DO YOU WANT TO WORK?

The Bureau of Rehabilitation Services

may be able to help

What do YOU want to be when you grow up?

• It’s never too late to start thinking about the job you hope to have one day.

• Start by making a list of activities that you like to do and a list of job ideas you may have.

What can BRS do for me?

• BRS can assist your career planning by:

– Helping you explore your interests– Helping you identify your strengths– Helping you know where you might need support– Providing job training– Providing someone to help you learn a job (job coach)– Identifying jobs where you can apply– Providing other services you might need to reach a

career goal

Who does BRS help?

• If you have a physical or mental disability (other than blindness) that makes it hard for you to find or keep a job, you may be eligible for BRS to help you!!

How do we get started?

• You may call and ask to speak to a BRS counselor. If you feel more comfortable, your teacher, guidance counselor, parent, or another adult can call for you.

• Together, you and your counselor will determine your job goals.

• BRS can help assess your job interests and skills and provide other services to help develop a plan that works for you.

When is a good time to talk to BRS?

• You, your parents or an other adult involved in your education can call to set up a meeting with a BRS counselor.

• If you decide you want to work with BRS and you are eligible, you can invite your BRS counselor to come to your school Individual Education Plan (IEP) team meeting.

• Meeting with a BRS counselor early will make sure that you and your family understand the differences between what your school provides and what assistance BRS can provide.

How long can I wait to meet with a counselor?

• It is best if you meet with a BRS counselor in the second semester of your Junior year to learn if you are eligible.

• But you can talk with a BRS counselor at any time to find out more information.

Can my family help?

• Absolutely! You are always welcome to bring any adult along with you. If you are under 18, your parent or legal guardian will have to help you. Family support can continue to be an important part of your success.

BRS can provide help that you won’t be able to get elsewhere!

• When you are ready to start planning for your future, BRS will be able to help you:

– Learn more about your disability and what jobs you may be able to pursue

– Learn about assistive technology– Find a job in the community– Have someone help you learn about the job– Find the best job to fit YOUR needs

What can I do after this?

• Talk to your parents/guardians and school counselors to determine if you are ready for BRS services and call to set up an appointment.

• Make a list of any work or volunteer experiences you may have.

“BRS prefers to connect with students in their next to last year of school to provide consultation, establish eligibility, and develop an employment plan. Due to capacity issues BRS sometimes has to work with seniors first and move to younger students as we have the ability to do that.”

– Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (9.1.2011)

• To contact the nearest BRS office call:

1-800-537-2549 (voice only) or

(860) 424-4839 (TDD/TTY)

• Or to find the BRS counselor who works

with your school go to: http://www.ct.gov/brs/cwp/view.asp?a=3891&q=456926