By: Cheryl Angelelli
If you’re a person with a disability seeking employment for the first time or reentering the workforce after acquiring a disability, the journey can feel both exciting and overwhelming. Fortunately, a wide variety of resources are available to support you every step of the way. From crafting a strong resume and preparing for interviews to understanding how to request reasonable accommodations, these free tools can help set you up for success.
Before you start your job search, it is important to understand your strengths, interests, and needs. For example: What type of work do you enjoy doing? Do you need to work remotely? What accommodations, if any, would you need? Start building a list of your skills, interests, and career goals. If you’re unsure, consult a vocational counselor who can assess your skills and provide input on identifying suitable career paths and necessary training.
Vocational Rehabilitation Programs
Every state has a federally funded Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program that provides grants and free services to people with disabilities seeking employment or an accommodation to retain employment. My VR program in Michigan has been a huge help to me. For example, when it became too difficult and unsafe to manually load my wheelchair into the vehicle I use to commute to work, the program paid for a wheelchair lift to be installed in my van. Most recently, when I moved into a new home and needed a vertical lift installed in my garage so I could exit my home to go to work, they also covered the cost of that accommodation.
You can locate your state’s VR office at rsa.ed.gov/about/states. You’ll need to apply and provide documentation such as:
In most cases VR eligibility is determined within 60 days, at which point you’ll be assigned a counselor who will work with you to develop your Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) that addresses the services you need and employment goals.
Some of the services offered by state VR programs that can help you prepare, obtain, or retain employment include:
The process of receiving services can be quite lengthy. For example, from the time I applied to the VR program to actually getting the wheelchair lift installed in my van took about six months. However, it was worth the wait. Had my VR not assisted, I would have paid over $10k out of pocket. Each state VR program has its own rules and policies, so be sure to inquire about what accommodations might be covered by them, your employer, or, in some cases, a shared cost.
Additional Support: United Spinal’s PTE Program
Another great free resource is the United Spinal Association's Pathways to Employment (PTE) program which supports wheelchair users looking to pursue job opportunities. Some of their programs include:
You can learn more about PTE at unitedspinal.org.
Know Your Rights Under the ADA
As a job seeker it is also important to know your rights.
During my first-ever interview post college graduation, I had a hiring manager start the interview right off the bat by pointing to my wheelchair and saying “Why are you in that thing?” I was shocked and caught off guard. I was young and naïve and did not know that I was not required to disclose my disability at any stage of the job application or interview process unless requesting an accommodation. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects your rights to keep your medical information private.
However, that experience made me more prepared for my next interview. Very early into my next interview I decided to address the elephant in the room by turning a perceived limitation into a positive attribute that shows value. For instance, you can say, "Being a wheelchair user has made me incredibly creative and resourceful. I've had to develop strong problem-solving skills, which have been valuable in every job I've held. I don't get flustered by obstacles, I break them down and find a way forward."
Addressing my disability was a personal choice. If you’re doing a virtual interview where your disability isn’t obvious and your disability won’t affect how you perform the essential functions of the job, you might choose not to disclose. There are pros and cons to that decision and ultimately you must decide what is most comfortable and best for you.
The ADA also ensures that you’re entitled to reasonable accommodations that help you perform essential job functions. These accommodations can vary based on your needs. For example, if you use a catheter, you may request flexible break times or access to a private, accessible restroom to manage your care discreetly and comfortably. Whether it's assistive technology, schedule adjustments, or workspace modifications, the ADA supports your ability to professionally without compromising your health or dignity.
Remote Work
For years, people with disabilities asked to work from home as an accommodation and were told it wasn't possible. Then COVID-19 hit and suddenly everyone was doing it. The pandemic triggered a major turning point in how employers and society viewed remote work, and that shift opened doors for people with disabilities that had been closed for decades. Remote work opened a wider job pool and suddenly those who had limited transportation options or needed to stay close to specialized care or family support, now had options. In fact, according to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment rate for people with disabilities showed record highs post-COVID, partly due to remote and flexible work.
I acquired my spinal cord injury at the age of 14 and have worked in healthcare marketing for 31 years. Like many workers, I went remote during the pandemic and when it was safe to return, I asked for an accommodation to have a hybrid schedule where I work some days in-person and other days remotely. This has been incredibly helpful to my personal wellbeing. Until I started working remotely, I didn’t realize how much energy I expended as a quadriplegic getting ready for work, driving 40 minutes to and from work, and wheeling around the large medical campus where I work. Remote work also gives me more flexibility to manage personal care routines in a private, comfortable setting, without the stress of navigating public restrooms. Working from home several days a week has given me more energy and even improved my productivity.
When looking for remote job opportunities online, stick with reputable sources. Many mainstream sites like LinkedIn have filters that allow you to search for “remote” job openings. Here are a few websites that also specifically help persons with disabilities find remote-friendly jobs:
As someone with a disability who works, I gain a sense of purpose when using my talents in a meaningful way. It’s also a way for me to be independent, connect with others, and make a difference, just like everyone else. Wishing you the best in your job search – you’ve got this!
Cheryl received compensation from Coloplast to provide this information, but reviews and opinions are her own. This information is for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted to contain treatment recommendations. Each person's situation is unique so your experience may not be the same. You should rely on the healthcare professional who knows your individual history for personal medical advice and diagnosis.
