Question
QUESTION: I have chronic shoulder pain from shoulder injuries/surgeries and also have severe sleep apnea.  I am quitting my job in Arizona and moving to New York and marrying my fiance.  I would like to stay in the hi tech field as I have been in aerospace industry the past 5 years and I have an AAS in electronics.  Do you know any agencies that help people with disabilities get jobs?  I am technically not disabled in terms of receiving any social security disability benefits and have never applied for any.  However, I have alot of pain and limitations from my health problems and that is why I am leaving my current job partly because of shoulder pain and also because the hours were very difficult and the fact that I have sleep apnea made it very hard on my body.  I had alot of sleep deprivation.  Thus, when I move, like I mentioned, I would like to find help getting a job from any agencies that may work with people with disabilities, if possible.  If not possible, do you think I should apply for disability?  I am not sure if I would qualify for it since I am quitting my job and moving and getting married.

ANSWER: Hi James. Where in NY are you moving to?

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: in Manhattan  

Answer
Hi James,

Sorry for the delay in answering.

You may want to ask Vocational Rehab to assist. State vocational rehabilitation (VR) offices will find a person with a disability to be eligible for VR services if he or she has a physical or mental impairment that constitutes or results in a "substantial impediment" to employment for the applicant. Your doctor may have to certify your condition.

here is a link that might be helpful:

http://www.acces.nysed.gov/vr/manhattan/home.html