Empowerment Through Employment for Individuals with Disabilities

Employment Resources

Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

Each year, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) helps hundreds of Alaskans with disabilities prepare for, get, and keep good jobs. If you want to work or keep working and have a physical, intellectual, or mental condition that makes this hard, you may be eligible for vocational rehabilitation (VR) services.

Project SEARCH Transition-to-Work Program

The Project SEARCH Transition-to-Work Program is a unique, business-led, one academic year employment preparation program that takes place entirely at the workplace. Total workplace immersion facilitates a seamless combination of classroom instruction, career exploration, and hands-on training through worksite rotations. The program culminates in individualized job search and placement

Self-Employment - Microenterprise Grant

The Micro Enterprise Fund strives to increase access to Micro Enterprise and self-employment opportunities for persons with disabilities who are Alaska Mental Health Trust Beneficiaries. Grant funds may be used for costs associated with starting a new business, expanding a current business, or acquiring an existing business.

Disability Benefits and Work Resources

Alaska ABLE Plan

Giving those with disabilities the ability to save. New Alaska ABLE Plan helps individuals save, while preserving their SSI and Medicaid.

Disability Benefits 101

Alaska Disability Benefits 101 (AK DB101) provides references and information on health coverage, benefits, and employment – allowing people with disabilities to plan ahead and learn how work and benefits go together.

DB101 provides tools to get an idea of how work will impact disability and assistance benefits, and how to get in touch with Benefits Councilors to get a personalized analysis. Additional videos, trainings, and information available about Social Security Work Incentive Programs, Public Assistance, Medicaid/Medicare, Work Preparation, and more.

Legislation and Employment Laws

• ADA Laws, U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division 
• Ask JAN (Job Accommodation Network)
• Disability Law Center of Alaska
• Repealing Minimum Wage Exemption for Alaskans with Disabilities, 2022
• Employment First

Get involved!

To view up-to-date listings of GCDSE meetings and how to participate, view meeting details through the Online Public Notices.

For information about a committee, to be added to an email list, or to receive Zoom meeting links and telephone "call-in" details, please contact us at the email information below. 

Or by calling GCDSE staff: Toll Free: 1-888-269-8990 Phone: 907-269-8990

Resources