Top Employment Options for People with Disabilities

When we talk about employment for people with disabilities, we talk about limited options for the wide population of more than 20 million disabled people that should have a stable job in the US. Fortunately, the federal government has taken some measures to improve the policies that protect and favor the opportunities of employment for people with disabilities. Let’s take a look at some of the best employment options for disabled people.

Earning the money to fulfill your needs is one of the most rewarding things in life. It means that your skills are worth some money and that you can contribute to finish tasks and help a business grow. It is sad to see how some people pre-judge disabled people before they even show their skills or potential. If you have special needs and don’t know how to find a job that you can perfectly perform despite of your disability, here’s a whole list of occupations that could help you find the right job for you.

Potential Fields for People with Intellectual Disabilities

People with intellectual disabilities count for more than 8 million. They tend to be very creative and need to express their energy with their hands. They also love to feel free and be outdoors, for which careers related to operating heavy tools is great for them.

• ·        Design, photography, and illustration: Designer, photographer, illustrator, painter.

• ·        Culinary arts: Chef, cook, baker.

• ·        Broadcasting related technology: Cameraman, broadcast technician

• ·        Computer programming: Application software developer, computer programmer, system software developer.

Potential Fields for People with Hearing Disabilities

More than 4 million American adults are hearing impaired. People with this kind of disability can barely find a limit to perform a job. They have found their way to work in almost every field. Here are the most common ones.

• ·        Drafting: mechanical drafters, architectural drafters.

• ·        Science: biologist, environmental conservationist, sociologist, geologist, among others.

• ·        Performing arts: Producer, actor.

• ·        Carpenter.

• ·        Medical laboratory technician.

Potential Fields for People with Physical Disabilities

The number of people with limited mobility reaches more than 10 million adults in the US. It is important to mention that this kind of disability does not have to be limitative at all! There’s a wide array of career options that are perfectly doable for people with mobility problems.

• ·        Pharmacy services: Pharmacy technician, sale representative, pharmacist.

• ·        Vocational counselor.

• ·        Accounting: Accountant, auditor, accounting clerk.

• ·        Marketing: Marketing specialist, marketing manager, research analyst.

• ·    Working remotely: Writer, web developer, medical transcriptionist, graphic designer, computer support specialist.

• ·   Medical administration: medical office assistant, health service manager, health information technician.

Potential Fields for People with Visual Disabilities

This disability affects more than 3 million American adults. Most visually impaired people use one of the many assistive technologies that have been invented to help them contribute and perform almost any task, which broadens their employment options.

• ·        Music production: Producers in the recording industry, audio equipment technicians, audio recording engineers.

• ·        Teaching and early childhood education: teacher assistant, childcare worker, a school teacher.

• ·        Legal services: legal counselor.

Potential Fields for People with Learning Disabilities

Studying and building a career can be very challenging for these individuals. They may struggle with writing, reading, thinking, listening, time management, memory, organization, speaking, and more. However, there’s a possibility for everybody. It’s just a matter of looking in the right places. Normally, people with learning disabilities can have problems in one area and have strong skills in another.

• ·        Entrepreneur.

• ·        Filmmaker.

• ·        Counselor.

• ·        Broadcast news anchor.

• ·        Nursing assistant.

• ·        Broadcast correspondent.

Potential Fields for People with Emotional or Psychiatric Disorders

In the US, if a person suffers from anxiety, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder, he/she is considered to have a mental disorder that limits them from functioning properly in a social environment. It is expected that they can’t properly behave in a job environment either, which can limit their careers. The ideal working careers for emotionally disabled people are the ones that have limited or inexistent social contact.

• ·        Welder.

• ·        Electronic engineer.

• ·        Electrician.

• ·        Computer animation.

Finding a job is never an easy thing to do, but earning your money is the most rewarding way to fulfill your needs. Don’t let frustration knock on your door. Inform yourself of the legal policies that force employers to have disabled people in their workforce and look for careers that suit your strongest skills. Keep trying and never settle for less than what you deserve.

Finding Jobs for Handicapped Persons – A Few Practical Tips and Advice

Finding a job is a challenging experience for anyone.

On one side, there’s the issue of finding a steady income source. But more than that, we all want a place where our talents can be put to good use. A place to share with like-minded, friendly people who hopefully share our interests, at least professionally.

That being said, the prospect of finding jobs for handicapped persons presents even more challenges than usual. It is no secret that many employers factor in disabilities in their hiring policies, even when they have no bearing on the tasks to be performed.

Add to that the number of misconceptions present on the hiring market, and you can get discouraged fairly quickly if you aren’t actively paying attention.

The good news is that, slowly but surely, this landscape is changing.

More and more hiring managers are becoming aware of the unique benefits of broad and inclusive hiring policies, and the advantages of having a capable and diverse workforce.

So, to help anyone out there actively looking for jobs for handicapped persons, we’ve put together a handful of useful advice and tips on the matter. To hopefully help you have a more effective and successful experience.

On disclosing disabilities:

This is actually an FAQ whenever the subject of job hunting with a disability comes up. And honestly, there are no easy answers.

For starters, federal law states that you aren’t required to reveal your disability to prospective employers unless it affects the completion of essential job functions. That being said, you should at least consider being open on the subject. Volunteering this information at the appropriate time might show the potential employer you are confident and upfront person.

Roy Grizzard, assistant secretary for disability employment policy at the U.S. Department of Labor said this on the matter:

“If [the medical disability] is not obvious, unless it is germane for the actual job, I don't think it's necessary to discuss it during an interview.”

However, he was emphatic about being upfront with employers when said disability could potentially affect the job:

“Legally, you don't have to, but most employers would appreciate the openness, and it would help create a positive working relationship."

Judging on a case by case basis, you may decide to describe your limitations on a resume, cover letter, wait for an interview, or after you’ve been hired. But in the end, it is a very personal decision, and only you can gauge when (if ever) is the appropriate time to do so.

However, if you do, the best strategy is to acknowledge it and steer back quickly to how you’d do the job. In these situations, it is essential to emphasize how your disability won´t affect your ability to do the job.

Don’t dismiss part-time and volunteer work:

Yes, you probably have your eyesight set on a fulltime position, and all the benefits one brings. However, passing up and not applying on part-time job offerings or volunteer work might be a mistake.

Getting a part-time job on the same field you are searching a fulltime position is an excellent way of getting your foot on the door of the industry. Not to mention that it immediately makes you a more desirable prospect – curriculum-wise – and still allows you to have plenty of time to keep searching for that ideal fulltime position.

On top of that, the job finding process becomes a way less stressful and more manageable proposition once you have a stable – albeit limited – source of income. Allowing you to be much more objective, and selective, when judging other openings flaws and merits from a vantage point.

Also, keep in mind that many a part-time job eventually becomes fulltime. Once your presence in a company is set, many employers are open to expanding the position after a while.

Lastly, on the subject of volunteer work, it might sound like a tricky proposition if you are pressed on the income front. However, taking a volunteer position whose responsibilities mirror those of the job position you are after is an excellent way to showcase that you can get the job done. A factor that leads us to our next point.

The show, don’t tell:

A traditional advice that every writer gets at some point, it is also very applicable for those looking jobs for handicapped persons.

This is true for any jobseeker out there, but it bears even more weight for someone with a disability: It is much more powerful to demonstrate that you can do the job than just saying you can.

Volunteer work and Internships are a prime way to do this effectively. If your resume showcases you’ve been successfully doing the job you are applying for, a hiring manager is that much more likely to pay less attention to your disability and focus on your talents and skills to accomplish the job.

Finding a job isn’t easy and doing so while disabled can seem overwhelming at times. However, it is essential you keep a positive attitude as you search for jobs for handicapped persons.

Focusing on your abilities and using every tool at your disposal to make that search more effective is vital to improving your chances of finding the job you want quickly. Job seeking is a marathon, not a race, and making sure to keep that in mind will surely make the whole endeavor more manageable.

Online Resources to Learn More about Different Aspects of Jobs for Disabled workers

Finding work can be an overwhelming process for anyone. Moreover, living with disabilities can pose any number of additional challenges for those who are looking for jobs for disabled workers.

One of the most important aspects regarding jobs for disabled workers is having all the information on how the law works, how to get training and what are the organizations that support inclusive employment opportunities. Luckily, there are many different tools that can make life a little easier, and such is the case of the internet.

Ever since we all had access to this technology in the mid-1990s, internet users have increased from 16 million in 1995 to nearly 4 billion and counting. That is a 250X increase.

There are more than 1 billion live websites today, and many of these are dedicated to helping people learn about their rights, find jobs, and assist companies looking to hire disabled workers while others offer different tools and information and advice about the law, training, and more.

Here are a few useful websites you should check out to learn more about different topics regarding working and living with a disability.

Online Resources about the Employment Rights of Individuals with Disabilities.

The Americans with Disabilities website

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prevents people with disabilities to be discriminated against in different aspects such as employment, communication transportation means, public accommodations, and access to federal programs and services. Ada.gov provides information and technical assistance on the law.

The Department of Labor

The Department of Labor website has several pages dedicated to the ADA and other resources for disabled workers. This includes links to different relevant government agencies and resources for job seekers and employers.

Online Resources about Finding Jobs for Disabled workers

Disability and Employment Online

The Employment and Training Administration or ETA has initiatives for people with disabilities who are looking to enter the country’s workforce. They do this through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). This law aims to help businesses meet their staffing needs while giving opportunities to people with disabilities.

The Disability and Employment Online site offers information about laws and regulations, guidance, grants, and other more.

START-UP/USA

The Self-Employment Technical Assistance, Resources, & Training or START-UP/USA is a project funded by the Department of Labor‘s Office of Disability Employment Policy.They provide assistance and information about resources for people with disabilities looking to become self-employed.

Online Information about Training

The National Center on Workforce and Disability/Adult (NCWD).

This website offers technical assistance, training, and information to improve inclusive access to the workforce development system.

National Center for Accessible Educational Materials

This website has a lot of information to help anyone learn the basics of accessible education materials (AEM) and technologies. People can register and watch webinars and presentations from their Events, as well as find Accessible Educational Materials to learn more about the topic.

They also provide Accessible Educational Materials for parents and families, educators, and for workforce development.

Online Information about Activism and Advocacy

The Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE)

APSE is the only national organization that focuses exclusively on integrated employment and opportunities for career advancement for people with disabilities. They support an annual conference, and its members include families, disability professionals and businesses throughout the 50 states and Puerto Rico, and other countries.

Their website provides a lot of information for individuals with disabilities, their families, current and potential employers, and more.

RespectAbility

RespectAbility is a nonprofit organization working alongside different sectors such as policymakers, employers, faith-based organizations, philanthropists, journalists and online media –among others, to improve people with disabilities’ advancement opportunities. Their free online tools help inform people on how individuals with disabilities can get an education, training, jobs, and other resources.

Awesome Jobs For Disabled Person

Today, all over the USA, people with disabilities can enjoy the same employment opportunities as the non-disabled. Over the years, legislative efforts have ensured reasonable accommodations in the workplace. And that is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to jobs for disabled person in the modern world.

People with physical and psychiatric conditions are succeeding in careers previously thought unattainable. Conditions like blindness or autism are no longer limitations to personal and professional success. And with a little imagination, no condition stands between you and a rewarding occupation.

Every year, the unemployment rate for people with disabilities decreases. Workplaces become increasingly inclusive and digitized as society begins to realize the amazing potential of disabled people. Jobs for the disabled person are now expanding across multiple industries. The digital and technological advances of this era have opened many doors as well.

But things haven't always been so easy. Throughout history, the difficulties faced by disabled people adapting to workplaces were endless. The overtly physical nature of most labor, social stigma surrounding disability and lack of information and resources definitely didn’t help. Yet many were too determined to let their disabilities stand in the way to their dreams. Such individuals provide inspiration with their trailblazing courage.

Disabilities don't mean a lack of competence, and there are many ways in which a disabled person can shine. Across history, both ancient and recent, many noteworthy men and women have set such examples. Their contributions to their fields are significant, but their most significant legacy is as role models. Abandon your preconceptions regarding jobs for disabled people, and let yourself dream big.

Astrophysicist: Stephen Hawking

One of the most renowned theoretical physicists, he had a notorious career spanning over 40 years. A prolific author, Hawking wrote over 200 books and publications. His public appearances turned him into a veritable celebrity as well. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States. And that was only one of his many awards and achievements. He was severely disabled by a variant of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). He was diagnosed with motor neuron disease when he was 21. Doctors said he would not survive more than two or three years, but he proved them wrong, and then some!

Composer & Musician: Ludwig van Beethoven

Beethoven is known as one of the greatest composers in history. He gave his first performance as a pianist at the age of 8. He studied in Vienna under the guidance of Mozart. By his mid-twenties, he was considered a virtuoso because of his brilliant improvisational skills. At the age of 26, Beethoven started losing his hearing. Despite his progressive disability, he created some of the greatest works in the history of music. Among them is the 9th Symphony, the 5th Piano Concerto, and countless classical masterpieces.

Athlete - Marla Runyan

Marla Runyan is a 3-times national champion in the women’s 5000 meters. She is also a 5-times gold medalist in the Paralympics. In the year 2000, Marla became the first legally blind Paralympian to compete in the Olympic Games. She also holds many records such as 20000 Road (2003), All-Female Marathon (2002), and the Heptathlon (1996). At the age of 9, Runyan was diagnosed with Stargardt’s Disease, a form of macular degeneration. But she's always been able to see her goals through.

Mathematician - John Nash

John Nash was an American Mathematician and Nobel Laureate. His work spans many branches of mathematics and is widely thought of as revolutionary. He advanced differential geometry, game theory, and partial differential equations, among other topics.

From a young age, he performed scientific experiments in his room, pursuing his deep passion for understanding the hidden patterns of nature. He studied Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Mathematics at the Carnegie Mellon University. In 1959, Nash started showing severe signs of paranoia.

He was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia after being involuntarily admitted to a hospital. Following treatment, he checked himself into a facility and received electroshock therapy for nine years. He gradually started recovering during the following decades. His work earned him awards and recognition such as the John von Neumann Theory Prize (1978) and the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences (1994), a testament to what can be accomplished by people with even the most debilitating disabilities.

So, next time you start thinking of jobs for disabled person, take a minute to think outside the box. Focus less on what you can’t do, and more on what you’re truly good at. When you’re doing something you really shine at, you’ll find the world seems to accommodate to your needs. Not to mention the rewarding feeling of knowing you’re doing something you’re great at.

5 Work at Home Jobs for Disabled Persons

For many people living with a disability, it is difficult to commute or even work for extended periods of time. But this doesn’t mean that they can’t have a productive work life. In that case, there are many jobs for disabled persons that can be carried out at home. These jobs are ideal for those who have chronic conditions that require special environments or for those who have physical limitations that make it difficult for them to fulfill their responsibilities in a traditional workspace.

Below, we present a list of 5 jobs that people with different disabilities can do at their own pace without the need to leave their home.

1.Online business owner

There are different ways to go about becoming an online business owner. The most common one is selling products on platforms such as eBay, Etsy, or Amazon.

Another way is to set up an e-commerce website and sell products from there, or if you have a specialized skill or knowledge sell your consultant services through a website.

Another way to make use of the internet to make a living is through affiliate marketing.

These types of dentures require that you market your products or yourself in order to be successful, which will take a lot of time and effort in the beginning. The advantage of this is that you can do it at your own pace.

However, it takes time to start earning money, and income won’t always be steady as sales and services purchasing tend to vary seasonally.

2.Virtual assistant

Virtual assistant jobs differ in the type and amount of responsibilities required from the person, and it can be done on a freelance basis or under an employment contract. Responsibilities for virtual assistant positions vary from simply replying to emails, to administrative and bookkeeping duties. Some other common responsibilities include:

• ü  Online research
• ü  Data entry
• ü  Making presentations
• ü  Email managing
• ü  Social media management

3.Freelance professional (writer, editor, designer, programmer)

If you are a creative person and/or have specialized or technical knowledge in design or coding, you can offer your services on freelance platforms such as Upwork, Fiverr, Textbroker, Scalable Path and others.

4.Translator/ Over-the-phone Interpreter

If you have advanced knowledge of a second or third language, you can become a translator or an over-the-phone interpreter. There are platforms specialized in connecting translation/interpretation professionals with clients, but there are also many translation agencies that hire the services of remote translators and over-the-phone interpreter. Bear in mind that to be a successful translator you need to have excellent writing and reading command of the other language or languages you are looking to offering your services on and in some cases companies seek for certified translators/interpreters.

5.Transcriber

This job consists of listening to audio or video files and copying what is being said following specific guidelines. To become a transcriber, you need to sign up in one of the many pages that offer transcribing jobs, pass the tests they require and voila! You are ready to start making money.

The downside of transcription jobs is that it is not a steady income as most of these companies do not guarantee that there will always be work available. So maybe you want to consider this option as a way to make some extra cash, instead of as a potential full-time job. Some of the more popular transcription jobs sites for beginners are TranscribeMe, Scribe, and Rev.

Nowadays many companies are hiring virtual employees worldwide. Among these, we can mention Amazon, Apple, Humana, Phillips, Xerox, and others.

If you don’t feel comfortable working on your own, and prefer the sense of security provided by full-time or part-time employment, there are many companies hiring work-at-home employees that might have an opening that suits your skills set and knowledge.

The most important thing is to define what type of work you are able to carry out from home without compromising your health and well-being, and how you want to develop your professional life.

If you want to get more information, contact us.