As we said before, this process is not easy!
It can be confusing and frustrating. Don't give up — just get more help. Even though you might have connected with the state programs, it can help to talk with other people who do this work.
There are so many organizations in Massachusetts who are doing excellent work to support people with disabilities!
They'll work with you to answer your questions, stand up for your rights, and help you find what you need.
Here are a couple places to try first that can answer many of the questions you might have.
Tell them what kind of help you need, and they'll tell you who else you should call.
Mass Rehab Commission: 617-204-3600
Work Without Limits: 508-856-3897
Click on the buttons below to learn more and find other places to call:
These organizations have many ways to help you, and mostly for free.
The services may be a little different, depending on your regional center, but here are some examples:
-
Information and Referral: They will talk with you and help you find what you need
-
Peer counseling: They can match you with someone who has been in your situation and can help
-
Vocational support: training, job placement and support on the job
-
Advocacy: Helping you to fix problems and make sure your rights are being met
-
Transition: If you are moving from one situation to another, they can help you with the details. For example, if you have been living with parents or in a nursing home and want to move to a place of your own.
Some of them have other services as well. For example, they may have a job board you can use to see jobs that are available. Or they may have specialized services for people who are blind or visually impaired or deaf/hard of hearing.
Some may have people you can hire to help you at the workplace. These are called Job Coaches. Sometimes your insurance can pay for this service, especially if you have MassHealth.
These are some examples of programs that work with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Click on the titles to go to the websites and learn about these examples. You can also call the phone number or email them. (They will open in a new tab or window on your screen.)
-
Best Buddies Jobs Program: 617-778-0522, massachusetts@bestbuddies.org
-
Goodwill Employments Supports Program: 617-541-1221, jgarcia@goodwillmass.org,
-
Easter Seals Employment and Training: 800-244-2756, jte@eastersealsma.org
-
WCI: Work Community Independence - Job Program: 781-899-8220, info@wearewci.org
-
Community Work Services: 617-720-2233
-
Triangle, Inc.: 781-322-0400
-
Jewish Family & Children’s Services: 781-647-5327
-
Work Without Limits: 508-856-3934
-
Asperger/Autism Network - LifeMAP Programs: 617-393-3824
-
Partners for Youth with Disabilities: 617-314-2989
- Spectroomz Complete [2021] Guide to Jobs for Autistic People: Website with lots of resources
Find more in our Resource Directory. Choose Vocational Program to find job programs like these and also organizations that can give you advice.