For many people in Cheektowaga, NY, work is about more than a paycheck. It can mean routine, purpose, friendships, and a sense of independence. If you are living with a spinal cord injury and thinking about going back to work, or starting something new, you may wonder where to begin and what help exists close to home.
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, a national observance that recognizes the contributions of workers with disabilities. It is a good moment to look at your options. This guide covers questions to consider first, New York State job support, workplace accommodations, transportation, and resources across Western New York. It is general information, not legal or career advice.
Why October Is a Good Time to Explore Work in Cheektowaga, NY
National Disability Employment Awareness Month brings extra attention to inclusive hiring. Some employers, agencies, and community groups use October to share information about job programs and accommodations.
Fall is also a natural planning season. Starting conversations now gives you time to meet with a counselor, update your resume, and line up transportation before winter.
Motion Project Foundation’s recovery center, the Natalie Barnhard Center for Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation and Recovery, is located in Cheektowaga. The foundation’s broader mission includes helping people return to the parts of daily life that matter to them, including school and work.
Questions to Ask Yourself First
There is no single “right” way to return to work. Some people go back to a previous job. Others change careers, work part-time, work remotely, volunteer first, or go back to school. Before you contact agencies, think about:
- What kind of work interests you now?
- How many hours a week feel realistic?
- Would remote, hybrid, or on-site work fit your needs best?
- What tasks might need an accommodation or adaptive tool?
- How will you get to and from work, especially in winter?
- How could work affect any benefits you receive? (A benefits counselor can help answer this.)
Writing down your answers can make your first meetings with counselors and employers more productive.
Vocational Rehabilitation and Job Support in New York State
New York State offers vocational rehabilitation through ACCES-VR (Adult Career and Continuing Education Services – Vocational Rehabilitation), part of the New York State Education Department. Vocational rehabilitation programs are designed to help people with disabilities prepare for, find, and keep employment. Services may include career counseling, job training, help with job placement, and support with assistive technology. Eligibility and available services are set by the agency, so contact ACCES-VR directly for current details.
Other resources people often use include:
- WNY Independent Living, Inc.: a regional organization focused on independence for people with disabilities
- Erie County Office for People with Disabilities: county-level information and referrals
- Job Accommodation Network (JAN): a free, national source of guidance on workplace accommodations
You can explore spinal cord injury resources on the Motion Project Foundation website, where several of these organizations are listed in one place.
Workplace Accommodations and Accessibility
Accommodations are changes that help a person do their job. They do not have to be complicated. Examples include:
- An accessible workstation with an adjustable desk
- A closer or accessible parking space
- Flexible scheduling for medical appointments or energy management
- Remote or hybrid work options
- Voice-recognition software or other assistive technology
- Accessible restrooms and clear paths through the workplace
Federal and state laws provide protections for many workers with disabilities. For questions about your rights, visit the official ADA website or contact JAN. Motion Project Foundation does not provide legal advice.
Getting to Work in Cheektowaga and Erie County
Transportation is one of the biggest practical questions for many people returning to work. Options in the Buffalo-Cheektowaga area may include:
- NFTA Paratransit (Metro Bus & Rail): a shared-ride service for eligible riders. Ask about how to apply and how far ahead to book.
- Accessible public transit: Metro buses and Metro Rail
- Adapted vehicles: Local mobility dealers can help with vehicle modifications.
- Driving evaluations: Occupational therapy driving programs can assess readiness and recommend adaptive controls.
Motion Project Foundation’s Quality of Life Grants may help eligible Western New York residents with costs such as vehicle modifications or adaptive equipment, including computers or adaptive technology. Eligibility rules apply, and approval is not guaranteed.
Staying Strong for the Workday
A workday can take physical energy, from transfers to long periods of sitting. Some people use activity-based recovery to work on strength, endurance, and sitting balance that support daily activities, including work.
At Motion Project Foundation’s center, one-on-one activity-based recovery programs are built around each participant’s personal goals. Progress varies from person to person, and a professional assessment is needed before beginning. Coordinate any exercise plan with your healthcare team.
Preparing for Conversations With Employers
Talking with a current or future employer about your needs can feel uncomfortable. A little preparation helps:
- Focus on the job. Describe what you need to do your work well, not your medical history. You decide what personal health information to share.
- Come with ideas. If you already know an adjustable desk or a flexible start time would help, say so. Specific requests are easier to act on.
- Put it in writing. Follow up a conversation with a short email that summarizes what you discussed.
- Plan a check-in. Ask to review how things are going after a few weeks, since needs can change with seasons and schedules.
- Get support. A vocational counselor or JAN can help you prepare for the conversation.
Remember that many accommodations cost little or nothing, and they often help other employees too.
Tips for Case Managers and Social Workers
If you support clients living with spinal cord injuries in Western New York:
- Ask about work goals early, even if a return is months away.
- Connect clients with ACCES-VR and a benefits counselor at the same time.
- Plan transportation before a start date, not after.
- Share Motion Project Foundation’s Resources page and grant information.
- Remember that goals vary. Volunteering, school, or part-time work can all be meaningful steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can people return to work after a spinal cord injury?
Many people do, in many different roles and schedules. What is possible depends on the person, their goals, their health, and the support available.
What is ACCES-VR?
ACCES-VR is New York State’s vocational rehabilitation program. It is designed to help people with disabilities prepare for and find work. Contact ACCES-VR for current eligibility and services.
What workplace accommodations can a wheelchair user ask for?
Common examples include accessible workstations, parking, flexible scheduling, and remote work. The Job Accommodation Network offers free guidance.
How can I get to work without driving in Cheektowaga, NY?
Options may include NFTA Paratransit, accessible Metro buses and Metro Rail, or rides from family and coworkers. Check eligibility and booking rules with NFTA.
Does Motion Project Foundation help with employment?
The foundation does not run a job placement program. Its Resources page lists employment and vocational organizations, and its grants may help eligible people with equipment or vehicle modifications.
What is National Disability Employment Awareness Month?
It is an annual observance each October, led by the U.S. Department of Labor, that recognizes the contributions of workers with disabilities.
Take the Next Step
Returning to work is a personal decision, and there are many paths. Start with your goals, connect with vocational support, and plan transportation early.
Thinking about returning to work after a spinal cord injury in Cheektowaga, NY? Explore Motion Project Foundation’s spinal cord injury resources, or call 716-668-4724 to ask about community support and current programs.
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