Empowering People with Disabilities to Achieve Employment & Financial Success
Helping Americans with Disabilities Achieve Their Employment Dreams
At National Disability Institute (NDI), we’re dedicated to building a better economic future for people with disabilities through innovative employment opportunities, strategic partnerships and proven financial pathways to success.
Connect with us to learn about employment resources, financial assistance and job opportunity alerts through the American Dream Employment Network (ADEN) Ticket to Work Program.
Employment Challenges & Opportunities
People with disabilities face an unemployment rate nearly twice as high as the general population. Yet, when given the right opportunities and support, they become valuable employees who increase workplace diversity and contribute to business success.
NDI is a mission-forward provider bridging this gap by helping job seekers with disabilities connect to employers, providing specialized job training and resources and building sustainable pathways to meaningful career paths.
Our Impact by the Numbers
60+
ADEN employment network members
70+
certified work incentive practitioners
$22.86
average hourly wage achieved (above national average)
1,000+
employers and service providers supported nationwide
How NDI Empowers Financial Success
American Dream Employment Network (ADEN)
ADEN is a consortium of service providers and employers working together to create employment pathways for individuals with disabilities who receive Social Security disability benefits and want to return to work or start working for the first time.
Who ADEN Serves:
- Job seekers aged 18-64 receiving SSDI or SSI benefits
- Employment service providers supporting people with disabilities
- Employers seeking to diversify their workforce
- State vocational rehabilitation agencies
As an approved Employment Network under Social Security’s Ticket to Work program, ADEN provides comprehensive support throughout the employment journey, from the initial job search to long-term career development.
“The Ticket to Work program helps you not just get a job, but rethink your place in society and feel your value.” — Alex, ADEN Beneficiary
Choose Your Path: Resources for Every Need
For Job Seekers with Disabilities:
Return to Work
Benefits include:
- High-quality services that lead to the outcomes outlined in your Individual Work Plan
- Direct employment services
- A diverse group of employment service providers that can serve individuals that communicate in American Sign Language and Spanish.
- Access to in-person and virtual services in multiple states
For Employment Service Providers:
Become a Member of ADEN
Benefits include:
- More time to focus on employment support services rather than administrative duties
- Immediate access to the Ticket to Work program
- Professional training and ongoing technical assistance from national experts
- Access to a secure electronic portal offering state-of-the-art resources to simplify data management and collection
- Timely billing and distribution of Ticket revenue
- Relationship building: ADEN connects members with employer partners committed to hiring individuals with disabilities
Success Stories: Real People, Real Results
Maryvette’s Journey
“I wasn’t the type of person used to needing help. I was the one who took care of others. I was determined to get back to myself or better.”
After a workplace injury left Maryvette unable to continue her previous career, ADEN connected her with training programs and employment support. Today, she works full-time, earning competitive wages while maintaining the benefits she needs.
John’s Career Transition
“You have been an incremental part of my success in rebuilding my career.”
John faced significant barriers to employment after acquiring a disability in midlife. Through NDI’s employment programs, he accessed specialized job development services that helped him leverage his existing skills in a new work environment that accommodates his disability.
Rebecca’s New Beginning
“Through the program, my Employment Network gave me the support and encouragement I needed when I was vulnerable. It makes a difference to have someone in your corner during a major transition like this. I feel accomplished and secure again. Ticket to Work and Work Incentives helped me get here.”
Rebecca was concerned about losing her benefits if she returned to work. With guidance from NDI, she successfully navigated work incentives and now enjoys greater financial independence through employment.
Ready to Move Forward?
Connect with us to learn about resources, updates and job postings that support employment success for people with disabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Ticket to Work program is a free and voluntary program offered by the Social Security Administration. It helps people who receive disability benefits return to work, increase their earnings, and eventually become financially independent while maintaining their Medicare or Medicaid coverage.
Our initiatives benefit various groups, including individuals with disabilities seeking employment, service providers working with disability communities, employers looking to diversify their workforce, and policymakers interested in improving employment outcomes for people with disabilities.
Social Security offers various work incentives that allow you to test your ability to work while maintaining benefits. Our experts can help you understand these incentives and develop a plan that supports your employment goals while working toward your goal of self-sufficiency.
Employers who hire people with disabilities report numerous benefits, including higher retention rates, reduced turnover costs, access to untapped talent, increased workplace diversity, a better company reputation, and a more positive work experience. Various tax incentives may be available as well.
