Just because you have a disability, it does not mean that you cannot be a contributing member of society. Putting yourself out in the job market is one way that you can give back to your community while also advancing your own personal goals. People with disabilities can be excellent employees. However, not all employers are always willing to hire someone with a disability. Knowing where to look will help you to find an employer that is open to hiring you and walking alongside you in your work journey. Here is how to find jobs near you that will respect your disability and encourage all of your career goals.
Leverage Government Resources:
There is a wealth of assistance at both the federal and state level for people with disabilities who need employment. Start your search with the US Department of Labor (DOL) for information about the rights granted to you by the government. Other good resources at the federal level include the US Small Business Association (SBA) and the US Department of Education (DOED). Many states also boast a wide array of opportunities for people looking for employment. All states offer a variety of apprenticeship programs that are guaranteed by law to be accessible by people with disabilities. It is no surprise that the government is a leading employer of individuals with disabilities when you understand all of the supportive programs that they have in place to help qualified people with disabilities find employment.
Use a Dedicated Internet Search:
When looking for a job that is friendly to your disability, you may not find success using a general web search engine. Instead, you should try using a search engine that focuses on disability jobs. For example, the job search engine on disabledperson.com organizes the opportunities by field, making it a breeze to find options that fit your interests and qualifications. Because these jobs have been vetted for their support of people with disabilities, you will feel confident that this will be a good fit for you. Using a dedicated search engine for the disabled takes the guesswork out of finding an employer that will embrace your disabilities.
Lean Into Local Colleges and Universities:
The open and engaging culture of most colleges and universities makes them a natural fit for people with disabilities who are looking for employment. Most schools have a job center, making this a good place to begin your search. Because college campuses are ripe with experts in their field, this is also a good place to connect yourself to leaders in your community. These connections will further your opportunities down the road, providing long-term potential as you continue on your career trajectory.
Put the Word Out:
As with any job opportunities, sometimes the best leads come from simply putting the word out that you are looking. Your friends and family may be your best resource when looking to secure employment. Building your network of connections and leaning on that to generate leads may find you the job of your dreams. Be sure to be clear about the parameters of your job search when letting people know that you are working. Leads that you enjoy through this avenue come with the built-in advantage of knowing that the potential employer is aware of your disability and will be supportive of your needs.
Do not let your disability hold you back from achieving all of your career goals. Knowing where to look to find an employer that respects your disability is the first step in scoring that job that is perfect for your skillset and personal preferences.
Tarah Mills has always had a passion for writing. Her philosophy is that not only can writing be educational, but it can change the world. While she is dedicated to her work, she still enjoys a good game of basketball, curling up to a good book, and all things Star Wars. She currently resides in the Richmond, Virginia area with her family.
