Living with a disability might have its own set of hurdles, but finding gainful employment should not be one of them.
There are plenty of job options for people with disabilities, contributing to their personal growth, fulfillment, and financial stability.
We will discuss various career paths available in the United States for people with disabilities. From government jobs across the nation to specialized job sites, you will find the necessary tools and resources to lead you to your perfect match.
Whether you require accommodation or a more supportive work environment, or both, there are plenty of opportunities available. With some research and a little determination, you can unleash your potential and find a job that fits your needs and skills.
So, let's get started on your journey toward an enriching and gratifying career.
- Jobs for people with physical disabilities
- Jobs for people with mental disabilities
- Discussing mental health conditions with employers
- Government jobs for people with disabilities
- Job sites for people with disabilities
Top Work-from-Home Jobs for People with Physical Disabilities
Physical disabilities can present unique challenges in finding suitable employment, as they may impact a person's mobility, strength, or endurance. However, it is important to remember that many jobs are accessible to people with physical disabilities.
Depending on the nature and severity of the disability, individuals may require accommodations such as assistive technology, flexible scheduling, or modified workspaces.
Here are 6 jobs that are accessible for people with physical disabilities, including work-from-home options:
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Customer Service Representative: Many companies offer customer service positions with work-from-home options, which can be a great choice. These roles typically involve interacting with customers over the phone or online and providing assistance with their needs.
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Transcriptionist: With the use of captions or transcripts, individuals can review the audio recording and create a written transcript that accurately reflects the spoken content. You can make use of special assistive devices to listen to the audio recordings. People with hearing impairments and limited mobility or strength may find this to be a suitable choice of work.
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Writer: Writing is a versatile career that can be carried out from home, making it a fantastic choice for people with physical impairments. Writing can cover a range of subjects, including technical writing, blogging, and copywriting, among others.
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Data Entry: Another work-from-home alternative is data entry, which involves entering information into a computer system. Given that it doesn't involve any physical labor, this is an ideal choice.
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Social Media Manager: Private companies, especially the education sector, have a high-demand for social media managers. The jobs require creating posts, responding to comments, and managing social campaigns. This can be done from home and does not require physical accommodations.
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Online Tutor: Tutoring online is a great way for people with disabilities to share their knowledge and expertise with others. This can include any subject or specialization - from academics to fine arts.
Note: Your job options are not limited to the list above. These are just a few generic options that you can take up, independent of your specialization.
You can find many more work-from-home jobs in fields specific to your interest via the National Telecommuting Institute which is a great space to begin your job search.
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Top Jobs for Individuals with Mental Health Conditions in the US
Individuals with mental health conditions may find suitable job options, with flexible schedules or low-stress levels, in the 4 A's - assistant, animals, agriculture, and art.
Here are some examples of jobs in these fields:
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Assistant: Jobs such as administrative assistant, virtual assistant, or personal assistant can offer flexible schedules and low-stress levels. Other assistant jobs such as teaching assistant, lab assistant, or dental assistant may also be suitable.
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Animals: Working with animals can be therapeutic and jobs in this field may include pet sitting, dog walking, veterinary assistant, or working in a pet store.
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Agriculture: Outdoor jobs such as landscaping, gardening, or farming can provide a sense of peace and connection with nature. These jobs may include tasks such as mowing lawns, planting flowers, tending to crops, or caring for livestock.
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Art: Jobs in the art field can be particularly suitable for individuals with mental health conditions who enjoy being creative. Some examples include art therapists, graphic designers, art teachers, or museum/gallery assistants.
Note: Everyone's experience with mental health conditions is unique and what may work for one person may not work for another. Individuals need to explore their options and find a job that works best for them.
Discussing Mental Health Conditions with Potential Employers
For individuals with mental health conditions who are seeking employment, it can be challenging to decide whether or not to disclose their condition to potential employers. Here are some tips to consider:
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Know your rights: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in the workplace. This includes mental health conditions.
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Consider your options: Depending on your specific situation, you may want to consider disclosing your condition to potential employers. This can allow you to request accommodations, such as a flexible work schedule or a quiet workspace.
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Be selective: When deciding whether to disclose your condition, it is important to be selective about which employers you share this information with. Look for companies that have a positive track record in terms of accommodating employees with disabilities.
To check the above, first of all, start with the company website as well as their reviews on Glassdoor and Trustpilot. You can also consider reaching out to former/present employees to ask about their experiences with disability accommodations.
Moreover, many organizations advocate for the rights of individuals with disabilities, such as the National Council on Independent Living or the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund.
These organizations may have information on companies that have a positive track record in terms of accommodating employees with disabilities.
With the right job and accommodations, individuals with mental health conditions can thrive in their workplace.
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7 Ideal Government Jobs for People Living with Disabilities
Government employers tend to be more cognizant of diversity quotas and are better equipped to accommodate new hires with disabilities.
Below are 7 government jobs that may be particularly suitable for applicants with disabilities:
- Human Resources
- Talent Acquisition or Recruitment
- Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
- Visual Information Specialist
- Network Security Specialist
- Loan Underwriter
- Data Entry
5 Job Sites for People with Disabilities
You can find job listings for people with disabilities at the following private and government websites:
- Disability Job Exchange
- Job Accommodation Network
- AbilityOne
- USAJobs
- U.S. Office of Personnel Management
Key Takeaways
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Utilize search engines. Start by deciding the career you are interested in, and then use the resources listed above to locate openings in your area.
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Seek out resources and organizations that specialize in your specific disability. These groups may be able to provide valuable support and information to help you find better employment options.
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Remember that employers are prohibited from discriminating against individuals with disabilities. This means that you should be evaluated based on your qualifications and abilities, not your disability.
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Consider looking into federal government jobs if you are searching for job opportunities accessible and accommodating to impairments. These agencies are required by law to provide equal employment opportunities to everyone, regardless of their disability status.
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