Looking for a new job can be a daunting journey for anyone, but job seekers with disabilities can run into even more pronounced obstacles. Despite remarkable progress in promoting inclusivity and diversity in workplaces, there can still be some barriers hindering the progress of these applicants.
While there is still plenty of work to be done and much discussion to be had on the topic, the situation for job seekers with disabilities is better than ever. There are plenty of online resources that can help people face unique challenges.
So, whether you’re looking for roles tailored toward people with specific impairments or websites and resources that can help you get hired, this article has got you covered. Keep reading as we explore various options for veterans, people with physical and intellectual disabilities, and more.
Key Takeaways
People with disabilities often have unique strengths that allow them to excel in certain roles.
There are many websites that provide helpful resources to both job seekers with disabilities and inclusive employers.
Individuals with physical disabilities, intellectual disabilities, anxiety disorders, and ADHD all have long lists of jobs they can do.
Job Sites & Resources For People With Disabilities
Here’s a list of job search websites that can help you find everything from disability jobs to communities to join:
Public Job Sites & Communites For People With Disabilities
AbilityJobs is one of the largest websites focused on jobs for persons with disabilities. It has more than 100,000 registered candidates and 6,000 registered employers. The website offers many handy features to its users, including detailed skill and job searches.
CareerCast Disability Network makes finding jobs based on your field or location intuitive. The website features many job search tools, and all you need to use them is a free account.
Enable America is a nonprofit organization that aims to connect disabled individuals with inclusive employers. They are focused on creating both community and business connections, thus increasing the chances of job seekers with disabilities finding jobs.
AbilityLinks is another platform that aims to connect inclusive employers and job seekers with disabilities. Applicants can upload their resumes using a free membership. Employers can then look at those resumes and find potential candidates from a diverse talent pool.
Getting Hired is set on breaking down barriers when it comes to diverse individuals finding jobs. In addition to useful tools available to both job seekers and employers, Getting Hired makes it easy to explore and join diverse communities. There are communities for people with disabilities, BIPOC job seekers, veterans, and others.
Recruit Disability makes it easy to search for jobs based on the job title, keyword, company, and location. The website allows you to upload resumes for employers to see and can also help you research potential salaries.
disABLEDperson is a fully accessible site where you can find jobs based on categories, state, and city. On top of assisting with the job search, they have an employment blog and various disability resources.
LandAJob can help job seekers with disabilities get cash reimbursements in addition to finding jobs.
State & Federal Job Sites For People With Disabilities
If you’re specifically looking for government jobs for disabled adults, one of these websites is bound to help:
State & Federal Job Sites For People With Disabilities
USA.gov is the official website of the U.S. government, and it has a section dedicated to disability services. There, you can find various training and employment programs for job seekers with disabilities, as well as helpful organizations and job listings.
USAJobs.gov is another official government website that can help individuals with disabilities on their unique hiring paths. The website makes it easy to find jobs open to individuals with disabilities. Furthermore, it gives applicants the option to request accommodations, such as interpreters, readers, accessible technology, etc.
DOL.gov is the official website of the Department of Labor. The website features an extensive collection of disability resources. You can read up on employee rights and employers’ responsibilities, look into laws and regulations, or find specific tools and resources that can help your job search.
OPM.gov stands for the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. Their disability employment program assists job seekers in getting a job by giving them relevant links and information. They can help you find out more about hiring processes, recruitment programs, accommodations, and more.
GoGovernment.org is one of the nonprofit and nonpartisan organizations that help the disabled find jobs. In addition to providing valuable information on job seeking for disabled individuals, they go into more detail about workforce recruitment programs for students and recent graduates with disabilities.
USAID.gov is the United States Agency for International Development, and it offers employment opportunities to disabled individuals across the globe.
Job Sites & Resources For Veterans With Disabilities
Many websites mentioned in previous sections also offer plenty of resources for veterans with disabilities. Nevertheless, there are numerous sites that specialize in helping disabled veterans, such as:
Job Sites For Veterans With Disabilities
DAV.org stands for Disabled American Veterans Charity. In addition to their employment and entrepreneurship program for veterans, the website can help them navigate their VA benefits, assist with transitions to civilian life, provide medical transportation, and more.
Hire Heroes USA specializes in helping former military professionals find civilian careers. Their blog contains plenty of useful information and resources on how to get a job with a service-connected disability.
Vet Jobs was founded in 2010, and since then, it has helped more than 90,000 individuals find jobs. Their resource collection includes everything from a job board and training programs to success stories and blogs.
VA.gov is the official website of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The website has a disability benefits section where you can find out how to apply for VA disability compensation.
Jobs For People With Physical Disabilities
People with physical disabilities often possess unique skills and abilities that can help them excel in certain roles. Let’s check out some jobs that play to the strengths of individuals with physical disabilities.
Jobs For People With Vision Impairment
Here are some jobs that are suited for people with vision impairment:
Jobs For People With Vision Impairment
Physical Therapist: As a profession that relies on touch, it’s an excellent fit for individuals with vision impairment. The profession’s average salary is $91K, and job openings are projected to increase in the following years.
Software Developer/Programmer: Software development is a common profession for visually impaired people. With the use of screen readers and other accessible software, people with vision impairments can code, test, and debug. The average salary is $110K.
Telephone Customer Service Representative: Individuals with visual impairments can leverage strong communication skills for a job with an average salary of $48K.
Musician: Individuals with vision impairments can excel as musicians, as they often have heightened auditory senses.
Speech-Language Pathologist: This is another communication-focused profession perfect for visually impaired individuals. The average salary is $80K.
Other Jobs For People With Vision Impairments
These are just a few examples. However, people with vision impairments can work many other jobs, such as:
Accessibility Specialist
Massage Therapist
Psychologist
Counselor
Occupational Therapist
Musician instrument Technician
Narrator/Voice Actor
Braille Transcriber
Jobs For People With Hearing Impairment
People with hearing impairments can shine in many careers, such as:
Jobs For People With Hearing Impairment
Photographer: Photography and videography help individuals with hearing impairments capture impactful footage and tell stories from their perspective. The average annual salary is $49K.
Visual Artist: Visual artists express themselves through drawings, illustrations, and other artwork that does not require auditory input. The national median salary is $49K.
IT Technician: IT technicians, armed with essential IT skills, often have to complete a variety of visual tasks and troubleshoot problems in hardware and software. The national average salary is $51K.
Social Media Manager: The work of an SMM professional revolves around written communication and visual content, making it perfect for people with hearing impairments. The job demand is projected to increase, and the average salary is $60K.
Other Jobs For People With Hearing Impairment
Some more jobs that hearing-impaired individuals can do are:
Sonographer
Tradesperson
Fitness Instructor
Sign Language Interpreter
Jobs For People With Speech Impairment
People with speech impairments can excel at many professions where they don’t need to speak or can communicate in writing, such as:
Jobs For People With Speech Impairment
Accountant, with an average salary of $70K.
Data Entry, with an average salary of $38K.
Food Preparation, with an average salary of $23K.
Other Jobs For People With Speech Impairment
There are many other professions, including:
Freight Stocker
Software Developer
Graphic Designer
Transcriptionist
Jobs For People With an Anxiety Disorder
Anxiety disorders affect 19.1% of adults in the U.S., and they are the most common mental health concerns. People with anxiety disorders can thrive in jobs where the work environment is supportive and manageable. That way, they can take advantage of their strengths while managing their anxiety. These roles include:
Jobs For People With an Anxiety Disorder
Freelance Writer
Librarian
Accountant
Online Tutor
Landscaper
Photographer
Pet Handler
Curator
Transcriptionist
Jobs For People With ADHD
Around 4.4% of adults in the U.S. have ADHD. These job seekers with disabilities can perform well in creative and fast-paced roles, such as:
Jobs For People With ADHD
Chef
Personal Trainer
Sales Representative
Emergency Dispatcher
Creative Director
Journalist
Event Planner
Tour Guide
Jobs For People With Intellectual Disabilities
Based on a 2019 survey, there were 7.39 million people with IDD (Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities). Some of the key strengths of these individuals include adaptability, a strong work ethic, loyalty, attention to detail, and persistence. All of that makes these job seekers with disabilities suited for the following roles:
Jobs For People With Intellectual Disabilities
Retail Associate
Custodian
Landscaping Assistant
Animal Caretaker
Food Service Assistant
Assembly Line Worker
Library Assistant
Car Wash Attendant
Farmhand
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, job seekers with disabilities possess a wealth of skills and competencies that they can use in the modern workplace. As the job market keeps evolving, more resources and support are becoming available to these individuals. These resources are creating a level playing field and helping job seekers and employers find mutual workplace success.
This article represents a great starting point for anyone looking to tap into this vast assortment of resources. As we keep striving for a future based on inclusivity and accessibility, it’s encouraging to see that many workplaces welcome people with disabilities because of their unique aspects and viewpoints.
