Overcoming Potential Setbacks

Life has twists and turns that can create setbacks along any stage of the career journey. An Integrated Resource Team (IRT) can help you address challenges, discover solutions, and create new career opportunities.

Getting Started

  • Adult Career and Continuing Education Services-Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR)
  • Gather the people and agencies who have helped you before. Come together in person if you can.
  • Work together on ways to address immediate needs.
  • Access support from different agencies and organizations.
  • Don’t focus on problems, work with others to find solutions.
  • Provide regular updates to the IRT until the challenge is resolved.

Best Practices

  • When you have a problem, ask for help right away so that the issue can be resolved. Call or communicate with an IRT member by phone or text.
  • Review the communication plan created at the start of your IRT meetings. Make a phone call or send an email to let them know you need help.
  • Reach out to organizations and important contacts who you think can provide help to address your challenge.
  • Remember that each member of the IRT brings unique skills, knowledge, or resources to help.
 

Disability Specific Resources

The following national or NY State organizations provide services and advocacy that support specific disabilities.

  1. Attention Deficit Disorder
  2. Autism Society
  3. Autism Speaks
  4. Asperger Experts
  5. American Foundation for the Blind
  6. Brain Injury Association of New York State
  7. Cerebral Palsy Associations of New York State
  8. Epilepsy Foundation
  9. International Dyslexia Association
  10. Learning Disabilities Association of America
  11. Mental Health Association in New York State
  12. National Institute of Mental Health
  13. New York State Commission for the Blind
  14. New York State Office of Mental Health
  15. New York State Office For People with Developmental Disabilities
  16. New York State Speech, Language, Hearing Association
  17. The Arc New York | Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
  18. Understood | Learning and Thinking Differences
  19. ACCES-VR - College / Higher Education

New York Resources

These specific resources can assist NY residents if they encounter any setbacks. IRT members are encouraged to be proactive and gather local resources and tools to address challenges.

NY State Multiple Systems Navigator - This comprehensive website provides resources for temporary and emergency assistance programs and services.

NY State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance - Learn more about programs that help low-income New Yorkers make ends meet, such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), child support, Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), and more.