Disability Services
The Marin Employment Connection (MEC) offers specialized employment support services for individuals with disabilities. The Disability Program Navigator (DPN) is a resource specialist for individuals with all types of disabilities. The DPN provides the following services:
- Helps you navigate and access employment services at MEC
- Assists you to locate and understand the available programs, services, and employer incentives for people with disabilities seeking employment
- Provides basic information about social security benefits, Ticket-to-Work and links to benefit planning services
- Provides information about adaptive technology, accommodations and disclosure of disability
- Helps you uncover resources and support services to remove barriers to employment
For more information, contact Lea Del Pomo at (415) 473-3314, TTY (415) 473-3344, Fax (415) 473-3333.
Assistive Technology and Accommodations
MEC provides assistive technology and appropriate accommodations at the Career Resource Center. Some examples of accommodations include, but are not limited to:
- Help with filling out job applications
- Extra time using the computers in the Career Resource Center
- Using a tape recorder for note taking
- An individual appointment with a counselor instead of group orientation or workshop
- Written information provided in alternative formats such as large print, on CD or in another language
- Sign language interpreter
In addition, the MEC provides the following assistive technology for access to resources:
- Adjustable height computer table, large-screen monitor and trackball mouse
- WYNN - Scan and read software for people with reading challenges or learning disabilities
- ZoomText - Magnification and screen reading software
- Text-to-audio translation software that converts text to natural voices
- TTY telecommunications device for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing
- Assistive listening systems
- Hand-held illuminated magnifiers
Some accommodations and assistive devices need to be requested ahead of time. For more information or to request accommodations, contact the MEC at (415) 473-3300.
Wheelchair-Accessible Shuttle
The MEC operates a free wheelchair-accessible shuttle service from San Rafael Transit Center to the MEC. Call (415) 473-3300 or TTY (415) 473-3344 for further information.
Online Resources:
The following links offer helpful resources for persons with disabilities:
ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) - Information and technical assistance
Buckelew Programs
Department of Rehabilitation
DCARA - Deaf counseling, advocacy, referral agency
Integrated Community Services
Job Accommodation Network – Free consulting service on employability
LdOnline - Learning disability resources and information
LightHouse of Marin - Information on living with vision loss (bilingual Spanish-English)
Marin AIDS Project - AIDS services & resources in Marin County
Marin Center for Independent Living - Disability resource agency for Marin residents
Marin.Org - Marin resources for people with disabilities
National Council on Disability - Resource guide on disability
Pacific ADA and IT Center - Provides information, problem solving assistance and referrals for implementing ADA and Accessible Electronic and Information Technology (E&IT)
Social Security - Resources for beneficiaries of SSI and SSDI (Recipients may be able to work while retaining medical and/or financial benefits.) Go to www.disabilitybenefits101.org for more information.
The Marin Employment Connection offers equal opportunity programs, and auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
