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Pathways to Employment

United Spinal Association’s Pathways to Employment (PTE) Program is designed to support the pursuit of job opportunities for all wheelchair users. PTE provides access to resources for people who want to return to work, including information about benefits, transitioning to employment, how-to guides, and guidance on removing barriers to employment and access to mentors who have successfully returned to work after injury or diagnosis. The Pathways to Employment program also supports employers interested in ensuring that people with disabilities are represented in their workforce by providing guidance and resources in recruitment, onboarding and accommodations through trainings and distributing job opportunities to our national network of members and 50 chapters.

Sign up for our Pathways to Employment newsletter for the latest information on returning to work and receive notifications of our employment-related online events.

With Support From

Graig H. Neilsen Foundation Logo

Employment Work Readiness & Education Program

The Pathways to Employment Program is excited to introduce our cutting-edge Employment Work Readiness & Education Program! This program will lead you through the pivotal stages required for optimizing your job hunt, such as crafting a compelling resume, preparing for interviews, navigating benefits, and leveraging technology to evaluate your employment success. Throughout your tenure in the Work Readiness program, you will have the opportunity to strengthen your network and connect with individuals who have similar life experiences and professionals to partner with you during your journey!

Learn More

How-To Videos

Watch our short how-to videos below for helpful information, tips and advice on returning to work with a disability.

Intro to Pathways to Employment

Fears of Returning to Work with a Disability

Writing the Perfect Resume

Positive Support for the Job Interview

Job Interview Tips & Tricks

How to Write a Functional Resume

How to Start a Job Search

How to Write a Cover Letter

Employment Webinar Video Archive

Employment Podcasts

Additional Information

For Job Seekers

If you are a person living with SCI/D who would like to return to work, we can help you! After SCI/D there is so much to think about. Everyone wants to participate in their lives as much as they can and regain their independence. But some of the challenges of living with SCI/D can seem insurmountable. This includes returning to work.

The Pathways to Employment program will give you the opportunity to:

  • Interact with someone who has successfully adjusted to working with a disability
  • Gain practical information on resources, benefits, and work incentive programs
  • Develop an employment plan
  • Prepare for job interviews
  • Learn self-advocacy skills
  • Acquire reasonable accommodations

For more information contact:
Lesly St. Louis
Director of Employment & DEI Programs
Employment & Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Programs
United Spinal Association
lstlouis@unitedspinal.org

For Employers

Many companies are realizing that while hiring people with disabilities is a socially responsible policy it makes great business sense as well. While every individual is unique, many people with disabilities have developed skills and characteristics that are extremely valuable to employers. Having the tenacity to endure a completely life changing condition, acclimate to a new way of operating in the world, the persistence to overcome obstacles, the ingenuity and troubleshooting skills to navigate challenges are a few of the qualities that people with disabilities can bring to a workplace. In addition, many individuals with spinal cord injury/disease have successfully learned to handle complex insurance, medical or other benefit systems adhering to detailed reporting requirements and policies. Those who need personal care attendants to assist with activities of daily life essentially demonstrate the skills necessary to run a small business – hiring, personnel management, delegation, task management, and conflict resolution.

United Spinal’s Pathways to Employment program is here to help with training, resources and connections to qualified individuals ready to work.

Training
The Pathways to Employment program offers a training presentation and curriculum designed for hiring managers, recruiters, human resources and executive leadership that provides guidance and resources related to the recruitment and onboarding processes to ensure staff is aware of legal considerations, helpful information on interacting with people with disabilities, tips for successful interviews and accommodation request assistance.

In-person or virtual trainings available.

Session time is 2 hours. Additional elements can be added to expand curriculum if your company is looking for a more intense, interactive session.

Expected Outcomes

  • Identify potential barriers in current recruitment and onboarding processes
  • Describe practical elements of successful interviews with people with disabilities
  • Discuss approaches to accommodation requests

Interview Tips for Employers

If you are an employer interested in learning about training opportunities, please contact:

Abby Ross
aross@unitedspinal.org

Employment Blogs

Sponsors:

Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola
Verizon
Verizon
Genentech
Genentech
Allsup
Allsup
Biogen
Biogen
Intuit
Intuit

Partner Employers:
CVS Health | Merck | T-Mobile | Excellus  BlueCross BlueShield | American Airlines | Pratt & Whitney | NTI, Inc.