Understanding Workplace Rights and Available Supports

National Center on Improving Literacy

Preparing for the workforce involves more than finding a job—it also requires understanding workplace rights, knowing where to find support, and building confidence to communicate individual needs. For young people with reading disabilities, having access to information about employment, accommodations, and career development can help create a stronger foundation for workplace success.

Young adults sitting around a table, joining their hands in the center.

Transitioning into the workforce involves developing new skills, understanding workplace expectations, and learning how to communicate individual needs. This resource highlights organizations that can support young adults with reading disabilities as they explore career opportunities, prepare for employment, and develop self-advocacy skills.

The guide includes resources that support different stages of the employment journey. Youth-focused organizations, including Youthhood.org and PACER’s National Parent Center, provide information about exploring careers, finding employment, and developing skills needed to obtain and maintain a job. These resources can help young adults better understand the steps involved in entering the workforce and planning for their future.

For individuals who may need workplace accommodations, the Job Accommodation Network offers free and confidential guidance on requesting accommodations and understanding employee rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act. ADA.gov and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission provide additional information about disability rights, employer responsibilities, and protections against workplace discrimination.

The guide also highlights opportunities for continued career growth and support. Lime Connect connects students and professionals with disabilities to mentors, internships, employment opportunities, and career-building events. The Parent Center Hub offers information for students who received special education services through an Individualized Education Program (IEP), including guidance on transition planning and supports available under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

This resource can be used by students, families, educators, transition specialists, and workforce-development professionals to support conversations about employment and self-advocacy. It provides a starting point for learning how to identify workplace supports, communicate needs, understand rights, and access helpful services. By connecting young adults with reliable information and support networks, this guide encourages individuals to take an active role in their career goals and advocate for success in the workplace.

Self-Advocacy in the Workforce infographic

Suggested Citation

National Center on Improving Literacy (2022). Understanding Workplace Rights and Available Supports. https://improvingliteracy.org/resource/understanding-workplace-rights-and-available-supports/