If you’re looking for a job but you have a disability, it’s possible that you’re not even sure where to start. Depending on your disability, you may have unique challenges that may require specialized support and accommodations. Nonetheless, there are lots of great job opportunities for individuals with disabilities that leverage various skill sets and talents. Here are some examples:
- Accounting & Bookkeeping: Many businesses need help managing their financial records and transactions.
- Consulting: Sharing expertise in a specific field can be a great way to work flexibly and make a difference.
- Creative Arts: Careers in writing, photography, art, music, and other creative fields can be highly rewarding and accessible.
- Education & Training: Teaching, tutoring, and training roles can be fulfilling, whether in traditional settings or through online platforms.
- Government Jobs: Federal agencies are required to provide reasonable accommodations to ensure that employees with disabilities can perform their job. This can include assistive technology, interpreters, modified duties, and more.
- Healthcare: Positions like medical billing and coding, transcription, counseling, and therapy can be suitable and impactful.
- Hospitality & Travel: Many travel agencies hire remote travel agents to provide travel-related services to clients. They assist with finding and booking flights, car rentals, hotels, property rentals, tours or recreational activities.
- Technology & IT: The tech industry is known for being inclusive, offering roles in software development, technical support, IT management, and more.
- Telemarketing: Engaging with customers and promoting products or services over the phone.
- Website Developer: Creating and maintaining websites for businesses or individuals.
Many organizations are actively seeking to hire individuals with disabilities and provide accommodations to ensure employees with disabilities can perform their job duties effectively. Here are some notable examples of major companies are committed to hiring and supporting people with disabilities:
- Abbott: Abbott is recognized for its commitment to improving health outcomes through innovative medical technologies and solutions, and it actively hires people with disabilities.
- AT&T: AT&T offers a range of roles and actively seeks to create an inclusive work environment for people with disabilities.
- CVS Health: CVS Health has a program called CapAbilities, which provides coaching and networking services for employees with disabilities.
- Goodwill: Goodwill is committed to providing employment opportunities and support for individuals with disabilities through individualized placement and support services, career centers to assist with job searches, and rehabilitation programs to help with physical recovery.
- GSK (formerly GlaxoSmithKline): GSK is a global biopharmaceutical company that has programs in place to support and hire individuals with disabilities.
- Optimum: Optimum provides internet, mobile, and TV services and has been recognized for its commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- PepsiCo: PepsiCo is known for its inclusive hiring practices and has various initiatives to support employees with disabilities.
- PNC Financial Services Group: PNC has an employee business resource group for people with disabilities called PNC Enable.
- UnitedHealth Group: This company is committed to diversity and inclusion, providing opportunities for people with disabilities.
- Walmart: Walmart is committed to creating an inclusive work environment and providing reasonable accommodations to foster a culture of belonging and support employees with disabilities.
There is a plethora of remote work opportunities that can accommodate various abilities and preferences. Remote work (including online and work-from-home positions) can provide flexibility and accessibility. Here are some popular options:
- Customer Service Representative: Assisting customers via phone, chat, or email. Many companies hire remote customer service agents.
- Data Entry Specialist: Inputting and managing data for businesses, which can often be done from home with attention to detail.
- Virtual Assistant: Providing administrative support to businesses, such as managing websites, scheduling appointments, and handling social media.
- Content Writer: Writing articles, blog posts, and other content for websites. This can include freelance or contract work.
- Graphic Designer: Creating visual content for businesses, including logos, advertisements, and social media graphics.
- Online Tutor: Teaching subjects or skills online, ranging from academic subjects to languages and music.
- Software Developer: Coding, developing, and maintaining software applications. Many tech companies offer remote positions for developers.
- Social Media Manager: Managing and creating content for social media accounts for businesses or individuals.
- Transcriptionist: Transcribing audio recordings into written documents. This requires good listening and typing skills.
- Freelance Consultant: Providing expertise in a specific field, such as marketing, finance, or human resources, on a freelance basis.
These roles can provide the flexibility and comfort of working from home while allowing you to leverage your skills and interests. You might even find a job that allows you to assist other people with disabilities!
