Home  »  Career Advice • Career Advice For Disabled Job Seekers   »   Career Opportunities for Disabled Job Seekers

Career Opportunities for Disabled Job Seekers

Array

Being disabled does not mean you can’t have the job of your dreams, but it can make things a little bit more difficult.

People with disabilities can learn to live with their limitations with the correct treatment and support and have a huge amount to offer to companies or working for themselves.

While it can be true a person with a physical disability is limited in their capacity to undertake some everyday activities, it does not stop them from having a career and earning a lot of money.

Read our guide below to learn more about the best ways to find work if you have a disability.

READ MORE: Work At Home Jobs For Disabled People

What are the problems disabled jobseekers face in a job search?

People with disabilities can struggle when it comes to searching for jobs, appearing for interviews, and working in an office.

There are limited opportunities for wheelchair users compared to able-bodied people.

In some cases – and through no fault of their own – disabled people may lack skills.

This is because they may not have had the opportunity to take any on-the-job training courses.

Sadly, there are still a lot of stigmas attached to those with disabilities in the workplace. 

This attitude can make disabled job seekers demotivated and reduce their chances of recruitment.

However, there are plenty of roles out there that can be done brilliantly by disabled people.

What skills do you need?

The good news is there is no shortage of work-from-home jobs for disabled people, and you can find job listings on home-based jobs over the internet.

First, ascertain what skills you have.

You may have certain qualities which have the potential for building a career. 

Find out the area in which you are proficient. 

It can be writing, creativity, problem-solving, or people skills. 

No doubt these are important skills aiding you in career development. 

Building the Right Mindset

Start assessing yourself and ask yourself what your strengths and weaknesses are.

However, always be positive. Focus on what you’re good at rather than what you might struggle with. 

You understand your disability better than anyone and know what you can and can’t do.

Your experience has a crucial role

To be successful, you must learn from all your experiences.

Your experience allows you to thrive in a position or even create or operate a home business.

Looking for a job that is wheelchair accessible

A wheelchair can improve a person’s mobility and quality of life by allowing them to have daily routines, including work.

Wheelchair users can succeed in various jobs and job types with the proper help and equipment.

The key is searching for jobs that match your abilities and requirements. 

Securing a job in any profession comes only after hard work and dedication.

A good resume increases your chances of getting shortlisted for an interview, whereas a strong performance at the interview will let you take up that dream position.

We have some helpful tips to help you perform better at both rounds.

READ MORE: Common Mistakes When You Are Applying For Disability Benefits

The importance of a well-crafted resume

Resume writing is a skill, and companies use resumes to evaluate potential workers’ qualifications and decide who to interview or hire.

Everyone looking for work should have an up-to-date résumé that includes employment, school, and volunteer experience.

Producing a resume as a disabled worker follows the same best practices as writing any other type of Resume.

Here are some of the key points to remember while drafting a resume.

Maintain a clear and concise resume

Hiring managers are usually inundated with dozens, if not hundreds, of resumes to sort through to fill a single position.

There isn’t enough time to thoroughly evaluate each applicant’s résumé.

As a result, if don’t grab their interest, they’ll go on to the next applicant.

To prevent a “wall of text” effect, restrict yourself to one page, emphasize short and straightforward terms over lengthier synonyms, and use paragraph breaks and bullet points when required.

Disclosing disabilities

It is crucial to know that there is no legal requirement for you to mention your disability on your resume.

If your condition is not noticeable, the term “disabled” encompasses anything from physical injuries to serious diseases to mental health problems, and an employer is not generally required to be aware of it.

Your priority should be to secure an interview, and opting not to reveal your disability may help you avoid bias.

However, if you need to mention your disability to a potential employer, you can do so in your cover letter.

On the other hand, if you are wheelchair user it is important to ascertain whether the place where you could be interview is disabled friendly or not.

If it’s not, you can request a video or phone interview instead.

Remember your cover letter and resume should represent your qualifications, not your limitations.

Explanation of employment gaps

Disabled people may have long or frequent gaps in their career history.

These gaps on your resume will undoubtedly be noticed by prospective employers, who may ask for an explanation. 

Even in these situations, you are not required to reveal your impairment if you do not want to.

To prevent this problem entirely, note the dates of noticeable gaps on your resume and mention briefly the cause as illness and recovery.

This clarifies why you could not work, indicating that you have recovered and are prepared to perform.

How to face an interview

Interviews can be challenging for disabled people, as they can be for abled-bodied people. 

People usually feel anxious before, during, and after the interview section.

But here’s a question: will it affect your performance?

When stressed, your body communicates your discomfort to the person opposite you.

An interviewer can detect your degree of confidence within the first few seconds.

As a result, it is critical to exhibit your talents and skills.

Your skills should speak for themselves to show employers that a disability does not affect performance.

Your interview is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your abilities and make a strong first impression.

Always check you have brought everything you were asked for and make sure you don’t arrive late.

READ MORE: How To Write A Cover Letter

What are rewarding jobs for wheelchair users?

There are a number of employment opportunities for people who use wheelchairs.

Visit credible job sites to learn about recent job openings.

Keep an eye on every job posting on a job site, and make sure you apply quickly. 

But if you’re in a wheelchair, what type of work can you get? 

Learn about the best jobs by reading this guide.

Why Online Jobs Are a Blessing for Disabled People

There are several advantages of remote or online jobs over traditional office jobs for disabled people. 

More and more people are using this as a career option. 

People with disabilities can take advantage of online jobs as they are the easiest and fastest option.

This means people with disabilities can pursue a job despite having limited mobility.

Many online job opportunities are now available due to the many outsourcing corporations or enterprises searching for online support.

While doing your job searching, the internet is the first place to look.

Many people are now generating money online by building their own businesses, selling items, or selling their services.

The internet today gives people a fantastic opportunity to work a full-time career from home.

Job seekers can utilize job boards to find employment in their desired field.

Best online jobs for wheelchair users

Freelancing

You use your talents and expertise as a freelancer to work for various clients.

Here, instead of being recruited into an organization, you are self-employed.

Based on your area of expertise, you can find an exciting freelance job.

For instance, if you are excellent at writing, start as a freelance writer offering services to magazines or websites and get paid.

To begin freelancing, register accounts on websites that provide freelance services. You can bid on jobs at a higher price if you have established a name in the community.

Virtual Assistant  

As the name suggests, a Virtual Assistant is a remote job ideal for wheelchair users.

This contract-based job requires you to perform various duties to facilitate client business operations.

They typically assist with tasks that take up considerable time for their clients, such as scheduling meetings and appointments. 

With the rise of remote work and virtual offices, there is a greater need for specialists such as virtual assistants.

Graphic Design

If you enjoy developing aesthetically appealing content while working remotely, this is the job for you.

When chance meets creativity, you get a great result from your imagination.

Graphic designers typically work full-time, part-time, or on a contract basis.

Your inventiveness and talents determine the sort of employment you will receive.

However, various industries require different qualifications from individuals.

Data Entry Operator

This is the most prevalent remote job, appearing at the top of every search list.

Data entry may be a viable career option if you have excellent keyboarding abilities, a knack for precision, and the ability to work under pressure.

Operators use computers and data processing systems to insert data into a database or documentation platform.

A data entry job may take you into various businesses because firms from many industries hire for these roles.

Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is a terrific home job for disabled persons to generate an endless income.

You advertise a product using a unique affiliate link, and when someone clicks on your link and purchases a product, your account is credited with a share of the transaction.

When the particular product is sold, the corporation knows the purchaser came from your link and pays you a commission.

You employ internet technologies to acquire your sale and commission.

Home-based Businesses

With the arrival of the internet, career options for disabled people to start a home business have multiplied. Many traditional enterprises can be turned into a home base.

A home company gives them autonomy and flexibility, allowing them to engage in their business and have the same chance of success as everyone else.

People with disabilities who succeed in business meet their financial demands and restore their agility, vigor, and self-confidence.

How to start a business

Before launching a home company, make sure to look into and use all of the government employment resources and grants that are accessible.

Collect more information from websites, online forums, seminars, and information guides for disabled people.

Do a thorough study and learn about the business world to assist you in establishing and managing your company.

Help from the Government for disabled entrepreneurs

Self-employment has long been an alternative for people looking for a new or better job.

Today, many people with disabilities are turning to self-employment freedom to help them reach their professional and financial goals.

Starting one’s own business may provide comparable flexibility, allowing people to earn a livelihood while having a lot of say over work hours, task type, and revenue.

As a result, the Department of Labor supports self-employment and entrepreneurship among individuals with disabilities.

Entrepreneurship Resources, Small Business Administration (SBA), Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), SCORE Small Business Mentors, etc, are some of the guides and courses started by the Government. 

Loans from Government

The state government of the different nations where they wish to establish their business also offers low-interest loans, state-sponsored funds, and grants that are useful for beginning a business from home.

However, to reap the rewards, individuals must first meet their terms and conditions.

Government Jobs as a career option

If you have a disability and are looking for work, you should consider working for the Federal Government.

One of the benefits of public service jobs is that firms are more aware of the diversity quotas they must fill.

Generally, they are more prepared to alter workplaces to welcome new personnel.

Federal jobs get hired faster and more efficiently with a non-competitive hiring procedure than a competitive approach.

How to qualify for the disability quota

You must show proof of your disability, whether it is mental or physical.

This must be provided by a licensed medical expert, a state agency, or a government organization that distributes disability benefits.

You need to add a written assurance covering your capability to perform the job.

This might be from the same organization that provides proof of impairment and could be integrated with the same document.

Top 5 Government jobs for wheelchair users

Here are five federal government jobs that are perfect for people with disabilities.

Human Resources Administrator 

This position is at the top of the list because federal, state, and local governments rely on effective labor management to provide essential services to citizens.

It’s usually a good idea to hire people knowledgeable about the Americans with Disabilities Act to work in human resources compliance.

Recruiter and Talent Search Executive 

Employers are increasingly employing the services of recruiters to help them locate new workers in critical roles at a time when unemployment rates in the United States are at historically low levels.

Government recruiters may coordinate their efforts with local job fairs and specialist recruitment forums.

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor 

This position is critical when many veterans with service-related impairments are attempting to return to employment.

People with impairments feel empowered when they meet peers who have conquered comparable problems.

Furthermore, they value the distinct perspective of persons whose living difficulties have not prevented them from becoming professionals.

Visual Information Specialist 

The US Treasury Department is well-known for hiring remote information experts capable of analyzing big data sets and creating graphic presentations.

This job is great for those who want to work at home.

Network Security Specialist 

Many information security experts work for federal government institutions, including the Selective Service System and the Department of Defense, and many of these roles are filled remotely.

The Office of Disability Employment Policy mandates federal agencies to allow employees who use wheelchairs to work from home, and many of them pursue jobs in information security.

Can I get Social Security disability benefits?

Social Security Impairment Insurance (SSDI) is intended to give monthly compensation to persons unable to work due to a medically determinable disability.

Some people are unable to work due to serious medical issues.

The Federal Government has provided this insurance plan to support people with disabilities and their dependents.

If you intend to apply for social security benefits, it is super important to check your eligibility.

Many people believe that if their doctor declares them unable to work or if they get disability payments from their workplace, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will automatically deem them to be disabled.

However, this is different.

Although the SSA will consider your doctor’s medical evaluation, it will just be one component of their process of identifying your impairment.

If your monthly income is less than $1,350 you can qualify for Social Security disability insurance (SSDI).

The SSA considers your age, medical condition, education, training, previous work experience, and abilities to evaluate whether you can accomplish a job differently than your prior one.

Your claim will be rejected if the SSA feels you can work in another job.

Final Thoughts

Do some excellent career exploration, and then you will find out the endless number of opportunities once unknown.

If you devote time and effort to work from home job and approach it like a real career, you will likely succeed.

Many disabled people have these kinds of work-at-home opportunities. 

The most significant takeaway from this post is to envision yourself being able to pursue your aspirations in life and just doing things that you are most enthusiastic about.

Remember “Man often becomes what he believes himself to be.”

If you continue telling yourself that you can’t do something, you can become physically incapable of accomplishing it.

On the contrary, if you believe you can accomplish anything, you will undoubtedly gain the ability to do so, even if you do not have it at first.

Related Articles