GESMN’s disability services offer everyone a chance to reach career goals

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Nearly three-quarters, 73%, of the people Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota (GESMN) serves, have one or more disabilities.

“I never thought about how I was going to find a job with a disability before,” Curtis said. In 2013, Curtis had a brain tumor resection, which led to some disabilities. 

Disability Job Placement & Support

Curtis was referred to GESMN’s Disability Placement to help him with his resume, job skills and ongoing support to find steady employment.

“Every week we would meet and go over job listings, find things that fit and then I would apply,” Curtis explained. GESMN helped Curtis get connected to a position with the State of Minnesota.

“The opportunities that came out of it [GESMN’s Disability Placement] were huge,” Curtis added. “Having the regular check-in and constant support was really great. It’s not automatic job placement. It’s a tool to help you find a job.”

Youth Disability Services

GESMN has several services that assist people with disabilities reach their goals including programs that help youth with disabilities explore job interests and skills and navigate college.

Lewie joined GESMN's 7-week Retail Skills Training program to gain work experience and skills before graduating from high school.

Dan, his trainer and case manager, said the program helped to instill confidence in Lewie by honing his skills in customer service and communication which are valuable in various job settings.

Disability Benefits Planning Support

GESMN’s Work Incentives Connection (The Connection) program, helps people receiving disability benefits understand how these may be impacted when they are working with a personalized benefits analysis.

“Anyone in Minnesota with Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits can contact us with questions,” explained Jen, a community work incentives coordinator. “We are a one-stop resource for taking questions not only about SSDI and SSI, but also on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicare, Medicaid, Minnesota Supplemental Aid (MSA), Housing and Veteran’s benefits.”

GESMN also offers downloadable wage tracking calendar calculators here that can assist with reporting earnings to Social Security.

For disability support, contact:

• Call 651-632-5113 Hotline

• Text JOBS to 71493

• Email  workincentivesconnection@gesmn.org