According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 26% of adults in the USA have some type of disability. That’s 1 out of every 4 people. The government provides support to the disabled through special financial programs like Social Security Disability Insurance and the Supplemental Security Income Disability Program. But unfortunately, sometimes, this is not enough to make a living.
As reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 19.3% of persons with a disability were employed in 2019. One of the reasons for difficulties in finding employment is a minimal set of professions available for these workers. But diversity is increasing due to the Internet and technology, providing people with disabilities with everything they may need for communication, professional fulfillment, and, of course, making money.
Below you’ll learn more details about what jobs are good for the disabled and how to get them.
The First Steps
If you are disabled and confused about how to start, we recommend the following basic steps:
- Analyze your physical capacities
Think of the restrictions you may have due to your disability when choosing the job. You need to understand how long you can work before it becomes difficult for you. In some cases, part-time jobs are better. Consider the options that suit you best, and create a schedule so that you can fulfill all the obligations without any distractions or health problems.
- Be sure to personalize your CV and cover letter.
Explain the interest in the position you are applying for and how you can add value to the organization. Try to avoid copy/paste and cliches. Keep in mind that the cover letter should not duplicate your resume, but complement it. You can write it by yourself or use an online builder. In any case, we recommend reviewing some good examples at https://www.getcoverletter.com/, a professional website for creating successful cover letters.
- Create a portfolio to present your skills, if possible.
A portfolio can attract potential clients. If you are a writer, you can display several articles to show your skills. Designers can present some of their previous works to demonstrate their knowledge of graphic tools, while coders can reveal their experience of using programming languages.
General Requirements
Disabled people mainly work remotely. Here are several basic requirements for work from home jobs for people with disabilities:
- Working with a computer and high computer literacy.
You need a fully-functioning computer as well as high-speed Internet. You should know how to find the necessary information on the Internet, and how to write e-mails and documents. Depending on the profession, you may face other requirements, such as creating spreadsheets in Excel or presentations in PowerPoint.
- Excellent English communication skills.
You must build excellent and clear communication with your employer and team. Don’t worry if English is not your native language. As long as you can understand, speak, and write in it, you are fine.
- Self-Discipline.
In most cases, you will not have a boss controlling your daily work. So be prepared to organize your working day to meet all deadlines and quality requirements.
20 Great Jobs for Disabled People
This list will help disabled job seekers find competitive positions in different industries. Some of them are among the best jobs for people in wheelchairs since they don’t include any physical stress. Other jobs will satisfy blind individuals because speech and hearing are the central part of the process.
1. Accountant
Usually, accountants analyze and prepare financial statements for companies. The essential requirement is a bachelor’s degree in this field. The job can satisfy people with both physical and mental disabilities who have strong mathematical skills.
2. Market Research Analyst
As a market analyst, you will research and analyze the market and sales trends, find new potential clients, etc. A bachelor’s degree in market research is a minimum criterion for this position. You may even find a company that wants to connect its products with disabled people and provide some useful insights.
3. Physician Assistant
Physician assistants work directly with doctors. Their daily duties may include prescribing, interpreting medical records and tests, and meeting patients. For this role, you will need a master’s degree from an accredited physician assistant program and at least two years of experience.
4. Software engineer
Software engineers develop, design, and maintain software programs. The requirements vary depending on the company and position. You may need a bachelor’s degree in computer science. However, some companies only need you to know and understand the programming languages they use.
5. Mobile and Web Apps Tester
This position includes testing new applications and services, as well as providing your feedback about bugs and any issues. The job might not require any skills at all. You just need to know how to install and use an app on your phone or web app on your computer.
6. Customer Service Representative
A customer service representative answers a customer’s questions about products. They take orders and provide technical support by phone, e-mail, or chat. In most cases, it is an entry-level position. Thus, it is a good starting point for your career. The job doesn’t have any specific requirements, except for communication and problem-solving skills as well as good command of language.
7. Virtual Assistant
As a virtual assistant, you will perform various administrative tasks, including answering emails, arranging meetings, preparing schedules, and organizing travel for your employer. A candidate might need some experience in performing administrative duties, using communication tools, and a stable Internet connection.
8. Voice-Over Artist
Voice-over means lending your voice on video and audio content. The only requirement is to have a great voice and a good command of English.
9. Translator
You can try translating documents, articles, and even books if you know at least one language other than English and can speak and write it freely. Having some sector-specific experience such as medicine or law will help you get more jobs.
10. Tutor
As a tutor, you can share your knowledge in different subjects like math, finance, science, or languages. Some companies will probably ask you to take an exam to test your writing skills and check the knowledge of the subject you want to teach.
11. Writer
You can write for different blogs, advertising campaign texts, or take orders on online freelance platforms if you like storytelling. You can even start your blog about, for instance, your disability to help people in the same situation. The writing industry provides good jobs for people with anxiety since it involves flexibility and control over the level of social interaction.
12. Transcriber
Transcribers create text versions of audio or video content. The candidate might need a bachelor’s degree, good typing speed, and proficiency in Express Scribe and other transcribing software. Transcribers can work in different spheres, but those employed in medical and legal industries will require specialized knowledge.
13. Financial Analyst
The main task is to analyze the company’s financial capabilities and evaluate whether the enterprise will sustain profitability. You will need at least a bachelor’s degree in finance and 2 years of experience.
14. Graphic designer
Graphic designers interpret ideas and information by creating visual content for websites, magazines, etc. Experience using graphical tools is essential. People with hearing disabilities often feel an intensification of other senses, like the ability to see and visualize. Thus, they can check for opportunities in this sphere.
15. Filmmaker
Filmmaking is an excellent option for people with dyslexia or other learning disabilities, who have an increased ability to differentiate faces and objects and visualize how various elements can be combined into one image.
16. Manufacturing Associate
Some mental illnesses require routine and repetition in actions. Thus, the job of a manufacturing associate can be a good fit. Daily duties include the preparation of equipment and materials for production.
17. Counselor
The main task of a counselor is to assess disabled people’s strengths and weaknesses and help them become active participants of the workforce. People with disabilities in the position of counselors understand how to find the right career better since they too have experienced this path.
18. Veterinary Assistant
Many emotional disorders, and even some mental and physical disabilities, may benefit from interaction with animals. Veterinary assistants take care of animals at vet hospitals and clinics. For this position, a high school diploma is required. In some cases, the candidate will need the Approved Veterinary Assistant Certification.
19. Audio Engineer
Sometimes, partially blinded people have better hearing. Thus, they can apply their skills as an audio engineer. Their duties may include recording, synchronizing, and mixing music, voices, or sound effects. They can work on the production of movies, music, concerts, etc.
20. Nursing Assistant
This job typically involves simple tasks like feeding, dressing, bathing, and grooming patients. It is one of the best choices for people with learning disabilities. At the same time, taking care of patients will help them feel a sense of pride and meaning.
Where You Can Find Jobs
Online freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer provide different types of jobs from home. If you are looking for some sector-specific ones we recommend the following platforms where you can find jobs for people with physical disabilities:
- User Testing and Test Birds for testing jobs;
- Voice Realm and VoiceBunny for voice-over jobs;
- Problogger and Freelance Writing Gigs for writing jobs;
- Translator Cafe and Translator Pub for translation jobs;
- e-Tutor and Tutor Hub for teaching jobs;
- Site Staff and Indeed Live Chat Jobs for customer service jobs;
- Indeed Remote Assistant and Assistant Match for virtual assistant jobs;
- Transcribeme and Daily Transcription for transcription jobs.
There are also many well-known companies that offer jobs for disabled people at home:
- IBM
- Salesforce
- Aetna
- American Express
- Amazon
Another reason we recommend you check their websites is the benefits they provide. Usually, they have medical insurance and longer paid vacations, which is vital for people with disabilities.
Last Words
For disabled people, it is crucial to find an occupation that suits their capabilities. And the modern labor market can provide such jobs. The most important thing is to continue to search. You can turn your disabilities into an asset through careful marketing and job choice.