The Texas Workforce Commission is an agency dedicated to providing employment assistance, job training, and vocational rehabilitation services for those living with disabilities. They ensure individuals with disabilities have the necessary support and resources to enter the workforce. Their rehabilitation services are designed to help individuals with disabilities acquire skills and training to gain meaningful employment. These services are available to youth and adults who face barriers regarding employment due to physical, mental, or cognitive disabilities.
The agency’s vocational rehabilitation services offer many forms of assistance. For example, career counseling identifies strengths and interests while evaluating skills, abilities, and potential to assist with career planning. Additionally, they offer job readiness and skills training, including workplace training programs, assistance in obtaining job certifications, and work-based learning experiences. Educational support, such as funding for tuition, books, and necessary materials for job training programs, is also offered. Assistance with obtaining college degrees, certificates, and technical training is also provided. The Texas Workforce Commission collaborates with employers to provide hands-on training and wage reimbursement programs for businesses hiring employees with disabilities. Another crucial service is their assistance with adaptive technology and workplace accommodations. Their vocational rehabilitation services support assistive technology, including screen readers, modified keyboards, communication devices, and workplace modifications to promote accessibility and productivity.
The Texas Workforce Commission also has the Pathways to Careers initiative, which helps those with disabilities obtain training for high-demand careers. Within this initiative, the agency offers help with specialized training programs, internships, mentorships, job coaching, and placement services. The Texas Workforce Commission provides youth transition services for students with disabilities, specifically focused on young individuals preparing to enter the workforce. They offer Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) to assist students with disabilities in high school and post-secondary education; these services include job exploration counseling, work-based learning experiences, workplace readiness training, and post-secondary education counseling.
The agency also provides self-employment assistance and entrepreneurship support. It assists individuals looking to start their businesses, provides business planning assistance, provides financial aid, and offers operations training. Financial assistance and support services help with financial barriers to accessing job training. These services include financial aid for tuition and training programs, transportation assistance, and personal assistance services such as job coaching, mentoring, and counseling.
When applying for the Texas Workforce Commission’s services, contact a TWC Vocational Rehabilitation Office by visiting a local center or calling 800-628-5115 to begin the application process. Make sure to complete an eligibility assessment, which involves providing medical documentation of a disability, and work with a Texas Workforce Commission counselor to determine eligibility. Following the eligibility assessment, develop an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) and work with a counselor to create a customized job training and career plan. Finally, enroll in vocational training, apprenticeships, or on-the-job training.