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How To Use Technology To Make Work
More Accessible If You Have A Disability
Guest Post by Patrick Young of AbleUSA.info
No one should feel discouraged or held back when planning their career. Today’s job market accommodates people with a wide range of skills and abilities, so anyone can find success and fulfillment at work. With the help of tech devices, software, and online apps, people with disabilities are gaining access to all kinds of empowering work opportunities that can give them greater independence and control over their lives. Custom Career Coach explains some ways technology can help you in your search for the perfect career.
Looking for A Job
Job hunting is one area where technology is helping people with disabilities get ahead.
- Start a business online or search for remote work without leaving the house. These remote work opportunities can help people with mobility impairments participate in work and earn an income, even if commuting to an office every day is unrealistic.
- Look for freelance opportunities. There are numerous online resources for people who want to pursue freelance work. For example, staffing firms can help you find job opportunities that are a perfect fit for your skills and talents, whether you’re looking for work in web development, marketing, sales, customer service, or other fields.
- Search and apply for positions online. Some websites even cater to employers who are specifically looking to hire people with disabilities. You can also reach out to local employers over email or social media to inquire about potential job openings and share your interest.
- Network. Networking online is an excellent way to discover unique career opportunities. Business News Daily specifically recommends LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook for finding potential jobs and portraying yourself as a professional and passionate candidate.
- Hire a professional resume writer. In addition to helping people find careers that meet their interests, Custom Career Coach can transform your resume and help you highlight your strengths and goals so you can stand out from the crowd.
Stay Connected
Staying connected to clients, customers, employers, and coworkers is important for all job seekers these days, and especially for anyone working in a remote position. Various tech tools can help you with this.
- A reliable smartphone will allow you to contact people on your team or manage work-related matters when you’re away from the computer. Tameday recommends free communication apps like Slack and Google Hangouts for staying in the loop when working from home.
- Video conferencing. Websites like Go-To Meeting and Skype can help you stay in touch when a face-to-face conversation is prefered.
Access Support
The internet is a bottomless resource for career support and educational opportunities that can help people with disabilities obtain the skills they need to join the workforce.
- Use available resources. Online advocacy groups and organizations can be great for finding employment guides, training, and assistive technology services.
- Receive skills training and job coaching. Using online education portals like Lynda and Coursera can give you access to new skills, which can help you enjoy long-term success in the workplace.
- Earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree online. Online degrees can be completed from home, and you can work at your own pace. For example, if you wanted to start your own business, an MBA degree will focus on business skills, management, and strategy.
Overcome Barriers
When it comes to getting work done, assistive devices can help you overcome any barriers you may be facing.
- Look for the right tools. There are products out there to accommodate nearly any disability imaginable. As an example, people who aren’t able to control a computer mouse can use speech recognition software, face tracking, and eye gaze systems for hands-free computing. Vision and hearing-impaired individuals have access to all kinds of built-in computer accessibility features like text-to-speech, on-screen keyboards, high-contrast themes, closed captions, and text magnification.
- Learn how to manage. There are also programs specifically designed to help people with learning disabilities to write and communicate on computers.
Don’t let your disability stop you from getting the job you want. The evolution of technology has opened up some amazing career paths for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Take advantage of the tech tools available to you so you can produce your best possible work, show employers that you have the skills they want, and ultimately thrive in your career. There are no barriers to success that you can’t overcome.
Ready to find the perfect job that matches your passions and interests? Turn to Custom Career Coach for professional support in pursuing the right career track and having a polished, eye-catching resume.