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Jobs for people with disabilities

Jobs for people with disabilities

Due to modern advances in the medical sphere and the sphere of technology, people with disabilities can have a more comfortable and fulfilled life. For example, the rapid progress in neuroprosthetics and fully-realized brain-controlled device development is bringing us closer and closer to the dream of fully replacing missing limbs. Technological advances, in their turn, allow people with limited mobility to work from the comfort of their homes or any other point in the world without commuting long hours. All these achievements make it real for people with disabilities to obtain a formal education and find jobs with competitive salaries. Just keep on reading our article to learn more about the opportunities a job market provides for disabled people nowadays.

Definition of Disability

A disability is a condition of the body or mind due to which a person with this condition experiences activity limitations or participation restrictions when interacting with the world around them. It’s worth mentioning that the same type of disability can impact two different people differently. Some disabilities may be even not easy to see at first glance.

Disability can be rooted in numerous reasons:

  • present at birth
  • developmental conditions emerging during childhood
  • injury-related
  • a longstanding condition (diabetes) which results in a disability
  • age-related, etc.

According to the World Health Organization, disabilities are divided into such categories:

  1. Impairment in a person’s physical (speech impairments) or mental functioning (anxiety disorders);
  2. Activity limitation: seeing, hearing, walking, or problem-solving difficulties;
  3. Participation restrictions in typical everyday activities: working and performing job duties, learning disabilities, engaging in social and recreational activities, etc.

Overview of Disability Employment Challenges in the US

It’s not a secret that a person with disabilities tends to go through numerous challenges when looking for a decent job. It’s also heartbreaking that the disabled population faces the worst employment outcomes among all other demographic groups. Of course, it’s not about disability discrimination; it’s more about a still ongoing process of disability employment opportunities development.

Let’s start with the fact that some jobs cannot ensure adequate working conditions even for non-disabled people, what to say about the disabled ones? The striking examples include:

  • Inaccessible transportation to the workplace.
  • Hurdles maneuvering around the office.
  • Low accessibility of the tools and technology needed for work.
  • Just the absence of restrooms for the disabled.

Poor employment opportunities and poorly paid jobs doom people with disabilities to living below the poverty line and depending on others which hardly contributes to their wellness and well-being. However, the October statistics presented by the Kessler Foundation and the UNH Institute on Disability show that the labor force participation rate among disabled people increased by 0.4 percent between August and September 2022. We’re moving the right way.

What is a non-competitive hiring process

When it comes to people with disabilities, hiring agencies resort to a special authority called Schedule A, which releases a candidate with physical, mental, or intellectual disabilities from the competitive process. Such employment may be temporary (1 year or less), time-limited (more than 1 year), or permanent. Sometimes, if an employee has been demonstrating satisfactory performance for two years, they may become eligible for conversion to a permanent competitive service position.

In the interview, an applicant with disabilities is normally asked about their qualifications and how they would deal with the job’s core responsibilities. Hiring persons are not allowed to raise the subject of the candidate’s disabilities unless it’s directly connected with performing their job duties.

Benefits of Employment to People with Disabilities

The very first benefit that pops up in our minds when talking about employment for people with disabilities is material independence; it’s followed by social security disability benefits and a non-competitive hiring process that federal jobs usually offer. These obviously matter, however, it is not the main prize. Check out some other equally meaningful gains a disabled person gets when finding a job:

  1. New acquaintances. It’s a great chance to improve your social life, learn what being a part of a team feels like, and have fun partaking in corporate activities and events.
  2. New skills. There is always room for improvement. Attending job training sessions, workshops, or education courses will definitely increase your value in the job market and set you on the road to career advancement opportunities.
  3. New self-perception. By doing your job, you definitely make a difference. Your contribution to a company makes a difference. Realizing it is bound to boost your self-confidence.

Employment Opportunities Available to People with Disabilities in the US

As we’ve already mentioned, there is the Schedule A Hiring Authority, according to which Federal agencies hire individuals with disabilities. However, applicants should be acknowledged that Schedule A implies a non-competitive process but doesn’t guarantee the job offer. Furthermore, to participate in the program, an individual is obliged to:

  • have relevant experience and required competencies for the job;
  • provide documentation that proves their disability.

The “Proof of a disability” letter can be received from your doctor or any other licensed medical professional, a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist, a federal state, or a local agency that provides disability benefits.

Besides the Schedule A program, disabled persons can consider looking for jobs themselves on job-search boards or work sites. Usually, there is the “individuals with disabilities” filter option in search or a special icon that demonstrates that a company is open to hiring people with disabilities. To find additional information, one may check USAJOBS (usajobs.gov), the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (opm.gov), or Social Security Administration (ssa.gov), the disability employment section.

Top 10 Jobs for People with Disabilities in the US

Once you’ve learned about the intricacies of the employment process for disabled people, let’s cut to the chase and check 10 jobs that are available for individuals with disabilities. If to search on any job site, businesses and companies are always actively recruiting workers with impairments. There is a wide range of spheres that offer employment as well. One must make a resume listing their abilities, qualifications, and relevant experience and submit it via the job site or email.

Accessible Technology Specialist

Accessible technology is designed in such a way that it is inclusive of all users and their wide variety of abilities. Thanks to accessible technology specialists, people with visual impairments are able to comfortably use modern devices. Text-to-speech (TTS) software, in its turn, reads written content out loud so people can envision the content of the site by hearing its description and therefore use it. It’s not that easy to implement: all the content, including images and videos, should be formatted in a specific way. The mission brings together IT specialists, engineers, designers, and educators. Doesn’t this job look extremely rewarding?

Adapted Physical Education Instructor

Adapted physical education teachers are responsible for making a school’s PE program suitable for both students with disabilities and non-disabled ones, which makes it extremely important. Furthermore, adapted physical education teachers conduct comprehensive motor assessments of their students, based on which they create individualized education programs for disabled students or students with developmental delays. Adapted physical education teachers typically work directly with kids, monitor and report on their progress to their parents. The job requires special education:

  • certification tests such as the APENS examination;
  • a degree in physical education along with a teaching certification.

Audio Typist/Transcriptionist

An audio typist and a transcriptionist are actually different jobs. Let’s have a look at both of them. An audio typist usually transcribes different office correspondence like letters, memos, and reports dictated by another person. Usually, it’s the same person, allowing them to quickly get familiar with their voice specifics and work materials. A transcriptionist’s duties include more skills. Sometimes they have to transcribe a multi-group discussion of about 30 people or more. Not only does it require excellent hearing ability but also immense patience and concentration. There might be obstacles such as accents and dialects, lots of specialist vocabulary, poor audio quality, or background noises on the recordings.

Customer Service Representative

A person who helps potential customers learn more about the product or service that their company offers is called a customer service representative. Furthermore, they also deal with customers’ concerns, complaints, or requests of any type. Communication is usually carried out via phone, email, online web chat, or any social media on which a company’s products or services are represented. The main aim of a customer service representative is to ensure that their client is happy and satisfied with the experience they provide. Besides solid knowledge of the product or service they offer, the necessary soft skills a customer service representative should possess are:

  • communication skills
  • attention to detail
  • patience
  • ability to multitask
  • strong organizational skills
  • adaptability and flexibility

Interpreter/Translator

Interpreting is the process of converting spoken words from a source language into a target language, such as oral communication, audio conferences, business negotiations, legal proceedings, and public speeches. An interpreter acts as a middleman between two parties involved in a conversation to ensure that both parties understand each other. The responsibilities of a translator are similar to those of an interpreter but translators typically only work on written materials. The tasks assigned to a translator include, but are not limited to: writing translations in another language, revising and editing existing translations to ensure correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation, collaborating with others involved in the translation process, and working in a variety of settings to translate a variety of documents.

A candidate does have to meet the minimum job requirements, namely a Bachelor’s degree and at least 1 year of work experience. Besides the language(s) mastery, a candidate has to be able to read and write accurately, and have excellent listening and speaking skills.

Office Assistant/Clerical Worker

As an office assistant, you will be responsible for performing various clerical tasks and assisting the office staff. In this position, you will be the first point of contact for the office and provide administrative support to the staff and clients of the company. An office assistant typically handles phone calls and emails and responds to requests from the public and staff. Other duties include maintaining filing systems, making travel arrangements, and ordering office supplies, depending on the company. The ideal candidate for this position will be highly organized, with excellent attention to detail, as well as communication and interpersonal skills. Administrative role experience would definitely work for your benefit.

Occupational Therapist Assistant/Aide

A pretty challenging, however unbelievably rewarding job. Firstly, let’s define some hallmarks between an occupational therapist (OT) and an occupational therapist assistant (OTA). The latter doesn’t have the same level of autonomy, so a candidate may apply for the position having an associate’s degree. Normally, they may be handed with creating the treatment plans, taking detailed notes of the patient’s progress, and reporting on it to the O.T. However, OTAs still have to possess deep knowledge of occupational therapy interventions, anatomy and body mechanics, psychology, and psycho-social approaches. Providing physical and emotional support is also integral to their everyday job.

Pharmacy Technician

A pharmacy technician is an important link of any healthcare team as they assist pharmacists with a wide range of duties. Normally, this list includes preparing new prescriptions, dispensing medication to patients, as well as packing and labeling prescribed medication. Sometimes, pharmacy technicians can help with processing insurance claims, tracking inventory, and doing paperwork. This job would be a perfect match for those who don’t want to do clinical work but is into medicine and helping people. The position does require special education – a high school degree with in-service training. One may also consider completing a post-secondary course or obtaining an associate’s degree.

Rehabilitation Counselor

Rehabilitation counselors work with individuals who are struggling with any kind of mental, emotional, social, or physical disabilities and, therefore, increase their independence and employability. They are often in charge of coordination work, helping patients adapt to their conditions, creating rehabilitation programs based on their needs assessment, and even identifying and creating career training or education opportunities for them. A big part of their routine would be consulting with doctors, therapists, and psychologists. An employee with a disability may become an inspiration and a role model for people to follow and never lose faith in the opportunity of having a fulfilled life.

Teacher Assistant/Tutor

For those who are eager to work in the educational sphere but do not interact with students too much, a teacher assistant position will suit them perfectly. Still, a teacher assistant is engaged in communication with students as they may assist and support special education individuals with adapting to the learning process peculiarities. No doubt, a teacher assistant should possess a bunch of interpersonal skills, such as being patient, open-minded, kind, emphatic, sympathetic, cooperative, and many more. This is one hundred percent demanding job, as it requires dealing with students of various backgrounds, abilities, and conditions; however, it’s remarkably rewarding too. Furthermore, it’s infinitely creative, as a teacher assistant is in charge of preparing materials and adapting lessons to students’ needs and abilities.

Work-From-Home Careers

The abovementioned jobs for people with disabilities require being physically present at the workplace. Still, there are high chances of finding exciting jobs and working from home for those who have difficulties moving somewhere. Many businesses have gone online and are eager to hire people from different backgrounds and abilities. Computer science is also at the peak of popularity now. It provides a bewildering palette of opportunities for those who want or have to work from home. Furthermore, there are absolutely favorable conditions for starting and running your own business online or becoming a freelancer and making money with some of the freelance platforms, so why not?

Job Search Tips for a Person with a Disability

It’s vital to remember for everybody that people with disabilities represent the same valuable talent pool as non-disabled ones. Very often, a person’s disability may not affect them performing their job duties at all; however, the social stigma around people with disabilities does affect many of them. Therefore, there are some tips and tricks to keep in mind when looking for jobs for people with disabilities.

Building Self-Confidence and Setting Career Goals

This might be an arduous task, but it’s worth it. The very first step on your way to the goal is actually identifying this goal; otherwise, how will you know where to head to? We do realize that, for example, for a person who struggles with an anxiety disorder, building self-confidence without a professional’s help can be a pipe dream. However, being willing to build it and realizing that you need help is a huge step toward your goal. Nothing is impossible!

Understanding Rights, Benefits, and Resources for Individuals with Disabilities

When looking for jobs for people with disabilities, it’s also necessary to be well aware of how the state can protect and support such individuals. Human resources department representatives have also to be acknowledged and provide information on excellent benefits their company offers; however, it’s never superfluous to do your own research and find additional information before going to an interview.

Identifying Accessible Workplace Support

In other words, you should prepare a list of questions for the employer on how accessible and inclusive their workplace and work environment are. Those may include digital accessibility, interior accessibility, or the company’s culture inclusiveness. You should ensure that your future employer is open to your requests for reasonable accommodations if they can really make a difference in your performance.

Networking and Reaching Out to Employers

Communication works wonders. By networking, not only can you find new friends and valuable connections, but you also expand your employment options. Feel free to reach out to employees via LinkedIn, for instance; if they can’t help you with employment in their own company, they may share an excellent recommendation.

Finding Job Preparation Support Services

Federal agencies usually provide a Selective Placement Program Coordinator (SPPC) or a Special Emphasis Program Manager (SEPM) responsible for recruiting, hiring, and accommodating people with disabilities. You may find the list of Federal jobs for which individuals with disabilities can apply on USAJOBS (usajobs.com).

The Main Interview Tip for a Person with a Disability

A job seeker with a disability, first and foremost, should know and remember that it’s against the law to ask them about their disability unless it’s directly connected with performing their job.

Reading Up on Anti-Discrimination Laws in the United States

According to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, sections 501 and 505, employees and job applicants are protected by Federal law from employment discrimination based on disability. It also requires Federal agencies to make reasonable accommodations for any known disabilities unless they cause any undue hardship. Be sure to check the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission guidance on disability discrimination (eeoc.gov).

Conclusion

To conclude, there are different kinds of disabilities people can struggle with, sometimes even not that obvious to recognize. However, it should allow everybody to pursue their career goals and gain material independence. Many modern companies and businesses are actively hiring individuals with disabilities. Therefore, one should create a resume with relevant qualifications and experience and feel free to apply for the position one wants to pursue. Furthermore, some Federal jobs and programs protect disabled people’s rights and offer numerous employment options and social security disability benefits. One should only be well aware of their rights and benefits to make sure everything is done to reach a comfortable, accessible, and inclusive work environment for people who need it for a normal and fulfilled professional life.

Date: 28 December 2022
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