As of December of 2017, 30.8% of people with disabilities in the U.S. were currently employed. This number is on the rise, as more workplaces strive to use inclusive practices in their hiring and training procedures.
Having a disability should not prevent you from finding a rewarding career.
The job hunting process is always a challenge, and having a disability can make that even more difficult. But there are a lot of great jobs out there, and it’s important to stay positive and think outside the box.
So take a look at this list of 10 types of jobs for people with disabilities. You might just see something that sparks your interest.
Vocational Counselor
Vocational counselors help people with disabilities, mental illness, and other challenges find satisfying employment. You would work one-on-one with job-seeking individuals to help them assess their strengths, and figure out what workplaces would be a good fit for their interests and skills.
Who better to help support and advocate for these folks then someone who has gone through the exact same process, who has faced similar challenges? True empathy is a huge asset to this (and any counseling) profession.
Accountant
If you enjoy working with numbers and keeping things organized, then a career in accounting might be a great fit. Large accounting firms have the highest rates of employing people with disabilities, so you can be confident that there is a company out there for you.
Many accounting positions require a bachelor’s degree, but for some entry-level bookkeeping jobs, a certificate in computerized accounting will do the trick.
Management Consultant
The Americans with Disabilities Act was passed in 1990 and made it illegal for any business to let someone’s disability impact hiring decisions.
You hear a lot about “Equal Opportunity Employers,” but often times companies don’t even realize the ways in which they are failing to provide an even playing field. That’s where management consultants come in.
Many businesses are looking to people with disabilities to serve as management consultants, in hopes of getting the perspectives and insights that would otherwise be overlooked. A bachelor’s degree is required for this position, but the salary is well worth it.
Animal Caretaker
Our modern-day gig economy is providing a vast array of freelance opportunities, and animal caretaking is definitely one of them.
Apps like Rover allow you to post a profile where clients can hire you based on your availability and what animals you’d like to work with. Whether it’s dog walking, house-sitting, or just checking in on peoples’ pets, you have a variety of options to choose from.
If working with animals is something you’re passionate about, don’t limit yourself to app-based work. Other caretaking opportunities may be available at pet stores, animal shelters, or at local farms.
Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy technicians work with licensed pharmacists to fill prescriptions and assist people with their health concerns. Enjoying interaction with people is a must for this job, as you’ll be answering tons of questions.
The demand for pharmacy technicians is growing each year, and a certificate is all that is required to start working in the industry.
Graphic Designer
The rise of digital marketing has meant a huge swell in the need for graphic designers. Many graphic design jobs are flexible and allow you to work from home.
If you are a creative thinker with strong computer skills, this might be the perfect fit for you. While many graphic design jobs require a bachelor’s degree, there are some designers out there who are self-taught and have still found successful careers.
Teacher
If you have a disability, there’s a good chance that you’re more patient than the average person, and probably see the world a little bit differently than those around you. What better person to nurture and educate young minds than someone with such a unique perspective?
Whether you are interested in early-childhood, high school or a college teaching position, a career in education can be one of the most rewarding options out there. Of course, you’ll need a specialized degree depending on what age of people you’d like to work with.
Dental Assistant
A dental assistant works under the supervision of the dentist to lend a hand when needed and keep the office running in tip-top shape. This job requires someone who is highly organized and great at following directions.
The position is different from a dental hygienist, in that you won’t be working one-on-one with people while you clean their teeth. Instead, you will be the dentist’s right-hand man or woman.
Mental Health Counselor
Empathy and compassion are fundamental when it comes to working with people who are dealing with mental health issues. If you have overcome obstacles in your life, and want to pass on that strength to others, you might really enjoy working in this field.
There is a wide range of opportunities working in mental health, whether you’re interested in being a psychologist, a social worker, a paraprofessional, or a rehabilitation technician. The mental health field needs committed and caring people, so if you think you’ve got what it takes, please share your talents.
Writer
If you are someone with strong written communication skills, then you might want to consider a career as a writer. There is a multitude of online opportunities for freelance writing, where you can work from home and set your own hours.
Or, if you are more of a creative writer, you might consider a career as a novelist or screenwriter. Breaking into the publishing industry can be a challenge though, and you probably won’t be able to make money writing poetry or short stories.
Children’s writing is the easiest market to break into, and there is a demand for stories about people from different backgrounds told by the people themselves. Imagine the characters you would have wanted to see in the books you read as a kid, and then create.
Creative nonfiction or memoir writing is also another empowering way for you to share your life and experiences with the world.
There are Many More Types of Jobs for People with Disabilities
This is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the types of jobs for people with disabilities.
Don’t limit your dreams because you’re worried that society won’t provide you with opportunities. They will.
Start researching your future career today, and exploring the type of schooling or training you’ll need. Check out one of these online programs that allow you to get your education from the comfort of your own home.
The sky is the limit!