As a student or alum with a disability or with accommodations, you may have additional questions as you transition to the workplace. You may even have questions about whether or not you have a disability.
If you receive accommodations through the university’s Accessibility and Disability Service (ADS), or had an IEP or a 504 plan in high school, you qualify as a person with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA defines disability as any impairment that substantially limits major life activities such as seeing, hearing, speaking, walking, breathing, performing manual tasks, learning, caring for oneself, and working. Most students are unaware that this includes two conditions that are prevalent on our campus: ADHD and mental health issues.
We encourage students to turn accommodations/disability into an asset. You do this by demonstrating that you have the knowledge, know-how and resources to partner effectively with the organization to put in place the accommodations or work-arounds that you need to succeed. Demonstrating such mastery shows an organization that you are persistent, resilient, a creative problem-solver, and a good communicator, and that the success of the company is your primary interest. We can assist you in developing that mastery.
Top Career-Related Tips
At each stage of the recruitment and hiring process-- career preparation, job search, application, interview -- you may need to consider how your accommodations or disability will affect your performance. Once you’re hired, what about succeeding in the job? Will your need for accommodations or disability affect your performance on the job? Which accommodations are best for you?
Disclosing a disability is an individual decision. You are never required to disclose a disability at any point in the employment process. However, your disability may be visible, or you may want to disclose in order to receive accommodations, or you may feel that your disability is an important part of who you are. Whether you need to disclose, when to disclose, and how to disclose can be complicated, and we are here to help.
Resources to Support You
Internship & Career-Related Programs
Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP)
The Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP), coordinated by the U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. Department of Defense, is a recruitment and referral program that connects federal and select private-sector employers with highly motivated college students, graduate students and recent graduates with disabilities who are eager to demonstrate their abilities in the workplace through internships or permanent jobs.
The Workforce Recruitment Program is relevant to individuals who qualify for Schedule A Hiring Authority. You can apply for jobs using Schedule A if you are a person with an intellectual disability, a severe physical disability or a psychiatric disability.
How to Apply to WRP
Visit WRP.gov and click “Students Register Now!” to get started! Registration opens August 25, 2025.
Registration closes on Friday, October 10. All application materials must be submitted on the WRP website. You will need time to get your registration approved, gather your resume and transcript, and complete your application, so please don’t delay!
Who Can Apply to WRP?
Students and recent graduates can apply to WRP if they:
- have a disability and are eligible under the Schedule A hiring authority.
- are a U.S. citizen or national (residents of American Samoa and Swains Island)
- are enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program on a substantially full-time basis OR have graduated with a degree on or after April 1, 2023.
New and returning WRP applicants must register and complete an application each year to continue to participate. Please use a computer or tablet to register and apply
Helpful Resources to Help You Apply to the WRP (Slides)
- WRP Program Overview for Fall 2025 (if link fails, open in incognito window due to size of document)
- WRP Application User Guide for Students (if link fails, open in incognito window due to size of document)
Additional Programs
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