Jobs for people with disabilities
Disabled people represent the 15% of the global population and 80% of them are of working age. This means that in America, more than 10.3 million adults live with mobility problems or other physical limitations. Many people mistakenly think about disabilities as a limitation. But a growing number of people are coming to understand them as opportunities. There is, after all, no greater limitation than a lack of imagination.
Regardless of specific conditions, jobs for people with disabilities are plentiful. There are numerous examples in the history of disabled people making incredible contributions. From the arts and sciences to politics and invention, disabled people have the world to offer.
Studies from the Adecco Group show that disabled people develop special skill sets compared to the general population. They are likelier to have strong personal values such as motivation responsibility, and a positive attitude. They are, in fact, especially well-suited to certain jobs.
Having a disability doesn’t mean lacking the necessary skills to perform at a workplace. There are lots of jobs for people with disabilities. Career opportunities abound! Here are a few ideas to get started:
For visually impaired people:
- Early childhood education and teaching
Young people are curious, always exploring to find and connect with their inner self and looking for new sources of inspiration. A person with visual impairment can bring distinctive insights to the playground or the classroom, expanding students’ understanding of the world.
- Music production
Visual impairment can make you focus on the world of sound in beneficial ways. If you have a good musical ear, the absence of visual distractions can make you a natural to work recording and mixing songs and sounds. It’s a great career path for the visually impaired.
For physically disabled people:
- Medical administration
Many employers really value having people in their staff who understand what some of their patients might be going through, and if you think about it, you don’t have to be mobile when working in a hospital department or a medical office.
- Marketing and market research
People with physical disabilities possess uniquely informed perspire
- Vocational counseling
Why not help in finding great jobs for people with disabilities? If you’re a social person and enjoy helping others, you can use your life experience to guide others as an occupational guidance counselor.
- Almost any job that lets you work from home
There are jobs that require spending more time at home while working, being an ideal option for a disabled person. Examples of careers like this might be a medical transcription, graphic design, writing, computer support and web development.
For deaf or hearing-impaired people
- Drafting
This is a great employment option for anyone who enjoys focusing on what they are doing without having distractions. It also offers the opportunity to play a role in the making of buildings or other structures.
- Science
Many people with hearing impairments have achieved incredibly meaningful careers in the sciences. Whether it’s biotechnology, chemistry, robotics or else, disabilities don't matter in science.
- Medical laboratory technician
Doing diagnostic testing accurately is a crucial part of the healthcare system. It requires precision, organization and responsibility. Besides that, it's the kind of job where you usually won't need to talk to too many people.
Careers for people that have intellectual disabilities
- Veterinary assistant
If you love dogs, cats, and other critters this might be an ideal option for you. Working with animals draws out the best in a person.
- Design, illustration or photography
Many people with an intellectual disability are blessed with a unique affinity for artistic expression. If you fit the bill, the visual arts may be the great place for you to shine.
No matter what disability you are living with, there’s a career out there for you offering the rewarding sensation of contributing in a meaningful way to society. Keep your skills and your needs in mind, but don’t forget to ask yourself what would make you happy.