​A dozen really smart reasons to hire a person from the WorkAbility program


1. An employer will receive a skilled and motivated employee 
2. Companies can advertise their participation in our program
3. By opening job searches to qualified people with disabilities, companies gain access to a new and vital pool of talented workers
4. A diverse and healthy workforce includes people with different abilities
5. Companies will have a competitive advantage by adding new ideas, viewpoints and approaches to solving business challenges 
6. Employees and customers will appreciate diversity in the work place
7. Making accommodations for people with disabilities is usually easy and inexpensive and can actually carry a return
8. Companies earn an average return of $28.69 for every dollar invested in making an accommodation
9. Employing people with disabilities makes good business sense because it has a direct impact on the bottom line of a business 
​10. Retention rates among people with disabilities are higher than average, thus reducing training costs
11. People with disabilities and their families are loyal customers to businesses who support them
​12. Customers with disabilities control discretionary income of nearly $200 billion (twice the teen market)​​

Resources

Links to Local Organizations
How to support Transition Age youth

The information and links on this page do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the WorkAbility Program or UCPSA. They are for reference and resource purposes only.

Assistive Technology Resources

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​AZTap (Arizona Technology Access Program) - Connecting people with disabilities with the assistive technology they need to participate as fully as possible in activities that matter to them.

SALT (The Strategic Alternative Learning Techniques Center) - Comprehensive academic support program for U of A students who learn differently.

​Arizona Department of Education - Serving Arizona’s education community, ensuring every child has access to an excellent education.

  • Help your child to improve self-confidence by encouraging them to be independent and participate in making choices for themselves
  • Discuss interests and skills, as they relate to potential jobs with your child
  • Practice professional skills (shaking hands, making eye contact, positive attitude, dressing nicely, etc)
  • Share your personal work experiences (both positive and negative) with your child
  • Encourage life skills that will be important to employers (timeliness, following directions, attendance, self-care, etc)
  • Talk with your child about their employment goals and encourage them to research jobs they may be interested in doing
  • Don't wait until your child in 18yrs old to have a plan. Your child should be working on transition goals by 14yrs of age 
Arizona Center for Disability Law (ACDL)  The ACDL is a not for profit public interest law firm, dedicated to the provision of vital legal services to children and adults with disabilities

The Arc of Tucson - Our mission is to open the community for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. We are committed to speaking up for their rights and educating the public about the value that persons with disabilities bring to our society

​Autism Society - The Autism Society of Southern AZ (ASSA)  is an affiliate of the Autism Society of America, the largest grass-roots autism organization in the United States. ASSA  is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization whose mission is to Improve the Lives of All Affected by Autism.

​Sonoran UCEDD - University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) exist in every state to serve as a resource for people in the areas of education, research and service relative to the needs of people with developmental disabilities.
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DIRECT - DIRECT Center for Independence, Inc. is a consumer-directed, community-based advocacy organization that promotes independent living, and offers a variety of programs for all people with disabilities, which encourages them to achieve their full potential and to participate in the community.​​

Driving To Independence - This agency facilitates mobility and independence in the community through safe driver skills. They do this by providing Driver Evaluation, Training, Vehicle Assessment and Recommendations specific to each driver's needs.

Transportation Resources​​

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Sun Van - Available to individuals with disabilities with a current ADA Eligibility Card issued by the City of Tucson.

Sun Tran - People can set up their travel needs by using Sun Tran, Sun Shuttle, and the new Sun Link streetcar.

Discount Cab - certifies drivers to provide mobility/wheelchair-accommodating transportation for those with disabilities.

Blogs and Websites of Interest​