The Perfect Jobs for People in Wheelchairs in 2020


The above picture is of a gentleman at a desk in a wheelchair working.

The Perfect Jobs for People in Wheelchairs in 2020

Did you know that 3.6 million Americans over the age of 15 use a wheelchair? And, that around 20 percent of the US population lives with some disability?

If you're someone who uses a wheelchair, it's normal to feel isolated and alone at times. After all, the world around us isn't built for those who use wheelchairs. 

However, a wheelchair is not a life sentence. And just because you use a wheelchair doesn't mean you can't live a healthy life. 

For example, there are many jobs for people in wheelchairs out there. By working a job, you can feel more like a normal part of society. 

But, what kind of job can you get if you're in a wheelchair?

Check out this guide to learn about the best jobs for people in wheelchairs. 

Teacher

Working as a teacher is not only an extremely fulfilling career; it's also an excellent job for people in wheelchairs. 

Pretty much all schools are designed to be handicap accessible, so you'll never have to worry about getting around. And, being in a wheelchair will have no impact on your ability to teach, connect with your students, or give out grades. 

Plus, there are plenty of job opportunities in the education industry. 

There's a massive teacher shortage right now in the US, and some states are especially eager to hire new teachers. 

Computer Programmer 

As long as you have a computer and you can type or dictate in a voice-to-text system, you can become a computer programmer or a software developer. 

To learn software code, you'll have to learn a variety of programming languages. 

But, due to the vast demand in tech careers, learning code is easier than ever. You can attend a four-year university, earn your associate's degree, take courses online, or attend a coding boot camp. 

The BLS projects a 24 percent job growth in this field through 2026, which is much faster than the national average. 

Another great thing about this career is that it's often location independent. This means you can work from home, a coffee shop, or while on vacation. 

Graphic Designer 

Just like computer programmers, graphic designers are also in high demand these days. While you can go to school for graphic design, it's also definitely possible to self-teach all the tricks of the trade. 

If you're someone who is creative and likes to use their imagination daily, then this is the perfect job for you. 

Accountant 

Accounting is another excellent career for people in wheelchairs. 

As an accountant, you'll assist businesses and individuals with managing critical financial data. You'll spend much of your time using accounting software, and you'll typically communicate with your clients via email or phone.

However, in some instances, you'll be expected to go to the client's office for support. 

While this position does require that you obtain at least a bachelor's degree, it's a worthwhile endeavor for anyone good with crunching numbers. 

Translator 

As a translator, you'll have the opportunity to bridge the gap between people who couldn't usually communicate with one another. 

Translators are needed in all sorts of settings, from classrooms to courtrooms to government offices. Or, if you like the idea of working from home, you could also find a job translating books or articles. 

And, don't think that computer translating is making it any harder for real translators to get jobs. Computers are still a long way away from translating the nuances of human conversation, which makes human translators highly sought after. 

Translators are generally compensated very well, especially if they know multiple languages or know a unique language. 

Counselor 

If you enjoy helping others, working as a counselor is a great career option. There's no better job for those who like to listen and help others work through difficult situations. 

The great thing about working as a counselor is that there are a variety of specialties you can take on and a variety of settings you can work in. 

You could work as an addiction counselor, mental health therapist, marriage counselor, eating disorder counselor, or an ABA therapist, to name a few. If you're a real go-getter, you could even earn your Ph.D. or medical degree and become a psychologist or psychiatrist. 

You could find a job in a hospital, private practice, or mental health organization. 

Online therapists are also becoming more and more popular, so once you've established yourself, you could work from the comfort of your home. 

Administrative Assistant 

As an administrative assistant or a secretary, almost all of your tasks will involve sitting at a desk and using a computer. 

In this role, you'll perform routine clerical work and organizational tasks to help keep the office running smoothly. You'll schedule appointments, organize files, draft messages, and complete other jobs to support the staff. 

If you're someone who's good at staying organized and has strong attention to detail, then this may be the position for you. 

Freelance Writer 

Last but not least, many people in wheelchairs find work as freelance writers. 

As a freelance writer, the sky is pretty much the limit. You could work as a copywriter for a specific company, a blog writer in a particular niche, or even start your site and do affiliate marketing. 

With the rise of digital marketing, more and more freelance writers are needed to write persuasive web copy. If you have the right writing chops, then this could be a very lucrative career for you. 

Jobs for People in Wheelchairs: Are You Ready to Land Your Dream Job? 

As you can see, there are many different types of jobs for people in wheelchairs. 

All you need to do is gain the right skills and then start applying. If you believe you already have the right skills, then check out our job board to find the career of your dreams.