Transition to Employment

Learn more about services for work, transportation, and housing:

As individuals with disabilities prepare for life after high school, thoughtful planning in key areas can create a smoother path to independence. Understanding how to navigate employment supports, reliable transportation, and accessible housing can make the transition to adulthood more manageable and empowering. These foundational needs include earning an income, commuting to work, and securing a stable place to live are interconnected and require early exploration and coordination. The following sections offer guidance and resources to help students, families, and support teams address each of these essential pillars for adult living.

Finding stable, accessible housing is just as important as securing a job, especially for individuals with disabilities preparing to move into independence. Minnesota offers several support programs, like Housing Access Services (HAS), Medicaid Housing Stabilization Services, and income-based subsidies such as Housing Support or MSA Housing Assistance that can help with costs and planning. 

 

Once you have been offered a position of employment, accommodations can be requested if you need them. You will need to take the lead in requesting and arranging the accommodations. There are service providers who can assist with designing effective accommodations for the workplace, including a vocational counselor, a medical professional or the company human resources manager. The human resources manager is a resource for discussing effective accommodations you have accessed in prior jobs or at a postsecondary institution. Remember, however, that many of the accommodations used at the postsecondary level will not be applicable or appropriate for employment. The manager may ask you to provide current documentation, so having updated disability information is usually essential. It is important to remember that the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act are civil rights laws that state that employers cannot discriminate against persons due to a disability. However, these laws do not automatically entitle a person with a disability to a specific job since all potential employees have to meet the required qualifications and performance standards for the job.

 

 

Planning Transportation to Work

Landing a job is a great accomplishment and knowing how you'll get to work is just as important. In Minnesota, individuals with disabilities have access to a wide range of transportation supports both in the Twin Cities metro and across Greater Minnesota.

Securing a job offer is only the beginning of planning how you'll travel to work consistently. Before starting a new job, it’s essential to develop a reliable plan for getting to and from the workplace. This involves exploring available transportation options, considering factors such as scheduling, distance, and accessibility. Early outreach to transportation providers helps ensure eligibility requirements and logistics are understood well in advance. Practicing the commute ahead of time—especially during peak hours—can help identify any barriers or timing issues. Having a backup plan in place adds an extra layer of confidence for consistent attendance.

In the Twin Cities, services like Metro Mobility offer door-to-door, shared-ride paratransit for certified individuals unable to use fixed-route transit. Metro Transit provides accessible buses, light rail, and BRT lines with ADA-compliant stations and vehicles. Additional options include Midwest Paratransit Services (wheelchair-accessible rides in the metro area), Reach for Resources (serving suburbs like Bloomington and Edina), and Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA) and SouthWest Transit, which offer fixed routes, on-demand options, and microtransit like MVTA Connect.

In Greater Minnesota, accessible transit exists across many regions are just under different local names. For example, Arrowhead Transit provides Dial‑A‑Ride and volunteer driver services in northeastern counties; St. Cloud Metro Bus and Duluth’s STRIDE serve their cities with both fixed-route and paratransit options. Community Transit offers scheduled and on-demand rides across southwestern counties. No matter where you live, Minnesota Ride Link and your local County Human Services office can help you identify transportation options and apply for services.

No matter your location, plan early: reach out to local providers, ask about eligibility, try routes during college orientation or before your first day, and ensure you have reliable options that match your schedule and access needs.

 

 

 

Finding the Right Housing Fit

For students with disabilities, planning where and how to live after high school is an important part of preparing for greater independence. Housing needs vary widely depending on support levels, finances, accessibility, and location. Whether the goal is to live independently, with roommates, or in a supported setting, early exploration helps ensure safe, affordable, and accessible housing options are available. Understanding eligibility criteria, exploring different housing types, and learning about available supports can help students and their teams make informed decisions. Minnesota Housing promotes inclusive design standards, and resources like Disability Hub MN and local case managers can assist in navigating choices that align with each person’s goals and needs.

For those who need integrated housing with ongoing supports, the Section 811 PRA Program expands access to community-based, accessible units. Minnesota Housing also enforces accessible design standards to make housing inclusive. It’s smart to research these options early and consult with your case manager or Disability Hub MN to find a plan that keeps you safe and supported at home.

Quick Resource List

  • Housing Access Services (HAS) – Move into housing with support

  • Housing Stabilization Services (HSS) – Find and retain housing via Medicaid

  • Housing Support / MSA Housing Assistance – Rent assistance based on income

  • Section 811 PRA – Supportive housing for long‑term needs

  • Accessibility & Fair Housing Info – Minnesota housing standards

  • Disability Hub MN / Ride Link & Linkage Line – Local housing resource navigation

 

 

 

  • Housing Planning Checklist

    • Start Early: Begin exploring housing options during junior or senior year of high school, or earlier if long-term support is likely to be needed.

    • Talk with Your Team: Discuss your housing goals in IEP meetings and with your transition team, case manager, or counselor.

    • Consider Support Needs: Think about whether you’ll need assistance with daily living tasks, medication, or personal care—and what kind of housing can provide that support.

    • Evaluate Affordability: Explore rent costs, utility bills, and financial supports (SSI, Section 8 vouchers, etc.).

    • Research Accessible Housing: Ensure the home or apartment meets your physical access needs (e.g., no-step entry, accessible bathrooms).

    • Look into Housing Options: Consider apartments, group homes, supported living, or college dormitories—depending on your goals and level of independence.

    • Visit and Tour: If possible, visit potential housing in advance to understand the location, amenities, and transportation access.

    • Learn Tenant Rights: Understand your rights as a renter with a disability under the Fair Housing Act and the ADA.

    • Make a Transition Plan: Coordinate move-in support, safety planning, and skills needed for successful independent living.

    • Use Resources: Reach out to Disability Hub MN – Housing Resources and Minnesota Housing to explore tools, funding, and personalized planning support.