We developed this resource for people with disabilities who are looking for employment or who are currently employed. It covers disability employment supports offered through vocational rehabilitation, waivers, and other state programs.
Employment First Minnesota
Employment First Minnesota (E1MN) is a collaborative partnership between the Minnesota Departments of Education, Human Services, and Employment and Economic Development. It aims to establish an effective employment support system for adults and youth with disabilities, providing all the information and support you need to pursue and maintain competitive integrated employment. E1MN follows the Engage, Plan, Find, and Keep framework to create a smoother transition to employment for people with disabilities.
E1MN is intended for people with disabilities on waivers interested in competitive integrated employment.
Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) is a division of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). VRS provides employment services for people with disabilities, including:
- Pre-employment transition services
- Job counseling
- Job search assistance
- Job placement
- Customized employment
- Job training
- Job coaching
- Benefits coaching
- Small business consultation and coaching
- Long-term employment support
Home and Community-Based Waivers
Home and Community-Based Waivers offer additional services for people on Medical Assistance, also known as Medicaid. These services and supports enable people with disabilities to:
- Make informed choices about their employment options
- Attain competitive employment
- Maintain that employment
Visit the employment waiver services FAQ for more information and resources.
Contact your case manager if you have questions about waiver and employment services.
More Resources
Disability Benefits 101: Many people fear that if they work, they will lose their disability benefits. This is not true. If you are on MA (Medical Assistance), SSI (Supplemental Security Income), or SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance, you can earn money and keep these benefits. Visit Disability Benefits 101 to learn how benefits and work go together.
Know Your Rights as an Employee: As a person with a disability, your rights are protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Minnesota Human Rights Act. If you ever face workplace discrimination or are unsure how to request reasonable accommodations, we offer these legal resources so you can advocate for yourself.
Disability:IN Minnesota Job Board: Disability:IN is a nonprofit organization that partners with businesses to promote disability inclusion in the workplace. Its job board connects job seekers with disabilities with employers committed to diversity and inclusion.
Connect 700: Some people with disabilities cannot showcase their skills in a traditional hiring process. This program offers an alternative, non-competitive path to a job with the state of Minnesota for people with certain disabilities.
Metro Move: To work, you must be able to get to and from your job. Metro Move is a new transit service for people on a rain Injury (BI), Community Access for Disability Inclusion (CADI), or Developmental Disability (DD) waiver. Metro Move lets you book recurring trips, take advantage of expanded service hours, and ride without paying a fare.
Other transportation options include using a small business transportation provider through the waiver, Lyft (currently available in Dakota County), and public transportation.