Navigating Disability in the Workplace and Job Search
Workplace culture and workstyles have changed vastly over the last few decades, the amount of laws and policies from government have also changed how we work. Even so, there are many questions and concerns for people with disabilities navigating the job search or workplace. Some barriers faced are physical, communication, stigma/cultural, company policies and of course opportunitites. We hope to provide you with some of the basics as well as further resources for you to get started.
Searching and Applying For Roles or Gaining Professional Experience
- The power of networking and personal connections is great for learning about possible jobs as well as having someone who can advocate on your behalf. Set-up informational interviews with professionals at companies to learn about their workplace culture and community. Connect with HR at companies to learn more about their inclusive hiring practices or read about them online. Take advantage of all the resources from state agencies, to public libraries, advocacy and support groups, to private or non-profit entities that support people with disabilities to connect with employers. Temp or employment agencies can help you build work history and showcase your skills at companies for a potential full-time offer. Keep a list of your non-negotiable accommodations as you search for jobs that match your needs
- A Guide for People with Disabilities Seeking Employment | ADA.gov
- Finding a Job that is Right for You: A Practical Approach to Looking for a Job as a Person with a Disability
- Algorithms, Artificial Intelligence, and Disability Discrimination in Hiring | ADA.gov
- Neurodiversity Career Connector
- Home page – AbilityLinks
- Job Search – abilityJOBS
- Disability Job Boards | Job Placement Services | Disabled Persons | Disabled Person
- Jobs Board – Work Without Limits
- CareerCircle | Getting Hired Joins CareerCircle
- HireDS – Hire Disability Solutions
- Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP) (Connecting employers with postsecondary students and recent graduates with disabilities seeking internships and jobs.)
- Lime Connect Leadership Programs for Students and Professionals
- Lime Connect Events & Networking
- Career Guide for People With Disabilities [Updated 2024]
- State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies
- Workers with disabilities | CareerOneStop
- CareerConnect® – ConnectCenter
- Planning Your Future: A Guide To Transition – National Center for Learning Disabilities
- Disability Benefits 101 – Choose Your State
Accommodation Support
- If you do disclose your disability, whether during the interview process or while on the job, your employer is required to provide accommodations unless the accommodations cause “undue hardship” to the employer. Accommodations may include text-to-speech software, adjustable furniture, flexible work schedules, and the use of headphones and sensory devices.
- Know Your Rights | Disability Rights | ACLU
- Registering for Accommodations @ American University, Washington, DC
- Accommodation Search
- Situations and Solutions Finder (provides access to more than 700 accommodation scenarios shared by JAN users that employers and workers with disabilities can explore.)
- Job Accommodation Ideas for People with Learning Disabilities – Learning Disabilities Association of America
- Succeeding at Work | NAMI
Government Information
- The Americans with Disabilities Act | ADA.gov
- Program Areas Office of Disability Employment Policy | U.S. Department of Labor
- Guide to Disability Rights Laws | ADA.gov
- A Guide for People with Disabilities Seeking Employment
- Youth, Disclosure, and the Workplace Why, When, What, and How | U.S. Department of Labor
- U.S. Access Board – Home
- Local Protection and Advocacy (P&A) and Client Assist Programs (CAP)
- Disability Employment
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