family navigate this journey.
Ability KC’s team of Employer Development Specialists provide the support and follow-up necessary to a successful working experience for all. Ability KC’s employment services connects employers with candidates who have the skills and abilities needed for the job. These services are provided to companies throughout the region at no cost.
At Flint Hills Job Corps Center, we support the Job Corps program’s mission to teach eligible young people the skills they need to become employable and independent and place them in meaningful jobs or further education.
Workforce Partnership is committed to building a workforce development system that meets the needs of both job seekers and employers throughout the Kansas City area. We operate a network of career centers in Johnson, Leavenworth, and Wyandotte counties offering professional expertise and funding resources to employers and eligible job seekers.
KANSASWORKS is a web-based job-matching and labor market information system. KANSASWORKS provides job seekers, employers, and training providers with easy-to-use tools that support a wide range of activities. As a service of the public workforce system, KANSASWORKS is completely free for you to use.
The Office of Disability Employment Policy developed the Skills to Pay the Bills video series. This series focuses on teaching youth about the critical soft skills needed to maintain a job.