Work for Disabled Adults: Four Smart Search Strategies

Work for Disabled Adults: Four Smart Search Strategies

It can be a challenge for disabled adults to get a job. According to the latest data from the U.S. Labor Statistics Bureau, only 17.5 percent of people with disabilities are employed. Fortunately, federal programs and laws exist to help ensure jobs for disabled Americans. Here are four employment strategies for those who are disabled and looking for a job. Work for Disabled Adults: Four Smart Search Strategies
1. Choose the Right Industry

Forbes recently placed work for disabled adults based on positive earnings and growth projections, avoiding potentially harmful factors, such as lack of opportunities, constant public content, frequent physical demands, and travel. They recommend starting career training that focuses on areas such as accounting, computer support, management consulting, and data analysis. Vocational counseling is a popular choice among those who want to help others in the same position find work.

2. Reviewing Government Programs

The federal government has several initiatives that provide employment for Americans with disabilities. Because the federal government is actively recruiting and hiring disabled people, their work portal at USAJOBS.gov is a good place to start. Certain federal agencies receive an incentive to employ people with disabilities through a program called Selective Placement, which allows individuals to pass through a competitive selection process. The Employment Recruitment Program, a team effort through the Office of Disability Manpower Policy and the Department of Defense, links graduates of universities with disabilities to positions in government. Another program for students and recent graduates is the Preparatory Program, which provides beginner-level employment and internship.

3. Consider Telecommuting

Working from home, also known as telecommuting, is the right choice for those who have trouble traveling or need to work long hours due to disability. That’s good news because telecommuting jobs are becoming more prevalent as technology advances. Industries that often employ home-based employees include online technical support, customer support, writing and editing, computer services, and graphic arts. Avoid scams at home by finding telecommuting positions with established companies.

4. Recognize your rights

Disclosing a disability to an employer is a personal decision that the employee has the right to make his own time. Doing so in the application process is not a requirement, although doing so can be an advantage for programs that actively recruit people with disabilities. During the interview, the employer can not ask questions about disability if they are not directly related to the qualification of the position. Most specialists recommend that disability should be disclosed once the offer is received. Employers are required to provide reasonable accommodation for employees with disabilities, which may include modification of responsibilities, telecommuting opportunities, flexible scheduling, and other adjustments.

While it is illegal to discriminate on the basis of disability, jobs for people with disabilities in America can still be hard to find. These four strategies can help adults look for jobs to differentiate themselves and find the right role in a competitive environment. Work for Disabled Adults: Four Smart Search Strategies