Contribution by: Linda Chase

Image via Pexels

Individuals with disabilities boost their careers. Approximately 61 million adults in the United States have some form of disability, but that doesn’t mean they don’t want lucrative and exciting careers. Instead, they simply have to keep their condition in mind when navigating the labor market, ensuring they head in a direction that works best for them.

Luckily, by taking advantage of what technology offers and being tenacious, having a successful career is easier than you may expect. If you have a disability and want to take your career to the next level, here’s how you can make it happen.

Learn More About Assistive Technologies

Assistive technologies may be a critical part of your career success. You’ll have devices, software, and other tools available that can allow you to work efficiently, ensuring you’re able to perform well regardless of your disability.

Often, individuals with disabilities aren’t fully aware of all of the available assistive technologies. By familiarizing yourself with them, you can find the right additions for your home office or company workstation.

If you work for a traditional employer, it’s also wise to determine if various assistive technologies could qualify as reasonable accommodations. If so, your employer may cover the cost, allowing you to get what you need to remain productive while in the role without busting your budget.

Embrace Remote Learning

When it comes to career advancement, acquiring new knowledge and improving your skillset is often critical. By seizing remote learning opportunities, boosting your capabilities is often easier. You can study at home, allowing you to remain in a space that’s designed with your needs in mind. Plus, many remote programs allow you to go at your own pace, giving you plenty of flexibility.

Selecting the right program is relatively simple. By keeping your passions in mind, you can choose options that send your career in the right direction.

Choose the Right Career Path

When you have a disability, finding the right career path may feel challenging. However, by turning to the proper resources and considering the various options, you can find an approach that will meet your needs.

If you prefer traditional employment, focus on companies that are known for being accommodating. Resources like DisabledPerson and RecruitDisability can be solid places to start. They focus on employers that value a diverse workforce and are committed to helping professionals with disabilities thrive, increasing the odds that you’ll find a suitable position.

Concentrating on government opportunities can also be wise, as government agencies are typically better equipped to offer accommodations. Plus, USAJOBS has a filter that lets you narrow down the results based on disability-friendly positions, making your search more efficient.

When you’re ready to start looking for a job, you’ll want a top-notch resume to help garner the interest you need. Putting together a resume is a rather nuanced process, and it’s often beneficial to work with a professional from Resume Writers’ Ink. We can help you learn to create the perfect resume, or even put it together for you. 

A Different Direction

If you aren’t finding what you want with a traditional employer, you may want to consider freelancing or entrepreneurship. Many home-based business options can be incredibly lucrative and provide you with a significant amount of flexibility, ensuring you can work on your terms.

Plus, working remotely can offer the perfect environment for those with physical disabilities who don’t want to navigate cramped offices or older buildings. Not to mention that remote work can be highly beneficial from a stress standpoint. You have the flexibility to manage your time according to your needs and wants, you’ll enjoy enhanced productivity (no water cooler talk to navigate) and you’ll likely have an easier time finding work-life alignment. 

The career you want is within your grasp; it simply requires persistence and the desire to find workarounds that fit your situation. With the above tips, you’ll be well on your way to your dream job. 

We appreciate you reading our blog focusing on how individuals with disabilities boost their careers!