For Job Seekers
Accessible Career Options (ACO) helps people with disabilities and other barriers find and keep good jobs in Milwaukee. We offer job placement, coaching, benefits counseling, training, and work experience. Start through the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), private pay, or Ticket to Work for people receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
DVR: Division of Vocational Rehabilitation • SSI: Supplemental Security Income • SSDI: Social Security Disability Insurance
Our Services
Choose support that fits your goals, from preparing for work to learning a new job.
Job Development & Placement
We help you choose a job goal, connect with employers, and find work that fits you.
Job Coaching
We train alongside you on the job until you can do the work independently.
Customized / Integrated Employment
We help shape a paid job in a regular workplace around your strengths and an employer’s needs.
Benefits Analysis & Work Incentives Counseling
We explain how working affects your disability benefits and which rules can help protect your income and health coverage.
Career Momentum Coaching
If you have a job goal but feel stuck, we help you make a plan and move forward.
Workplace Readiness Training
Practice communication, teamwork, time management, and other skills you need to succeed at work.
Computer Skills Training & Assessments
We check your current computer skills and help you learn the tools your job may need.
Interview Preparation
Practice answering questions and talking about your strengths so you feel ready for an interview.
Job Shadows, Internships, and Paid Work Experience
Explore careers, build skills, and gain experience by spending time in real workplaces.
Why Benefits Counseling Matters
Many people worry that working will mean losing their benefits. We help you understand your options before you take a job.
ACO’s benefits analyst holds the Certified Benefits Counselor (CBC) credential through Virginia Commonwealth University and the CWIP credential. These credentials support our benefits counseling work. We explain how earnings affect Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Medicaid, and the Medicaid Purchase Plan (MAPP).
Work incentives are rules that can protect benefits while you try working. We explain the Trial Work Period, the Extended Period of Eligibility, and Ticket to Work protections so you can plan with confidence.
Who We Work with
High School Youth (ages 14+)
Pre-employment transition services help students prepare for work through job shadows, internships, and first-job placement before graduation.
College Students / Graduates
Help turning a degree into a career — resume and interview preparation, employer connections, and support asking for workplace accommodations.
Injured Workers
Support for workers who can no longer do their old job because of an injury or health change. We find work that fits your abilities, pay needs, and schedule.
Experienced Workers
Career changes, returning after a gap, and advancement for adults with work history — at any age, for as long as you want to keep working.
Adults on SSI/SSDI
Plan for work with confidence. Our certified benefits counselor explains how earnings affect Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and Medicaid before you take a job.
How to Access Our Services
There are three simple ways to get started with ACO — through DVR, private pay, or Social Security's Ticket to Work program.
DVR Referral
Most of our clients are referred through the Wisconsin Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR). Ask your DVR counselor about working with ACO.
Private Pay
Not working with DVR? Individuals and families can purchase our services directly. Contact us for rates and options.
Ticket to Work
If you receive SSI or SSDI (ages 18–64), you can assign your Ticket to Work to ACO and get all services free of charge.
We Are a Ticket to Work Employment Network
ACO is an authorized Employment Network (EN) in Social Security's Ticket to Work program — a free, voluntary program that helps people receiving disability benefits move toward financial independence through work, with your benefits protected along the way.
Learn more at choosework.ssa.govFree of Cost
Ticket to Work services are free for eligible SSI and SSDI beneficiaries ages 18-64.
Protected Benefits
Your medical reviews are paused while you make timely progress, and work incentives protect your benefits as you earn.
Career Support
Job placement, resume help, interview prep, and training built around your goals.
Retention Services
Ongoing support to help you keep your job, plus benefits counseling for as long as you need it.
How to Get Started
- 1Confirm you receive SSI or SSDI and are between 18 and 64.
- 2Contact ACO to assign your Ticket and build your Individual Work Plan.
- 3Start working with your job developer toward steady employment, with retention services to help you keep it.
Sign Up Through ACO
You sign up for Ticket to Work directly through us — no separate application to figure out on your own. Call ACO or send us a message and we will confirm your eligibility, assign your Ticket to our Employment Network, and build your work plan together.
What Others Say...
"ACO made me feel welcomed and that any question could be asked without feeling like less than a person. They taught me how to interview, how to complete the application, and how to be on time. They made me so happy, it's just like a family. If I had to tell anybody, I would tell them to come here because you will get the support that you need."
— Art
ACO Client
"I recommend Accessible Career Options 100%. It's an excellent organization that helps people with disabilities to learn to work and become a little independent. They provide great support in every aspect. They have an excellent, patient, dedicated, and committed staff who handle the training. I can personally attest that they did an excellent job with my daughter, who has disabilities."
— Marisela Ferrusquia
Parent of ACO Client
"Twice ACO helped me again and retain employment. Both people were very helpful, kind, patient and knowledgeable. Thank you."
— Cecilia L Smith
ACO Client
"Can't recommend this enough to any business owner. Sue from the jump was extremely outgoing and responsive. She brought me the perfect candidate on the first go around! If you're looking for a 'try before you buy' and an extremely competent organization to make the hiring process easy, you've found the place!"
— Jeffrey Kult
Small Business Owner
"Quinncy Hinton is one of the most professional job developers I have worked with. He has compassion and took time to understand my disability. His staff provided job coaching me too and helped me become independent on my job. If you have a disability and are looking for a job please call Quinncy."
— Sheila Daniels
ACO Client
"ACO helped me find a full-time job I love, and they still support me."
— Ainsley J.
Google review
"ACO helped me gain and keep employment twice. The staff were helpful, kind, and patient."
— Cecilia S.
Google review
"An excellent organization that helps people with disabilities."
— Marisela F.
Google review
"Sue Cannon and the staff guided me to a position I'm really enjoying."
— Mary L.
Google review
"My job coordinator Jim is responsive and great with his clients."
— Kyle B.
Google review
"They're passionate about helping both job seekers and employers."
— Bill M.
Google review
"A fantastic local organization connecting job seekers with businesses that need their skills."
— Sam T.
Google review
"They do an incredible job finding employees and matching qualified candidates."
— Kent W.
Google review
Ready to Get Started?
Leave your name and the best way to reach you, and our team will get back to you with your next step. Prefer to talk it through? Call us during office hours.
Milwaukee, WI 53222