Finding a job that fits one’s lifestyle is tough for many people, and it can be even tougher on those living with disabilities. The unemployment rate for people with a disability (7.6) was about twice as high as the rate for persons without a disability (3.5) in 2022, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The good news is employment opportunities for people with disabilities are increasing, and you can get connected to the right resources to advance your career or start one, no matter what your needs are.
Federal government
The Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA, is a law that prevents unfair treatment based on disability, including in the workplace. The federal government, which is the largest employer in the U.S., has upheld this law by including people with disabilities in their own workforce. According to a 2022 report by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, people with disabilities represent 9.4% of federal employees. In fact, the federal government provides many opportunities specifically for job-seekers with disabilities, such as the Social Security Administration’s Ticket-to-Work Program, a free program offering employment services and career development to SSDI beneficiaries. Federal agencies are also required by law to provide reasonable arrangements to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities to make it easier for them to perform the duties of their position. Such arrangements can include adaptive equipment, flexible work schedules, and interpreters or readers.
Remote jobs
One of many effects of the COVID-19 pandemic was a mass shift to remote work, or working from home, which expanded employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Nearly 1.8 million people with a disability have joined the workforce since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to The Wall Street Journal, which is a 28% increase from pre-pandemic numbers. In-person jobs are not always a convenient environment for people with disabilities when it comes to their commute, certain job duties, and safety. If you have mobility issues (e.g. arthritis, multiple sclerosis) or sensory impairments (e.g. autism, difficulty seeing or hearing) that may make in-person work difficult, applying for a remote job is a great way to make a living wage from the comfort of your own home!
Colleges and universities
Are you a college student or recent graduate living with a disability? You may have resources right on campus that can help! Many colleges and universities have career centers and/or disability resource centers that support and empower students with disabilities to achieve their career and educational goals. Get in touch with your school’s disability resource center to learn about information or opportunities they can connect you to. Federal agencies also work with disability resource centers to find qualified students with disabilities who want a career in the federal government. College students and recent graduates may be eligible to apply for the Workforce Recruitment Program, a yearly recruitment and referral program that connects federal employers all over the U.S. with college students and recent graduates with disabilities.
Look to someone you know
Do you know someone who lives with a disability and works either part- or full-time? Whether it’s a friend, family member, or someone in your community, talk to them about their job search and working experience. This can be especially helpful if they have a career you’d like or a similar disability to your own so you can narrow your own job search. Some helpful questions may include: “How did you get connected to this job?”, “Do you need any special arrangements to do this job?”, “Do you know of any helpful resources to find similar work?”
