The Interview Doctor wants to make sure everyone has the tools to reach the careers they aspire to.
We seldom have guest writers at The Interview Doctor, Inc., but this article was so compelling, that we made an exception. Patrick Young, with Able USA, shared these wonderful tips to help people with disabilities advance their careers. Thank you, Patrick!
For centuries, people with disabilities have been held back in the workplace, either through direct discrimination or simply due to a lack of suitable accommodation. Although this issue is far from solved, we are closer than ever to a truly equitable workplace. Thanks to booming technological advancements, there are more opportunities for people with disabilities than ever before.
Here’s a look at how you can use technology to make your career dreams come true:
Create a Home-Based Business
Because we’re so connected through the internet, it’s never been more possible to create your own home-based business. This can be an absolutely invaluable tool for people who would like to become entrepreneurs but aren’t able to work outside of the home. If your own four walls are the place you’re safest and most comfortable, then that’s the best place to make your business ownership dreams a reality.
If you’re starting a home-based business, however, you can’t rely on foot traffic to catch people’s attention. You’ll have to invest in a great marketing plan in order to get your business off the ground. If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to marketing, you can find plenty of e-commerce marketing experts for hire online. Hiring someone in a freelance capacity can give you the help you need to come up with a solid, effective plan for getting clients and customers.
Search for Remote Work
Not interested in starting a business? You can still find plenty of work to do from the safety and comfort of your own home. Remote opportunities have been on the rise for years, and the pandemic has opened companies’ eyes to the benefits of this hiring option. More businesses than ever are opening up remote roles, aware that this gives them access to great candidates they may have never seen otherwise.
At the same time, however, remote work is still a highly competitive job market. Although the pandemic has made more businesses open to remote employees, it has also increased demand on the job searcher side. That’s why it’s so important to make sure your resume, cover letter, and other hiring materials are as great as possible. Getting a resume reviewer to look these materials over before you submit can give you a serious edge on the job market.
Explore Assistive Technologies
Finally, take some time to explore the assistive technologies that are out there. If you were only recently diagnosed, you might not yet know all the tools out there designed to meet your needs. Working with your doctor or an occupational therapist is a great way to get informed. This is also a great time to check in with your disability community. Other people who have the same disability or symptoms can give you valuable insight when it comes to how a certain tool works and what it’s best for. Look into joining communities online to get firsthand insight and learn how to best use assistive technologies in your personal and professional lives.
For example, screen readers can help people with visual impairments, as well as those with visual processing disorders or dyslexia. Time management tools can be absolutely invaluable for people with executive dysfunction. These are just a few examples of the types of assistive technologies that are out there – explore the options to figure out what works best for you.
Although we still have a long way to go when it comes to creating a truly equitable workforce, technology has made more and more opportunities accessible for people with disabilities. Whether you hope to pave your own path or find the right fit with an existing company, we hope these tips help you secure the future you deserve!
Want help with the job hunt? Check out our coaching services.
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