Our first North County office in Carmel, New York.
CAREERS was founded in 1987 by a group of trailblazing parents who were concerned about the lack of employment opportunities for their adult children with disabilities. With funding from Westchester County, they established the Westchester Council for Careers for People with Disabilities, Inc. to address this crucial need. Since then, we’ve continually expanded to meet the growing needs of our community and now serve individuals in Westchester, Putnam and lower Dutchess Counties, New York. In 1990, the organization was renamed CAREERS for People with Disabilities.
Our Supported Work Program began as the foundation for all CAREERS services. This program uses a one-on-one approach to create meaningful job and internship placements for people with disabilities and provides ongoing training and support to help them maintain those jobs.
CAREERS offers specialized programs tailored to specific populations, including our High School Transition Program, established in 1997, which significantly increases the chances of high school students to find a job after graduation.
In 2009, we launched our Workforce Readiness, Placement and Training Program after recognizing that many individuals would benefit from targeted training before interviewing. Classes were created with a curriculum designed to ensure that clients receive the highest quality training before beginning their job search. This program offers one-on-one support and creative job and internship placements, while adding personalized training designed to meet each person’s needs and increase the chances of finding and keeping a job.
In 2013, we launched our Ambition In Motion (AIM) program in Putnam County — a community day habilitation program for individuals who are not yet ready for a regular supported work program. AIM focuses on helping members develop new skills, become active members of their community (often through volunteer work), build confidence and have fun. AIM helps participants find their place in the world and many even transition to paid employment.
In 2017, to reflect our broader role, we changed our name to CAREERS Support Solutions. The new name highlights the unique, personalized support we provide to our clients as well as the personnel solutions we offer to employers. It also reflects our expanded employment training and placement services to low-income, long-term unemployed individuals who have been unable to secure appropriate employment on their own. No matter how much we grow or how many new programs we introduce, one thing remains the same; all of our services are provided free of charge to individuals, their families and employers.
In 2018 we launched On Course for College for students 18 years and older who have a documented disability, are referred by ACCES-VR and meet the admission requirements of a college for a degree or certificate program. Students receive assistance with admission, health and financial aid forms; help with registration and course selection and personalized access to appropriate campus information including tutoring, student rights, accommodations and resources. We provide social support and services tailored to the changing needs of each participant, including problem solving, coping skills and stress management.
In 2021, we created our Jobs for Senior Program which helps residents of Westchester, Putnam or Dutchess Counties, ages 55 and older, find a job. We teach workforce readiness skills, assist with resume preparation, help find job openings, arrange interviews and provide interview prep. Our staff is available for job placement and can provide ongoing support for as long as needed. Our services are tailored to meet each individual’s unique needs, including problem solving and stress management.
Effective December 1, 2025, CAREERS merged with Opengate, Inc. another non-profit organization headquartered in Westchester County that provides support for people with disabilities throughout the Hudson Valley. This merger reflects both organizations’ shared mission to empower people with disabilities to live their best lives through compassionate care, meaningful support, and opportunities to thrive to the fullest extent of their abilities. Combined, CAREERS and Opengate have over 90 years of experience and expertise in supporting people with disabilities, both in daily living and employment. The newly unified organization will provide a seamless network of vocational, residential, and therapeutic services. All CAREERS staff and programs continue with no changes or interruptions under Opengate — ensuring that all clients continue to receive the long-term support they need. Therefore, the merger ensures a continuation of care to program participants now and for the future.
Our Carmel office at 1961 Route 6, Suite 12
Our Valhalla office, located at 400 Columbus Avenue.
