The 7 Best Jobs for Physically Disabled People
The transition to working life might seem uncertain if you have a disability, but good jobs for physically disabled people are out there.
There's nothing like the satisfaction of putting your best abilities to the test in a workplace. No matter what type of disability you have, there are jobs out there that suit your experience and skills.
You can find great job opportunities in every industry. Companies are beginning to recognize the unique strengths of people with physical limitations.
Better yet, the law has adapted to match this culture. Changes to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 have helped tackle the high obstacles that disabled people face in the workforce.
Now that the market is more welcoming to disabled job seekers, it's easier than ever to find a job suited to your strengths. And it's less likely that you'll be turned away on the basis of your disability.
Whether you're just trying to get on your feet, or looking for Jobs for People with Disabilities there's a job in the industry waiting for you. Here are ten types of jobs for people with disabilities--so you can start living your best life.
At the end of 2017, the unemployment rate was 9.2% for people with disabilities. Although it's almost twice the unemployment rate for able-bodied job seekers, this is a big decline from the rate in 2012, which was 13.4%.
Prospects are looking better and better every year--and more workplaces are welcoming disabled employees as a valuable asset to their team.
Here are 7 of the best jobs for physically disabled people to kick off your job search.
1. Accounting Specialist
As an accounting or bookkeeping specialist, you can handle financial matters for clients or work as a desk assistant. It's a great way to utilize quick thinking, organizational skills, and good communication.
And best of all, it's something you can do from anywhere. The average salary ranges from $40,000 to $78,000, depending on the type of accounting.
2. Counselor
Whether you're a guidance counselor or a vocational counselor, you can draw upon your own experiences to help others. Why not help other people with disabilities navigate their schoolwork, find jobs, and live their day to day lives?
As a counselor, you can join a rewarding career that can allow you to help improve the lives of disabled students and adults. The average salary is around $50,000 to $60,000.
3. Medical Administration Assistant
Working as an assistant in a medical office or hospital department means that you can work a job without being mobile. Just by organizing files, answering the phones, and handling paperwork, an administrative assistant manages every aspect of the office. Without this job, things wouldn't run at all.
Many employers will also value your experience to help people on staff understand what some patients are going through. Depending on the role--as an office assistant, a technician, or a manager, the salary can vary widely. You can expect anything from $35,000 to over $100,000.
4. Call Center
Working at a call center gives you plenty of flexibility, and it doesn't take any prior knowledge or education specific to working at a call center. With the right training, all you'll need is a computer, a telephone, and a headset.
Whether you're in an office or working virtually at home, there are a variety of customer service jobs available that you can do over the phone. Because of the ease of the job, there's a high percentage of people with disabilities working in these positions.
It has an average salary of around $30,000, although the number can go up if you rise in the ranks to become a supervisor.
5. Legal Assistant
You don't need an expensive law degree to work in the legal field. As a legal assistant, a legal secretary, or a paralegal, this industry offers a number of job opportunities that are easy to handle from a desk.
While some of these jobs require a two-year degree, you can also look for certificates or training programs to break into the field. The average salary ranges from $50,000 to $65,000 a year.
6. Pharmacy Technician
As a pharmacy technician or assistant, you can work a job that requires little physical labor and makes a decent salary.
In this case, your disability might be an advantage, as pharmaceutical companies might offer jobs to people who have experience taking or handling certain types of medications.
Either way, if you have an outgoing personality and like to work with people, this might be the right job for you. Salary ranges from a pharmacy aide or technician at about $30,000 to a pharmacist at $100,000 to $120,000 a year.
7. Other Work From Home Careers
If you need the flexibility and accommodation of working from home, here are a few other industries that are actively looking for remote employees.
Freelance writing, web design, technical support, sales, and data entry all require little more than internet access and a computer. If you have specific skills, like creative writing or photography, you can work as an independent freelancer. Working from home in these jobs allows you to set your own hours and manage your own income--depending on when and where you're able to work.
The Bottom Line
Industries are changing--and hiring practices are changing along with them. Discrimination against people with physical disabilities isn't as big of an obstacle anymore, and there are plenty of jobs out there that offer the perfect accommodation and skillset for you.
With this list of jobs for physically disabled people, you can get a head start on your job search. Finding the right career path for you might not be easy--but it will be worth it.