Disability Services
Workforce Development: Disability Services
At Goodwill Columbus, we empower independence through meaningful employment.
Opportunity for all
At Goodwill Columbus, we believe that everyone has a unique contribution to make to our community. Our Workforce Development Disability Services are designed for individuals who are preparing to take their next step toward working independently in the community. We provide a supportive, encouraging environment where clients can sharpen their skills and find a career path that fits their goals—giving families peace of mind and job seekers the independence they deserve.
Goodwill Columbus is a provider of vocational services in collaboration with Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) and Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD). Job seekers must be connected to these agencies and select Goodwill Columbus as their provider. If you do not currently receive benefits through these agencies, you may start the application process by visiting the OOD website.
Assessment & Planning Services
Finding the right fit is the first step. We help clients explore their interests and discover where they will shine.
Career Exploration: A guided look at different types of jobs to discover the best match.
Vocational Consultation and Evaluation: Compassionate, one-on-one assessments to help identify strengths and professional goals.
Bridge Support Services: Helping individuals get “job-ready” by providing essential foundations like community networking, assistance with obtaining IDs, and professional work clothing.
Training Services
Building confidence through new skills. We focus on practical tools for daily work life.
START UP (Technology Access): A supportive way to learn the computer and tech skills used in today’s workplaces.
Travel Training: Step-by-step coaching to help clients learn to navigate public transportation safely and independently.
Digital Skills: In need of a device and core digital skills? Check out our Digital Skills Hub program!
Job Readiness and Employment Services
From the first application to the first day on the job.
Community Work Experience Internships: Paid, hands-on learning in real community businesses, providing a safe way to gain experience.
Job Search Assistance: Assistance with resumes, interviews, and applications, plus 90 days of onboarding support to ensure long-term success.
Job Coaching: One-on-one support at the job site to help clients learn their tasks and feel comfortable in their new work environment.
School Age Transition Services
Bridging the gap between the classroom and a career for students and young adults. These services are available to individuals currently in high school.
Pre-Employment Transition Services (PreETS): Providing a foundation for future success through five pillars: job exploration, counseling on post-secondary opportunities, instruction in self-advocacy, work-based learning, and workplace readiness.
Summer Youth Work Experience: A seasonal program where students earn a paycheck while gaining first-hand professional experience in a real work environment. Learn more about the program here.
Our Employer Partners: Clients have the opportunity to train and work with leading local organizations, including: Goodwill Columbus Retail, Giant Eagle, Columbus Recreation and Parks, and Mid-Ohio Food Collective.
Project SEARCH
Goodwill proudly partners with Designer Shoe Warehouse (DSW) to offer immersive career preparation. This six-month paid internship combines logistics training with essential life skills, providing adults with disabilities a direct path to employment.
This successful collaboration boasts a 100% placement rate for graduates seeking a career in the logistics industry, with starting wages typically ranging from $14–$20 per hour.
The Power of Confidence: De’Adre’s Journey
When De’Adre began his Project SEARCH journey with Goodwill and Designer Brands in 2021, he was reserved and quiet. By graduation, he had transformed into a self-assured advocate, ready to navigate both his personal and professional life with confidence.
Armed with the skills gained during his internship, De’Adre sought a role that perfectly matched his strengths. Today, he is a key member of the Goodwill Columbus team at one of our attended donation centers. More than just a job, this role has fueled De’Adre’s independence, empowering him to consistently reach—and exceed—his goals. De’Adre’s growth is a powerful testament to how the right support and the power of work can truly change a life.
Interested in one or more of these services?
Fill out the form to connect with a career coach.
Success stories
Meet Zach
After gaining crucial experience through the Summer Youth Program and Project SEARCH, both facilitated by Goodwill Columbus, Zach reconnected with his former tutor, Goodwill Career Consultant Morgaine, and quickly secured his job at FedEx using the new device he earned for completing the digital skills program.
Meet Gretchen
After being referred by Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities, Gretchen successfully transitioned into a permanent retail role through personalized job coaching and a community work experience at Goodwill. By utilizing customized tools and her natural attention to detail, she has surpassed her 90-day milestone and continues to excel as a highly efficient, high-quality member of her team.