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Working With a Disability

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A blind graduate student talks about living and working with a disability.
much more inside

Finding and keeping a good job can be difficult in today’s economy. Working when you have a disability is even harder. We realize that each case is different and each person with a disability has special needs. When you're working with a disability, there are some things you should keep in mind.

General Advice   Dealing with Discrimination   Job Placement Services for People with Disabilities
  1. Disability disclosure. When to disclose your disability can be a tough decision. If you feel like you won’t get hired or won’t be able to move upward at your company you may choose to never disclose your disability. If you have a visible disability such as blindness you may want to prepare your interviewer ahead of time. This is a highly personal decision. Whatever you feel is best for your personal situation is what you should do.
  2. Be Confident. Instead of focusing on your limitations, you should focus on your strengths. You have strengths and skills that your employer obviously values. Keep this in mind and do not allow your disability to limit your options when considering promotions, raises and new positions.
  3. Take advantage of your resources. Your job must legally accommodate your disability, so don’t be shy about it. If you feel your disability negatively affecting your work, talk to someone at your company who you trust and who can get you the help you need.
  4. Take care of yourself outside of the workplace. This is especially important if you have a mental illness. You know your body and mind better than anyone. Making sure that you are doing all you can to put yourself in the best condition possible physically and mentally can be key to having a happy and productive career.

 

The attitude of the general public towards those with disabilities has changed a lot over the past 30 years. Unfortunately, there are still those who discriminate against people with disabilities during the hiring process and while you’re on the job.

It is important to understand and protect your rights. Learn more about the Americans with Disabilities Act.

  • If you feel like you have been discriminated against by an employer or coworker it is important to address the situation immediately. Sometimes, approaching the person guilty of discrimination and having a private conversation with them can help. The person may not have realized they were being discriminatory.
  • If the person does not care, or if the discrimination continues, you do have legal protections. You should contact the following resources for help:

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

Department of Labor

Department of Justice

 

  • Abilities Inc. This is a national job placement service for those with disabilities.
  • Federal Jobs. This site has information and links to hiring and placement programs in the federal government, including postal service jobs, for people with disabilities.
  • USA Jobs. Another program dedicated to helping those with disabilities get federal government jobs.
  • Disabled Veterans Services. This organization provides job training and placement to disabled veterans.

 

 

 

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That is so true especially with this recession, finding a good job can be a big issue , you would need a place with a desk job , not a lot of moving around or a place with a elevator or a stairlift , but the best I found is to be self employed or working from home jobs like SEO.

Posted by doctore on Jul. 28, 2010 4:16 am.
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