Work ForwardÂ
One Solution. Endless Possibilities.
Work Forward is a flexible employment readiness program that adapts to the unique needs of your organization and the people you serve.
Vocational Rehabilitation
Support VRÂ participants with structured employment readiness training.
Schools + Transition Programs
Prepare students for competitive integrated employment.
Disability Service Providers
Strengthen the employment services you provide with engaging, ready-to-use training.
Because Everyone Deserves the Opportunity to Succeed at Work
Employment is about so much more than earning a paycheck.
Work can provide purpose, confidence, independence, routine, social connection, and opportunities for personal growth.
Yet many individuals with disabilities enter the workforce without having been explicitly taught the hidden rules of work — things like communicating with supervisors, understanding workplace expectations, advocating for support, managing conflict, or navigating the hiring process.
Work Forward fills that gap.
Through engaging lessons, practical activities, and real-world examples, participants gain the skills needed not only to find employment — but to thrive once they're there.
What's Included?
Participants receive access to:
- 15 comprehensive modules
- 70 engaging lessons
- Self-paced video instruction
- Interactive activities
- Reflection exercises
- Knowledge checks and quizzes
- Downloadable worksheets and resources
- Mobile-friendly learning
- Certificate of Completion
The curriculum can be completed independently or alongside support from employment specialists, educators, vocational rehabilitation counselors, family members, or other members of a participant's support team.
READY TO ENROLL
WHO IS WORK FORWARD FOR?
It's for individuals with disabilities who are:
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Exploring employment for the first time
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Preparing to enter the workforce
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Returning to work after time away
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Looking to improve workplace confidence
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Building independent living and employment skills
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Receiving employment supports through community agencies or schools
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Working with Vocational Rehabilitation or supported employment providers
Whether someone is seeking competitive integrated employment, part-time work, or simply building readiness for future employment, Work Forward meets learners where they are.
Explore Sample Modules
Explore 2 of the 15 Work Forward modules and experience the curriculum firsthand through real lessons, activities, and learning experiences.
Designed for Different Learning Styles
Everyone learns differently.That's why Work Forward was intentionally created to be accessible, flexible, and engaging.
- Short, easy-to-follow video lessons
- Reflection activities
- Practical exercises
- Interactive quizzes
- Downloadable resources
- Real-life workplace examples
The self-paced format allows participants to learn at a comfortable pace while reviewing lessons as often as needed.
What Participants Will Learn
âś” Understanding workplace expectations
âś” Identifying personal strengths and career interests
âś” Professional communication
âś” Self-advocacy and requesting accommodations
âś” Workplace behavior and professionalism
âś” Job searching and completing applications
âś” Resume and interview skills
âś” Teamwork and conflict resolution
âś” Problem-solving and decision-making
âś” Financial literacy and budgeting
âś” Work-life balance and self-care
âś” Career growth and long-term success
Every lesson focuses on practical strategies participants can immediately apply in real workplace settings.
SIGN ME UPTHINK ABOUT IT
Imagine what's possible...
Imagine entering an interview feeling prepared.
Starting a new job with confidence.
Knowing how to ask questions, solve problems, advocate for support, and navigate workplace challenges.
Feeling proud of your work.
Building independence.
Creating a future filled with opportunity.
That's what Work Forward is all about.
So, what exactly is in this training program?
SECTIONÂ 1
Discover Your Strengths
Explore interests, abilities, workplace preferences, and career possibilities.
SECTION 2
Build Workplace Skills
SECTION 3
Find Employment
SECTION 4
Succeed at Work
SECTION 5
Grow Beyond Employment
Work Forward
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Welcome
6 lessons- Pre-Survey
- Welcome to Work Forward!
- Create a Professional Work Email
- Using Google Drive
- Update Your Work Forward Email Address
- Work Forward in the Kajabi App
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Module 1: Understanding Work + Finding Your Fit
11 lessons- Lesson 1: Understanding Work
- Lesson 2: Why People Work
- Tool: My Reasons for Working
- Lesson 3: Common Workplace Roles
- Lesson 4: Differences Between School + Work
- Lesson 5: Steps to Getting a Job
- Lesson 6: Self-Assessment + Finding Your Fit
- Tool: My Work Fit Profile
- Action Plan
- Quiz
- Resources
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Module 2: Employer Expectations
10 lessons- Lesson 1: Understanding Workplace Expectations
- Lesson 2: Basic Expectations
- Tool: Employer Expectations Self-Assessment
- Lesson 3: Attitude + Effort
- Tool: Attitude + Effort Self-Assessment
- Lesson 4: Understanding Your Role
- Lesson 5: Rights + Responsibilities
- Action Plan
- Quiz
- Resources
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Module 3: Dependability + Accountability
9 lessons- Lesson 1: Building Reliability Through Habits
- Tool: Daily Reliability Tracker
- Lesson 2: Handling Challenges + Unexpected Events
- Lesson 3: Taking Responsibility + Avoiding Blame
- Lesson 4: Being a Reliable Team Member
- Tool: Teamwork Self-Reflection
- Action Plan
- Quiz
- Resources
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Module 4: Communication Skills
9 lessons- Lesson 1: Professional Communication
- Lesson 2: Giving + Receiving Feedback
- Tool: Practicing Feedback at Work
- Lesson 3: Communicating in Teams + Meetings
- Lesson 4: Communication Challenges + Problem-Solving
- Tool: My Communication Improvement Plan
- Action Plan
- Quiz
- Resources
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Module 5: Self-Advocacy
10 lessons- Lesson 1: Understanding Self-Advocacy
- Lesson 2: Knowing Your Needs, Strengths, + Limits
- Lesson 3: Asking for Help, Support, or Clarification
- Lesson 4: Disclosure, Accommodations, + Special Considerations
- Tool: My Disclosure Plan
- Tool: My Accommodations Plan
- Lesson 5: Advocating for Yourself Over Time
- Action Plan
- Quiz
- Resources
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Module 6: Workplace Behavior + Professionalism
9 lessons- Lesson 1: Workplace Behavior
- Lesson 2: Workplace Boundaries
- Tool: My Workplace Boundaries Plan
- Lesson 3: Appearance + Personal Care
- Tool: Professional Appearance + Hygiene Self-Reflection
- Lesson 4: Managing Stress + Professional Reactions
- Action Plan
- Quiz
- Resources
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Module 7: Job Search + Application Skills
12 lessons- Lesson 1: Finding Job Opportunities
- Lesson 2: Understanding Job Postings
- Tool: Job Search Tracker
- Lesson 3: Resumes, Cover Letters, + References
- Tool: Resume Builder Guide
- Tool: Google Docs Resume Templates
- Tool: Cover Letter Builder Guide
- Tool: Reference List Builder Guide
- Lesson 4: Applications
- Action Plan
- Quiz
- Resources
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Module 8: Interview Skills
12 lessons- Lesson 1: Preparing for the Interview
- Tool: Interview Preparation Checklist
- Lesson 2: Answering Interview Questions Effectively
- Tool: My Interview Answer Planner
- Tool: My STAR Answer Planner
- Lesson 3: Professional Presentation + Nonverbal Communication
- Lesson 4: Disclosure + Backgrounds
- Lesson 5: Follow Up + Next Steps
- Tool: Interview Thank-You + Follow-Up Guide
- Action Plan
- Quiz
- Resources
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Module 9: Keeping a Job
9 lessons- Lesson 1: Onboarding + First Impressions
- Lesson 2: Work Performance
- Tool: Daily + Weekly Performance Tracker
- Lesson 3: Job Security + Staying Employed
- Tool: Job Security Self-Reflection
- Lesson 4: Opportunities on the Job
- Action Plan
- Quiz
- Resources
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Module 10: Following Directions + Problem Solving
9 lessons- Lesson 1: Following Directions at Work
- Lesson 2: Paying Attention to Details
- Lesson 3: Problem-Solving at Work
- Tool: Work Problem Reflection Planner
- Lesson 4: Asking for Help + Handling Issues
- Tool: Asking for Help Planner
- Action Plan
- Quiz
- Resources
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Module 11: Workplace Relationships + Conflict Management
11 lessons- Lesson 1: Understanding Workplace Relationships
- Lesson 2: Teamwork + Collaboration
- Lesson 3: Recognizing + Handling Conflict
- Lesson 4: Conflict Resolution Strategies
- Tool: Conflict Response Blueprint
- Lesson 5: Maintaining Relationships After Conflict
- Lesson 6: Emotional Intelligence in Workplace Relationships
- Tool: Emotional Awareness Builder
- Action Plan
- Quiz
- Resources
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Module 12: Thriving in the Workplace
9 lessons- Lesson 1: Mindset + Attitude
- Tool: Growth Mindset Action Planner
- Lesson 2: Taking Pride in Your Work
- Tool: Work Pride Tracker
- Lesson 3: Self-Awareness + Continuous Reflection
- Lesson 4: Adaptability + Resilience
- Action Plan
- Quiz
- Resources
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Module 13: Financial Literacy
10 lessons- Lesson 1: Understanding Income, Paychecks, + Benefits
- Tool: Pay + Benefits Tracker
- Lesson 2: Budgeting Basics
- Lesson 3: Payment Methods, Banking, + Credit
- Tool: Budget + Spending Tracker
- Lesson 4: Managing Expenses, Debt + Emergency Planning
- Lesson 5: Disability-Related Financial Considerations
- Action Plan
- Quiz
- Resources
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Module 14: Work-Life Balance
10 lessons- Lesson 1: Understanding Work-Life Balance
- Lesson 2: Time Management + Prioritization
- Lesson 3: Stress Management Techniques
- Tool: Stress Awareness + Management Reflection
- Lesson 4: Healthy Habits + Self-Care
- Lesson 5: Sustaining Balance + Making Adjustments
- Tool: Daily Energy Self-Reflection
- Action Plan
- Quiz
- Resources
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Module 15: Professional Growth
13 lessons- Lesson 1: Setting Personal + Career Goals
- Tool: Personal + Professional Goals Plan
- Lesson 2: Continuing Skill Development
- Tool: Skill Development + Growth Plan
- Lesson 3: Balancing Work, Health, + Personal Life
- Tool: Sustainable Success Plan
- Lesson 4: Identifying Ongoing Support Needs
- Tool: Ongoing Support Plan
- Lesson 5: Preparing Next Steps for Career Success
- Tool: Professional Growth Plan
- Action Plan
- Quiz
- Resources
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Congratulations
2 lessons- Congrats on Completing Work Forward!
- Post-Survey
Ready to Move Forward?
Skills That Last Beyond the Job Search
Work Forward isn't just about getting hired.
Participants also learn how to:
- Build positive workplace relationships
- Navigate change with confidence
- Manage stress at work
- Solve problems independently
- Advocate for accommodations
- Grow professionally over time
- Maintain long-term employment success
Because lasting employment happens when people have both the opportunity and the tools to succeed.
START LEARNING
Start Moving Forward
Meaningful employment can open the door to greater independence, confidence, community inclusion, and personal fulfillment.
Work Forward helps participants build the skills to take that next step — with confidence.
Learn. Grow. Work Forward.
BEGIN YOUR JOURNEYCreated by People Who Believe Work Is for Every Body
Work Forward was built by employment professionals who have dedicated their careers to helping individuals with disabilities discover their strengths, prepare for work, and achieve meaningful employment.
Every lesson is based on real experiences, practical strategies, and years of supporting people through every stage of the employment journey — from exploring careers to thriving in the workplace.
MEET YOUR TRAINERS
Hi there, we're Alison + Andrea
Alison Swan, MS, CRC
Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling
University of Wisconsin–Stout
Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC)
- Over 12 years of experience in disability employment services
- Extensive background in job development and career counseling
- Developer of workforce training programs and online curriculum
- Specialized in supporting neurodivergent individuals, people with mental health conditions, and those with acquired disabilities
Andrea Marty, M.Ed.
Master of Science in Special Education
University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point
- Over 12 years as a Special Education Teacher and Transition Coordinator
- Developed employment-focused curriculum
- Led school-based job training programs
- Extensive experience supporting students as they transition to employment and adult life
- Specialized in supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through supported and customized employment