How to Get a Job if You Have a Disability
The above picture is of a woman sitting at a desk with her laptop opened and typing.
How to Acquire a Job if
You’re Living with a Disability
The U.S. government describes a person with a disability as someone who has a documented mental or physical impairment that affects everyday life. Thankfully, millions of Americans with disabilities are able to successfully hold down full and part-time jobs. People with disabilities should never feel intimidated about the prospect of finding a job. The 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act protects individuals against discrimination in many areas, including employment. Here are some tips you can utilize to increase your chances of securing a job despite having a disability.
Use a Variety of Job Seeking
Techniques
Just because you have a disability, there’s no reason you cannot perform your
job’s duties just a well as the next person. There are several agencies that
advocate for people with disabilities, and most states have vocational
rehabilitation services that train people with disabilities. Individuals can learn
a variety of job skills that can help them secure good jobs. Several good
employers work specifically with advocacy groups to hire and train people with
disabilities.
Make Sure You Can Physically Fulfill the
Job’s Requirements
If the job you’re considering
applying for requires a certain amount of walking, bending, or stretching, determine
if your condition will prevent you from performing the tasks that would be
required of you. For example, if you use a wheelchair or a walking aid, certain
jobs may be too physically demanding. However, by law, employers are required
to provide accommodations such as height appropriate desks, TDD equipment for
the hearing impaired, and other items within reason that could make your job
more adaptable.
Utilize Temporary Services and
Government Employers
Temporary services can potentially offer a goldmine of opportunities for
Americans living with disabilities. Not only do they have a wide range of jobs for people with disabilities, but
once you’re placed, it could lead to full-time employment. Government jobs are
also plentiful in certain areas. Additionally, the government has a Federal
Placement program designed specifically to help qualified people with
disabilities secure federal jobs. The Department of Labor and the Department of
Defense also have a workforce recruitment program that targets recent college
graduates with disabilities.
Consider Working from Home
There are several companies that offer the option to work from home, which may
be ideal for disabled individuals who find it difficult to manage
transportation or long work schedules. Many good companies are actively
recruiting people with disabilities to join their workforce. Some of the most
sought-after jobs include customer service, freelance writing, teaching, and
data entry. Most of these jobs also pay quite well. You can Google “work-from-home
jobs” and find an extensive database of opportunities.
When job searching, people with disabilities may think they’re at a disadvantage. However, there are many opportunities for finding employment regardless of the challenges you face. Utilize the resources and job listings provided by disABLEDperson, Inc. Post your resume, search through our job listings, and feel free to give us a call at 760-420-1269 if you have any questions.