Many people who are aging and have a disability would like to work at some type of part-time employment. They may want more time than they had when they were employed full-time, they may not have the physical ability to work eight hours a day, they may need only a part-time income to supplement their social security or disability income. Some people may simply be looking for a challenge outside the home or an opportunity to feel they are making a contribution to the community through their work.
However, finding the right job can be difficult. The truth is that most of the available part-time positions in rural communities require abilities many older individuals with disabilities do not have, specifically heavy lifting and the ability to stand for long periods.
Senior Citizen or Elderly programs may provide referrals for part-time or full-time employment. For those who are looking for a chance to be involved more than a chance to earn a paycheck, senior programs may offer volunteer opportunities, both in their center and throughout the community. As you are well aware if you live in a small town, though, such programs are not always available.
Another avenue is to contact your local – state or tribal Vocational Rehabilitation program. Once you become eligible, there are services that can be provided to assist with your employment. As many adults age and find they can no longer do the types of labor they could when younger, one service offered by VR that becomes very useful is on-the-job training. A person who has worked as a nurse's aide and can no longer do the heavy lifting required may be paid by VR for three months while working in an office to learn work as a medical records clerk.
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) is a program designed to assist persons with disabilities obtain or maintain employment opportunities. For a person to be eligible they must meet the following requirements:
- There must be a reasonable expectation that VR will result in an employment outcome
- There must be services that VR can provide to an employment goal
- You must have a medically or psychologically diagnosed disability
- You must be an enrolled member of a federally recognized tribe (Only for those applying with a 121 Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation Program)
There are individuals on the reservation who are not enrolled tribal members. Either you are the spouse of a tribal member or a child who does not have sufficient Indian ancestry to be enrolled. Those individuals are still eligible for vocational rehabilitation services through the state.
Knowing all that is available to you (programs, resources, etc.) can help find the most beneficial employment opportunity. Check out local employment sites that you have an interest in. Ask if you can volunteer part-time. Many times this can help you get to know the staff and allow you more prospects if other jobs come open. The bottom line is that you can take find part-time work, but you need to make the effort and first contact.
Staying Healthy