Students with Disabilities / Neurodivergent Students Community
Welcome to the Students with Disabilities & Neurodivergent Students community at the University of Montana! This community space organizes career resources and opportunities that may be especially relevant for students navigating disability, neurodivergence, or accessibility-related concerns. Whether you’re seeking information on accommodations, exploring inclusive internships, or looking for supportive employers, the tools shared here are designed to help you confidently navigate your career path.
We believe that disability is a source of strength, innovation, and insight. In collaboration with the Office for Disability Equity (ODE) and other campus partners, this hub was designed to reflect your goals, talents, and aspirations — centering accessibility, inclusion, and career success.
Learn more about Experiential Learning and Career Success and how we can help you achieve your goals.
Did You Know?
You can meet with a career coach who specializes in supporting students with disabilities and neurodivergent students as you explore career options, prepare application materials, and navigate professional opportunities.
What You’ll Find Here
Explore Opportunities
- Programs, services, and articles that focus on the experiences of students with disabilities and neurodivergent students.
- Opportunities that may align with your goals, values, and interests.
Connect & Get Involved
- Student organizations and campus partners that provide connection, advocacy, and community for students with disabilities and neurodivergent students.
Get Career-Ready
- Personalized career coaching.
- Résumé and interview guidance.
- LinkedIn profile support and Handshake assistance.
Be Informed
- Information and events that highlight disability inclusion, accessibility, and neurodiversity in career and academic pathways.
- Resources to help you build skills, expand your network, and achieve your professional goals.
All Grizzlies are welcome to explore from every community and resource we offer.
Start Here: Key Steps and Support
Accessibility at UM
The University of Montana is dedicated to fostering an inclusive campus environment by ensuring accessibility across all facets of university life—including physical spaces, digital resources, and events. The Accessibility page outlines UM’s commitment, shares helpful campus resources (like Access Updates for alerts on physical barriers), and directs visitors to support services such as Accessible Technology Services (ATS) and the Office for Disability Equity (ODE)
Rural Institute for Inclusive Communities at UM
Offers over 60 programs and services to promote access, education, and opportunity for people with disabilities. Includes assistive technology loans, family and childcare support, and community outreach initiatives.
Equity in Action
A club whose mission is to support, uplift, and advocate for students with disabilities and their allies. Hosts game, craft, and study nights regularly as well as community conversations.
Office for Disability Equity (ODE)
Provides support for students with disabilities in all aspects of campus programming and experiences, including accommodations, consultations, and connections to resources.
Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
A free nationwide resource that provides expert guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues.
What should I do if I’m experiencing discrimination?
If you feel that you’ve been discriminated against due to your disabilities, whether during the application process or while on the job, you should contact the nearest office of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and refer to the Disability Discrimination page on its website. The EEOC office may suggest mediation, and if the complaint isn’t resolved, they may file a claim against the employer for violating ADA regulations.
MOSSAIC Program at UM
(Mentoring, Organization, and Social Support for Autism Inclusion on Campus) – A peer mentoring and support program for neurodivergent students, especially those with autism or anxiety. Offers weekly meetings and social events to build confidence and connection.
Should I disclose my disability to an employer?
Under the ADA, job applicants are not required to disclose a disability, and employers cannot ask about it. Disclosure is only necessary if your disability may affect job performance or requires accommodations—otherwise, share it on a need-to-know basis to reduce the risk of discrimination. The Department of Labor (DOL) has many suggestions regarding when and how to disclose any disabilities you may have. If you need accommodations, you must inform your employer, who is then obligated to provide reasonable support. Employers often appreciate specific suggestions for accommodations.
TRIO Student Support Services (SSS)
Offers academic advising, FAFSA help, tutoring, peer mentorship, access to printing and computers, textbook and technology loans, classes, workshops, and fee waivers.
How does the Americans with Disabilities Act apply to employment?
It’s important to understand your rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which makes it unlawful for employers to discriminate against applicants with disabilities. It also protects employees, requiring equal access to opportunity in workplaces and academic institutions. If you are qualified to perform the work and have a disability, the ADA protects your right to find work, with or without reasonable accommodation.
“But wait! This isn’t me!”
These communities are one way to organize resources and opportunities based on common student experiences. All Grizzlies are encouraged to explore every page and resource. Our career coaches are here to support every student.
Don’t see a community that reflects your experience, interests, or goals?
We welcome your feedback. Reach out to one of our career coaches — we’re here to help you find what you need:
UM Student Organizations & Campus Resources
Explore on-campus programs and organizations that support all students through peer connection, advocacy, academic services, and inclusive environments. These University of Montana resources promote accessibility and help students thrive academically and socially, offering mentorship, accommodations, leadership opportunities, and academic support to ensure full participation in campus life.
Want to dive deeper into UM’s student communities? Here’s where to go next—GrizHub, ASUM, WelcomeFeast, or your department.
Explore Student Life & Clubs
Organizations & Resources
The organizations listed are not affiliated with the University of Montana and are provided for informational purposes only.
Local & State
National
A program through MT Rural Institute for Inclusive Communities, which has further state and national resources for support with employment, health, and more.
Under Montana’s Department of Labor and Industry, the Bureau provides education and consultations about state and federal discrimination law and investigates complaints. File a work discrimination complaint within 180 days of the incident (some exceptions).
A state-run program offering individualized career counseling, job training, assistive technology, and job placement support. Services help people with disabilities prepare for and maintain employment, with assistance like transportation and accommodations.
One of the largest job boards for people with disabilities, featuring resume posting, job alerts, and listings from inclusive employers.
A nonprofit job board connecting people with disabilities (and veterans) to employers that prioritize accessibility and inclusion.
A cross-disability advocacy organization offering career development programs, mentorship, and internships for students and recent graduates.
A national membership organization focused on inclusive employment and career advancement for individuals with disabilities, offering training and certification.
Autism Speaks’ free career-readiness hub offering autistic students professional development resources (including an employment tool kit) and connections to autism-friendly employers to help them build job skills and transition into the workforce.
A nonprofit run by autistic people that provides self-advocacy tools and policy resources (like the “Real Work for Real Pay” toolkit) to empower neurodivergent students in understanding their workplace rights and advocating for inclusive, fair employment practices.
A nonprofit that partners with businesses to promote disability inclusion in the workplace. Offers programs like NextGen Leaders, which connect students with mentors and recruiters.
The EEOC is the U.S. government office that provides education and consultations about federal discrimination law and investigates charges of discrimination. File a charge within 180 days of an incident (some exceptions).
An inclusive employment platform offering job listings, virtual career fairs, and an accessible interface for users with visual, motor, or cognitive accommodations.
A free job portal and resource center that helps autistic job seekers explore employment options, understand disability benefits, and prepare for the job search and interviews through personalized guidance and tools.
An organization that connects autistic college graduates to jobs and support before, during, and after the hiring process, including educating employers to create neuroinclusive workplaces.
A free resource providing expert guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues, including online tools for identifying accommodations.
A global nonprofit that connects high-achieving students and professionals with disabilities to scholarships, internships, leadership development, and job opportunities with inclusive employers.
Offers a resume database, career fairs, and job listings from inclusive employers, helping students with disabilities find employment and build networks.
A specialized online job board where neurodivergent candidates can discover open positions at inclusive companies already committed to neurodiversity-focused hiring programs.
An international initiative providing an extensive collection of free resources and networking opportunities to help neurodivergent college students develop career skills, find internships, and successfully transition from academia to the workplace.
Offers a job board, resources, includes resume building through pictures.
A free federal program from the Social Security Administration that connects young adults with disabilities to employment services and support, helping them prepare for and find jobs while navigating the transition off benefits when they advance in their careers.
The official U.S. government job board includes a dedicated section for candidates with disabilities, offering guidance on Schedule A hiring for federal employment.
Connects neurodivergent, autistic and disabled talent with inclusive employers worldwide.
| A federal initiative connecting college students and recent graduates with disabilities to summer internships and full-time jobs across the country. |
Have suggestions to improve this space?
This space has been collaboratively developed with our UM partners and continues to evolve.
We truly appreciate your input and encourage you to share your ideas to help us enrich it.
