Benefits of a Job

Purpose and Self Worth	● Having a job will give you a feeling of belonging ● Could define who you are and give you a source of pride ● Give you a purpose for each day by providing a schedule and something to do
Money	● Independence: Having money gives you freedom that allows you to buy things that you want ● You could pay your bills (rent, phone bill, food) ● Do fun things with friends (go to the movies, bowling, etc)
Meeting New People	● You could meet new coworkers that will become friends that you will spend lots of time with ● You can gain new social experiences through customers needing assistance

Below are links to various websites that provide more helpful information as you search for a job.

NCCareers is a resourceful website that helps match interest to careers, while staying realistic about factors such as housing, transportation, lifestyle and financial factors.
Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Services helps people with disabilities seek and obtain jobs in Texas.
O*Net is an online resource that allows people to browse occupations and their job expectations.
Texas Reality Check is a resource that matches your lifestyle expenses to a selected job/career to see if it is financially realistic.
Identify your Interests - ASA Futurescape is a website resource built to match your interests and personality to careers.

Money Management	● Your child will have the opportunity to learn essential money management skills when they are making their own money ● They will learn the value of money, that everything is not free, and that hard work will pay off. ● They can learn how to save money by being able to open a bank account
Time Management	● By having a set schedule and timeframe that they have to be at work, your child can learn time management skills ● They will have to learn how to plan and organize their day so they can successfully attend work
Independence	● Having their own job will provide your child with the chance to engage in the community without you, increasing their overall independence. ● They will be making their own money to allow them to buy things that they want (toys, comics, whatever interests them)
Social Skill Development	● Talking to people everyday in their jobs will help to develop their social skills ● They will meet a large variety of people and will learn what is appropriate language to speak in the work place ● They will have the opportunity to be social with their fellow coworkers who they will spend a lot of time with and develop relationships with
Community Involvement	● Having a job will allow your child to feel involved with their community ● They can stay up to date with the things that are happening in their community ● Possibly get invited to events in the community through their job

Below are additional, outside resources helpful for individuals with IDD when considering getting a job.

Page last updated October 21, 2022