Resources & FAQs
Frequently asked questions
For individuals & families
Who can get support from Starforce?
People with disabilities who want to work, including students getting ready to leave school, adults looking for a new job, and workers aged 55 and older. Families, schools, and agencies can contact us on someone's behalf. Funding for some services depends on referrals and program rules, so we'll talk through your options with you.
Does it cost anything?
It depends on the service and how it's funded. Many employment services are paid for through public programs when you're referred by an agency. We'll explain any costs before services begin.
Will getting a job affect my benefits?
It can. Our benefits counselors explain how earnings may affect the benefits you receive, so you can plan before you accept a job.
About benefits counselingCan a family member contact you for me?
Yes. A parent, caregiver, or other supporter can reach out first. We'll make sure the person being supported is part of every decision.
Can I get support in another language, or with an interpreter?
Yes. We provide translation and interpretation, and arrange sign language interpreting and captioning for Deaf and hard of hearing job seekers. Let us know what you need when you contact us.
For employers
I'm an employer. How can Starforce help?
We connect you with candidates who match your needs, provide on-the-job coaching for new hires, and stay in touch to help them succeed. We also offer business consulting, translation and interpretation, and contract management.
Do you help with workplace accommodations?
Yes. We advise on accommodations, consult on ADA compliance, and train your staff on inclusive hiring practices.
What other business services do you offer?
Business consulting, translation and interpretation, contract management, and advocacy and outreach.
See all servicesFor schools & agencies
How do I refer a student or client?
Send us a message or call (202) 725-4194. Tell us who you're referring and what support they need, and we'll follow up about next steps.
Make a referralWhat is Pre-ETS?
Pre-Employment Transition Services. They help students with disabilities prepare for work through career exploration, work-based learning, and self-advocacy training, in partnership with their school.
About Pre-ETSDo your services meet state vocational agency standards?
Our Pre-ETS and supported employment services are designed to meet state vocational agency standards and follow the principles of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).
Can you provide reporting for our contracts?
Yes. We provide compliance monitoring and data reporting aligned with state and federal guidelines.
Glossary of terms
Disability employment has a lot of acronyms. Here's what they mean.
- CIE · Competitive Integrated Employment
- A job in a typical workplace, paid at least minimum wage and the same as coworkers, alongside people without disabilities.
- Customized employment
- A job shaped around a person's strengths and needs, agreed with an employer.
- DHH · Deaf and hard of hearing
- People who are Deaf, DeafBlind, or hard of hearing.
- EES · Extended Employment Services
- Continued support for people who need help at work beyond the first months.
- IPS · Individual Placement and Support
- A research-based approach to supported employment for people with mental health conditions.
- LTESS · Long-Term Employment Support Services
- Ongoing support that helps people keep their jobs over time.
- Medicaid waiver
- A state program that uses Medicaid funding for community services, which can include employment support.
- Pre-ETS · Pre-Employment Transition Services
- Career-readiness services for students with disabilities, before they leave school.
- Self-advocacy
- Speaking up for yourself: knowing your strengths and asking for what you need.
- Transition team
- The school staff, family, and student who plan together for life after school.
- VR · Vocational rehabilitation
- State programs that help people with disabilities prepare for, find, and keep work.
- WIOA · Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
- The federal law that sets standards for public workforce and vocational rehabilitation programs.
Guides
Practical, plain-language guides we're preparing. Contact us if you need help with these topics now.
- Guide · In preparation
Understanding Medicaid waivers
How waiver programs work, and how to access employment support through them.
- Guide · In preparation
Your rights at work
Employment rights for people with disabilities, and how to ask for accommodations.