Tours

Tours involve a visit to an office or work facility so that you can learn more about different jobs at that organization.

Job Shadowing

Job shadowing is when you make short worksite visits to spend time with or “shadow” workers. You follow someone throughout the day so you can learn about what they do on the job. For more information, visit NYC Department of Education’s student checklist on job shadowing.

Mentoring

Mentoring is when you are paired with “adult peers” from the workplace who provide guidance and encouragement on career-related projects.

Disability Mentoring Day - This international event promotes career development for youth and job seekers. They do this by making businesses aware of qualified candidates. It is hosted by the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) in collaboration with the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP).

Service Learning

This kind of program combines classroom learning with an outside project or curriculum. Examples of service learning are cleaning up a community garden or volunteering at a soup kitchen.

Internships

Gain work experience by completing a paid or unpaid internship. If you are a student, sometimes you can take vocational and work-related classes at school.

New York State Education Department Internships - Explore this list of available internship opportunities for college students.

Apprenticeships

An apprenticeship is an opportunity for you to earn while you learn. You get a full-time, paid position and the training needed to perform the duties of a job. Training in a specific trade typically takes two to four years.

Apprenticeship Finder - The U.S. Department of Labor created this tool to help job seekers find relevant apprenticeships.

Job Corps - Job Corps is the largest free educational and job training program for youth ages 16-24. The program offers both career and technical training and assistance with obtaining a high school diploma or High School Equivalency. Services offered include career planning, on-the-job training, job placement, residential housing, food service, driver's education, health and dental care, a bi-weekly basic living allowance, and a clothing allowance. The Job Corps program is paid for through federal funding and is free for eligible students.

YouthBuild - YouthBuild is a non-profit organization that provides education, counseling, and job skills to unemployed young American adults (between ages 16 and 24). Young people can learn construction skills through building affordable housing for homeless and low-income people in their neighborhoods. YouthBuild also helps with schools, playgrounds, and community centers. Programs are throughout the U.S. and around the world.

Find Something New - This comprehensive website created by the Ad Council offers information and resources for job seekers who are entering the workforce for the first time or for those who need to pivot and retrain.

Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship is the process of starting a new business. Create an alternate work opportunity by starting your own business. Resources listed below will guide you through the process.

Self-Employment: What to know to be Your Own Boss - The U.S. Department of Labor created this overview of the rewards and challenges of owning your own business.

Self-Employment & Entrepreneurship - The Office of Disability Employment Policy from the U.S. Department of Labor created these resources for those who would like to start their own business.

Disability Supplemental Guide to Entrepreneurship Instructor Guide - This guide provides a variety of resources and tools that support individuals with disabilities who want to start and maintain their own business.

​New York Small Business Development Center - This organization provides small business owners and entrepreneurs in New York with confidential business counseling, training, and business research at no cost.

Below are examples of successful entrepreneurs:

Entrepreneurs With Disabilities Find their Own Path to Success

Dealing With a Disability: Two Entrepreneurs' Inspiring Stories