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02/08/2021 - "Careers For Women and Men with Disabilities" By Kaylee McGrath

Updated: Feb 25, 2021

According to the U. S. Census Bureau, as of 2017, about 40 million Americans live with some form of a disability. The disabilities range from physical immobility or limitations, blindness, hearing, cognitive impairment, various learning disabilities, developmental, and extreme emotional challenges. All of these disabilities can prove difficult to find a job and be competitive with other applicants. What a person with disabilities fears the most is finding a good suitable position and will their disability hold them back for future opportunities. It is important to know your rights and to be aware which careers will be best for you. When I researched about this important topic, I found some wonderful information I wanted to share to help open some good suggestions and awareness.


Many things that individuals with disabilities worry about after high school or college, and entering the job force are:

  • What kind of career can I enter and be successful in? Am I hirable? Am I trainable?

  • Do I have, or can I obtain the skills and education needed for the specific career or job position?

  • Can I prove I am just as good as others not having a disability or challenges?

  • Am I good enough to get through the crucial first few minutes of the interview to sell myself or will I be judged and stereotyped?

  • Will I be able to keep up with job responsibilities and tasks?

  • Will I only be offered part-time work instead of full-time employment making it difficult for me to be totally financially independent?

What jobs are good and suitable for disabled people:

Of course, the term “disability” covers an extremely broad range of conditions, symptoms, and requirements. No one job will be suited for all “disabled” individuals, but certain careers involve skills that may be particularly common and strong among those with specific conditions.

Vision impairment: Quite often individuals with vision impairment have above-average auditory capabilities, so careers involving a strong sense of sound (like audio engineering) can be an excellent fit.

Hearing Impairment: People with hearing difficulties can frequently work in loud environments while maintaining focus, which can make them ideal hires for careers in construction and mechanical engineering.

Cognitive Disabilities: Persons with a specific cognitive impairment will benefit from structure, routine, and can thrive in manufacturing roles that require arranged repetition.

Physical Disabilities: Individuals with mobility issues can find huge success in desk-based jobs like accounting, administration, non-profit, and legal assisting.

How does a person find a job when they have a disability?

When beginning a job search, as a person with a disability, it’s critical to understand your rights and to focus your search in the correct direction for your skill sets.

The Americans With Disabilities Act: This law prohibits prospective employers from discriminating against candidates with disabilities. Any disabled applicant must be offered the same consideration as other applicants (meaning that your skills and experience will be evaluated and used as determining factors, with no decisions made on the basis of your disability). If you learn and can prove that an employer is unfairly blocking your application (or advancement) because of your disability, you’re within your rights to take legal action against them.


If you find yourself at a standstill during your job search, there are resources specifically designed to help individuals with disabilities seek and apply for work. The U.S. Department of Labor sponsors numerous agencies and initiatives focused on this goal.


Listed below are various good and respected industries for persons with disabilities to seek a career in:

  • Computer Systems

  • Analyst

  • Human Resources Manager

  • Audio Engineer

  • Pharmaceutical Sales Representative

  • Entrepreneur

  • Accountant

  • Vocational Counselor

  • Management Consultant

  • Classroom Paraprofessional

  • YouTuber

  • Actuary

  • Graphic Designer

  • Veterinary Assistant

  • Remote Call Center Agent

  • Medical Transcriptionist

  • Software Developer

  • Machinist

  • Freelance Writer

  • Food/Hospitality

  • Paralegal

  • Blogger/Social Media

  • Government Staffer

  • Manufacturing Associate

  • Researcher

  • Legal Secretary

  • Shop Associate


Source of Information: Various Google Searches

Until next time, stay safe and well!


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