Career Improvement improvement for individuals with disabilities
with Patrick Young of Able USA

Many people with disabilities find it difficult to look for and apply to the perfect job. Thankfully, although job hunting is never easy, it does not have to be such an exhaustive undertaking. If you are a person living with a disability, keep reading. Here, we will take a quick peek at technologies that can help smooth the rough edges of your current or future career.

The search begins

Often, the early stages are the most challenging. This is especially true if you don’t yet know what you want to do. Perhaps you’re just getting out of college or are learning to live with new limitations. Start by narrowing down your options based on your experience or skills. Finding a job to match your interests is easier than ever thanks to the internet and online job boards, which many small and large business owners use when they need to hire freelancers such as a virtual assistant or web developer.

We mention these two jobs because they allow you to utilize both technology and capitalize on your abilities. Virtual assistants, for example, can connect to their “office” remotely and may work on anything from event planning to report preparation. If you are organized and have a keen attention to detail, this might be a great option for you. When you are highly technical and already have a fundamental knowledge of web design, you can sell your expertise as a contractor.

Building a resume

When you finally get an idea of what you want to do, you’ll need to turn your experience, education, and interests into a resume. As Lifewire explains, there are apps that can do this for you. All you have to do is input your information and choose the template that works for your situation. Even if you don’t have a long work history, you can highlight your personal experience or other relevant information. Remember, not all employers are looking for an employee that fits the perfect mold, but instead a person who is willing to learn and has the drive and determination to do it.

In the office

Whether you work from home or have a cushy corner cubicle, there are many assistive devices that can help you be more effective. One example is a phone screen magnifier. If you must use your smartphone and you have a visual impairment, a screen magnifier can help you see with fewer limitations. If your disability makes it difficult to drive back and forth, you may be able to attend meetings or “sit in” on company functions by using a webcam. ReviewGeek recently reviewed their top six picks and notes that an effective camera is essential when you need to stream for business purposes.

If you have a speech and language disorder, there are apps and devices that can help with that as well. Talkitt, for instance, learns the way that you speak and translates that into your native language. Keep in mind further that all businesses are required to make reasonable accommodations. You don’t have to be afraid to ask for things like adjustable monitors or other  assistive technologies. Remember, your contributions to the workplace are just as valuable as those of your coworkers, and your business has a vested interest in your success.

The point is that your disability does not have to set you back when it comes to supporting yourself. The Americans with Disabilities Act opened the door, and, today, more and more businesses actively engage in diverse hiring practices to create a more inclusive environment in the workplace. There are jobs available, and with a little help and a sprinkling of determination, you can almost certainly find your perfect fit.

Patrick Young
Able USA