Do You Need to Disclose Your Disability When Getting a Job?

Jobs for people with disabilities aren’t as difficult to find as some people believe, but even with a low unemployment rate, the opportunity to apply for a job that fits perfectly with your lifestyle, education, and experience can be elusive. When that great career prospect presents itself, many people agonize over the resume, wanting to submit a portrait of the perfect candidate. However, if you’re living with a disability, you may be concerned about whether or not you need to disclose it when applying, interviewing for, or starting a new job. Here’s what you should know.

Reluctance to Disclose a Disability 

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ensures people cannot be discriminated against because of the status of their health. If you have a physical disability, it may be apparent when you show up for the interview, but you can rely on your interview skills and personality to show how perfect you are for the job. The hardest part is getting that first meeting. Many people feel they put themselves at a disadvantage if they acknowledge health issues on the resume because, even with the protections of the ADA, it may prevent the application from reaching the top of the pile. 

Learn About the Employer

This is important for many reasons. You need to find out if the company you’re applying to is a Federal Contractor (a company that does business with the federal government). By rule of the government, Federal Contractors need to have 6 percent of their workforce be people with disabilities (6 percent across all job descriptions). Applying for a job with a Federal Contractor gives a person with a disability an advantage. Of course, the employer is always going to hire the most qualified candidate. However, if the person with the disability is as qualified as anyone else for the position, said employer will give him or her serious consideration, which is why sites like ours are important. They allow you to self-disclose as a person with a disability.

The Legal Requirements 

There’s no legal requirement to disclose a disability to your employer when applying for a job, or even when you accept it. As long as you’re able to complete the requirements of the job description, it’s completely up to you what health information you share. However, until you notify your employer, they’re also under no obligation to provide the accommodation you may need to help you do your job. 

Timing the Disclosure of a Disability 

Know that an employer cannot ask you if you have a disability. It’s against the law to do so. However, they can present you with a form that asks you to self-identify if you belong to one of the groups below, which may include but is not limited to disabled, protected veteran, and more. The form may be presented to you at the initial interview, during the interview process, or at the job offer. You’ve read the list of job responsibilities and still feel you’re the best person for the job, otherwise you wouldn’t have applied. If you can fulfill the job requirement without special accommodation from the employer, the answer to this question is no. If your job responsibilities change after you’re hired or your health status changes, a disability can be disclosed at any time during employment. Once you’ve notified the employer, no matter how long you’ve been on the job, accommodations must be made to help you complete your duties. 

Your Right to Privacy 

Whether you decide to disclose your disability or not, you have a right to privacy. Even if your medical circumstances change and you need further accommodation or a leave of absence under short-term disability or FMLA, your employer isn’t allowed access to your health records without your authorization. This doesn’t mean you won’t have to provide documentation from your doctor to be eligible for these benefits, but personal information that isn’t specific to the situation is under your control.

There are many jobs for disabled people available, and there’s a good chance you’ll find what you’re looking for when searching the job listings provided by disABLEDperson, Inc. Our primary focus is helping individuals with physical and mental disabilities secure employment. Please give us a call at 760-420-1269 if you have any questions.

Job Hunting Strategies for Individuals with Vision Impairment

Strategies for Finding a Job if You Have Vision Impairment

Searching for a job as a person with a vision impairment may seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. For those who are visually impaired, the job hunt includes many of the same steps as it does for someone who is sighted. Adding a few extra strategies to your toolbox can help you land your dream job. 

Network with Other Visually Impaired Individuals

Utilize social networks like LinkedIn and Facebook to connect with other local people with vision impairment. Talk to them about what they do, how they handle things such as disclosing vision impairment to an employer, and which companies often hire those with vision impairments.

Visit Job Boards Geared Toward the Visually Impaired 

Organizations like National Federation of the Blind or American Foundation for the Blind often have listings of jobs for individuals with disabilities, including companies willing to work with those with vision impairments. They also have great resources regarding the interview process. 

Follow Each Company’s Browser Requirements for Completing Applications

It may seem a little obvious, but using a non-recommended browser could cause the application to be less cooperative with your screen reader or magnification program. If you need help with the application process in any way, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local blind services agency, vocational rehabilitation counsellor, or even the recruiter or HR department themselves. It’s always best to ask questions if needed. 

Research the Company You’re Interested In

A good way to impress the interviewer on a phone interview is to have done research about the company and the job itself. Go to the company’s website and look at their “About Us” section. Note their core values and which of them you feel you relate with most. It’s also a good idea to go back over the job description, requirements, and duties. Make sure you can touch on the skills you have that are in line with the qualifications for the job. 

Scout the Office Location Before Going to the Interview

Make sure you know where the office is located, how you will get there, and where the entrance you would go through is. It’s also a good idea to take a test run to the location using the mode of transportation you’re planning to take and going at the time your interview will be so you have a good idea of how long it should take you, and also so you can maintain a sense of calm regarding getting to the interview on time.

Whether you’re living with some form of visual impairment or another disability, jobs for the disabled aren’t as difficult to find as you might think. You’re likely to find something that suits your skill set in the job listings at disABLEDperson, Inc. If you have any questions about applying for the jobs on our site, don’t hesitate to give us a call at 760-420-1269.

Can an Employer Fire You for Having a Disability?

Can Your Employer Fire You if You Have a Disability?

People living with disabilities deserve to know it’s their right to obtain jobs. You can work disabled, but all too often, people who live with disabilities assume their mental or physical impairment will prevent them from being hired or that their disability will somehow inconvenience their employer. Many people even assume their disability will cause them to be fired from a job they already have obtained. If you’re a person who lives with a disability and has at one time or another shared one of these false assumptions, please consider the following truths. 

According to federal legislation, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits all employers from discriminating against individuals with disabilities. This statute extends to all employment-related activities, including hiring, training, and firing. The ADA gives people who live with disabilities the same right to pay, promotions, and benefits as everyone else. 

Perhaps you were hired as a non-disabled person but have since become either mentally or physically impaired in some way. In this case, your employer still doesn’t have the right to terminate you, seeing that you’re able to perform the essential functions of your job. Your employer is required by law to find a "reasonable accommodation" for your disability, one that assists you in completing or performing your job functions. The ADA states that both you and your employer are responsible for engaging in the “interactive process,” or an exchange of dialogue, that is intended to match your work-related needs with effective solutions. 

As a person living with a disability, it’s your responsibility to communicate your needs to your employer. You’re responsible for asking your employer for a reasonable accommodation, either personally or through the assistance of another person. If you don’t, your employer cannot be held liable for not providing you with an accommodation. It’s against the law for your employer to fire you if you require a reasonable accommodation to perform your essential job functions. 

In certain instances, a person's disability requires having access to special environments or modified work spaces. Your employer cannot fire you for needing or requesting these accommodations. All company-wide services, programs, and non-work spaces must also be made accessible to employees with disabilities. For example, if your employer provides transportation services to non-disabled employees, those same transportation services must be made accessible to you as well. Whichever change your employer has to undergo, or whatever minor investment your employer has to incur to make the workplace more accessible to you, know that those things are trivial when compared to the perspective and expertise your skill set is bringing to their place of business.

If you’re an individual living with a disability who is seeking employment, search the job boards provided by disABLEDperson, Inc. You’ll find a wide array of available jobs for disabled men and women. To learn more about the services we provide, or if you have any additional questions, please give us a call at 760-420-1269 to speak with one of our friendly representatives.

5 Great Work-from-Home Jobs for People with Anxiety

The above picture is of a man sitting at his desk working on his laptop

5 Ideal Work-from-Home Jobs for Individuals Living with Anxiety

Working from home is a great way to earn a living while also enjoying flexibility as you achieve financial freedom. If you live with anxiety and have difficulties with traditional workplaces, there are many opportunities available that allow you to work at your own pace and with a variety of skill sets that provide lucrative opportunities. 

1. Copywriter or Blogger 

Working as a freelance writer is one way to earn an income even if you experience extreme anxiety. Copywriters and bloggers are in demand whether you enjoy writing on niche topics or prefer submitting hot topics to local and national magazines. Launch your own blog, create an online portfolio, and sharpen your writing skills by joining online communities and forums to get started. 

2. Virtual Assistant 

Virtual assistants are on the rise, making it an optimal career choice for those who prefer working from the comfort of their own homes. When you work as a virtual assistant, you can do so using your computer and with basic typing and communication skills. Responding to customer service inquiry emails and texts allows you to work without directly communicating with others. 

3. Graphic Designer/Illustrator 

If you have a knack for drawing, painting, or creating graphics using popular digital software, consider working as a freelance graphic designer or illustrator. Freelance graphic designers and illustrators can create book covers, magazine graphics, and marketing materials for new and expanding brands. Develop your online portfolio and research companies that are currently seeking freelance and remote workers to contribute to their publications and brands. 

4. Transcriber 

Transcription work is one of the best jobs for mildly disabled individuals, especially if you face a conflict with anxiety and working traditional positions. Working as a transcriber is possible regardless of your education, and it essentially requires the ability to type at a quick rate. Research transcription companies online to compare pay and submit your application. Increase your transcription rate by building a portfolio and a positive rapport with clients once you’re accepted to build your reputation and increase your overall earnings. 

5. Programmer 

Programming and software development is one of the most lucrative career paths that allow individuals to work from just about any location. If you have a passion for building and creating and want to learn more about various languages, get started with a bit of research. Learn the basics first, such as HTML5, CSS, Java, and JavaScript. Expand into the world of programming with languages such as Ruby, Perl, and a complete understanding of SQL. New languages are created each year, providing the opportunity to discover your true passion while generating income.

Whether you’re living with anxiety or have a physical disability that makes it challenging to commute for work, there are many jobs for individuals with disabilities that can easily be done from the comfort of home. Take a look at the wide array of job listings provided by disABLEDperson, Inc. Hundreds and even thousands of new listings are posted every day. Call 760-420-1269 if you’d like to speak with one of our friendly representatives.

6 Reasons to Not Let a Disability Stop You from Working

The above picture is of a man at a table writing on a piece of paper which is on a clipboard 

6 Reasons to Not Let Your Disability Get in the Way of Finding Work

Disabilities cover a wide range of territory. From medical conditions such as epilepsy to more debilitating conditions such as blindness, not all disabilities present the same obstacles. Many individuals with disabilities are still able to find gainful employment. Here are six reasons to avoid letting your disability get in the way of finding your ideal job. 

1. Boost Your Emotional Health 

While many people work simply to bring home a paycheck, earning money isn’t the only reason for working. Human beings generally thrive when they have a reason for getting out of bed in the morning. Though many people wouldn’t work if they didn’t have to, they might also be a lot unhappier if they weren't working. 

2. Take Your Focus Off Your Disability 

When a disability occurs later in life, it can become easy to get wrapped up in your own thoughts or trapped in your own head. Individuals with too much time on their hands to think about their condition can quickly become depressed. Having a job can fill your time and prevent you from dwelling on your disability, and it can also give you a sense of purpose. 

3. Gain a Sense of Fulfillment 

No job is going to be great every day, but every job is going to have some days that are more fulfilling than others. Whether it’s the day your boss tells you what a wonderful job you’re doing or the time you performed a challenging task without any help, a job can provide a wide range of opportunities for small victories. 

4. Raise Your Status in the Eyes of Others 

Some misinformed people view individuals with disabilities as a drain on societal resources, and sometimes this viewpoint can cause those living with disabilities to feel the same way. People with disabilities who hold down jobs contribute to society, and they can even change the way others think about those who are disabled. Jobs are one of the many ways individuals with disabilities discover their self-worth.

5. Enhance Personal Relationships 

Lacking a sense of purpose or the belief that you’re contributing to society could cause issues in your personal relationships. When people feel they’re contributing and can "hold their own," they also tend to experience healthier relationships with others. 

6. Counteract the Stigma of Disability 

The term "disabled” often connotes images or ideas of being incapable. When people with disabilities hold down jobs or are gainfully employed, they automatically counteract this stigma, both for themselves and others just like them.

Jobs for disabled people are readily available. Search the listings provided by disABLEDperson, Inc. We work with proactive employers to ensure people with disabilities can find the right job to fit their specific skill sets. To learn more about our organization, please give us a call at 760-420-1269.