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People with Disabilities Frequently Asked Questions
Below are the answers to some frequently asked questions we have heard from people with disabilities who are participating in the disabilityworks initiative.
- How will being employed affect my Social Security benefits?
- What types of disabilities are you addressing?
- How do I start my own business?
- How do I choose a service provider?
- What if I don't have access to a computer or the Internet?
- Is there a cost for disabilityworks information and referral services?
- I don't have a lot of experience. How do I get the training I need?
- I need a flexible schedule. Can I find that?
- How do I know that my specific disability can be accommodated?
- Who do I contact if I have more questions?
- What is the Medicaid Buy-In Program for People with Disabilities?
Q: How will being employed affect my Social Security benefits?
A: Call specially trained benefits planners who can help you to know exactly how employment will affect your Social Security before you accept a job.
In Chicago call (312) 746-5743 or TTY (312) 746-5713
In North Suburban Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, and McHenry counties, please contact Alicia Mlsna at (630) 456-4271
Or see resouces list below:
Work Incentives Planning & Assistance Projects
Illinois Department of Human Services-Division of Rehabilitation Services 800 807-6962 V or 866 444-8013 - TTY
Illinois workNet Work Incentives for People with Disabilities
Mayor's Office for People w/ Disabilities (Chicago) 312-746-5743 V or 312-746-5713 - TTY
Illinois Department of Human Services - Division of Mental Health 866 390-6771 V or 866-390-6776 - TTY
Equip for Equality, Inc. - PABSS Project 800-537-2632 - V or 800-610-2779-TTY Alan Goldstein, ext. 7318 or Cheryl Martin, ext. 7310
Social Security Administration - Area Work Incentives Coordinators Charles M Killen, AWIC, Reg 5, Area 8 All of Illinois (except Metro Chicago) Charles.Killen@ssa.gov John E. Marshall, AWIC, Reg 5, Area 7 Metropolitan Chicago Offices John.E.Marshall@ssa.gov
Health & Disability Advocates Marsie Frawley, John Coburn, Laura Gallagher Watkin Senior Policy Analysts 312 223-9600 V or 800 427-0766 - TTY mfrawley@hdadvocates.org
Or you can also access the Social Security Administration Work Incentives Microsoft Word document.
See also Working While Disabled -- A Guide To Plans For Achieving Self-Support (PASS plan)
Q: What types of disabilities are you addressing?
A: There are many different types of disabilities. Some disabilities are associated with mobility, which is physical, and may require an individual to use a cane or wheelchair. Other disabilities may be mental health-related, intellectual, or sensory (loss of hearing or vision), while some people may have more than one disability. disabilityworks partners assess people individually to better understand their specific needs in order to address those needs appropriately.
Q: How do I start my own business?
A: Contact a Small Business Development Center or Illinois Entrepreneurship Centers
Q: How do I choose a service provider?
A: Go to http://www.illinoisworknet.com/ or contact Chicagoland Provider Leadership Network (CPLN). Information and options for choosing services will be presented to you. Contact CPLN or view list of CPLN Job Placement and Job Training Providers.
Q: What if I don't have access to a computer or the Internet?
A: Call 311, the City of Chicago's non-emergency information system, to be referred to the correct people who can help you. Outside Chicago you can call 311 service at 312-744-5000.
Q: Is there a cost for disabilityworks information and referral services?
A: No.
Q: I don't have a lot of experience. How do I get the training I need?
A: There are many service providers in Illinois that provide quality training to help you find a rewarding job. Visit illinoisworknet.com or search for Illinois Community College Bridge Programs.
Q: I need a flexible schedule. Can I find that?
A: Possibly. If your disability requires that you need a more flexible schedule you may ask for this accommodation once you have been given a job offer. To start out you may want to consider working part time. If the job description indicates specific information such as you must work from 8:30 to 5:00 PM it would be important to raise the question about flex time with this potential employer. The Chicagoland Provider Leadership Network and the Chicagoland Business Leadership Network respond to the labor market demands of employers. There are thousands of both full and part time work opportunities, and disabilityworks is committed to helping find the best fit for both employers and employees.
Q: How do I know that my specific disability can be accommodated?
A: First, you should know the answer to this question prior to applying for a job. 
Search the JAN database for an accommodation to your disability. Other considerations: You must be your own best self-advocate. Once a job offer has
