GESMN’s disability services offer everyone a chance to reach career goals
September 10, 2025
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Nearly three-quarters, 73%, of the people Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota (GESMN) serves, have one or more disabilities.
“I never thought about how I was going to find a job with a disability before,” Curtis said. In 2013, Curtis had a brain tumor resection, which led to some disabilities.
Disability Job Placement & Support
Curtis was referred to GESMN’s Disability Placement to help him with his resume, job skills and ongoing support to find steady employment.
“Every week we would meet and go over job listings, find things that fit and then I would apply,” Curtis explained. GESMN helped Curtis get connected to a position with the State of Minnesota.
Since 2013, Tammy has worked with GESMN's Individualized Placement and Support (IPS) program, to develop job skills, build confidence and maintain employment. Last year, she started working at Kwik Trip and absolutely loves it.
“GESMN sticks with their clients no matter what,” Tammy said. “They help you find a job, keep a job and push you to be your best.”
Youth Disability Services
GESMN has several services that assist people with disabilities reach their goals including programs that help youth with disabilities explore job interests and skills and navigate college.
Lewie joined GESMN's 7-week Retail Skills Training program to gain work experience and skills before graduating from high school.
Dan, his trainer and case manager, said the program helped to instill confidence in Lewie by honing his skills in customer service and communication which are valuable in various job settings.
Disability Benefits Planning Support
GESMN’s Work Incentives Connection (The Connection) program, helps people receiving disability benefits understand how these may be impacted when they are working with a personalized benefits analysis.
“Anyone in Minnesota with Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits can contact us with questions,” explained Jen, a community work incentives coordinator. “We are a one-stop resource for taking questions not only about SSDI and SSI, but also on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicare, Medicaid, Minnesota Supplemental Aid (MSA), Housing and Veteran’s benefits.”
GESMN also offers downloadable wage tracking calendar calculators here that can assist with reporting earnings to Social Security.
For disability support, contact:
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Call 651-632-5113 Hotline
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Text JOBS to 71493
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