How to Find Jobs for the Disabled

It's sometimes difficult for disabled individuals to find jobs. Despite references to "equal opportunity employer" and the American Disabilities Act, there's still widespread prejudice. Keep a positive "can-do" attitude and follow these steps to succeed in your job search.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Take advantage of vocational rehabilitation services. Every state has a VR department that trains disabled individuals and helps them find a job. Push for computer training, which will make you more employable.

2. Contact national and local organizations that help disabled individuals find jobs. Start with the American Association of People with Disabilities They offer an annual mentoring program and publish a list of employment opportunities. Call and ask them about organizations in your local area that can help.

3. Take an internship job at a nonprofit or for-profit organization. The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) has a list of internship opportunities on their website. Demonstrate your work ethic by expressing a willingness to perform duties not included in the job description.

4. Look for a position with the federal government. They claim to be a model for the commercial and nonprofit sectors in disability hiring, so hold them to it! Your state vocational rehabilitation office can help you get noncompetitive federal employment jobs. The U.S. Office of Personnel Management has information about federal jobs for the disabled.

5. Educate employers in your area about the disabled. Many assume disabled individuals can't keep up with job demands. Explain that the employer might need to make accommodations in some cases, it doesn't hinder a disabled person's ability to fulfill assigned duties. You'll be doing yourself and other disabled people a favor.

Tips & Warnings

• A disabled individual must have persistence to find a job. Believe you can do whatever is asked of you and be willing to prove it.
• Networking is important. Get involved with local nonprofit organizations and make connections with people. Let them know what your skills are.
• Research possible tax advantages for companies who hire disabled workers, and show the prospective employer how they will benefit by giving you a chance.

Resources

• Check out JobAccess to find jobs for the disabled.
• Find internship and employment opportunities with AAPD.
• Find information here about federal jobs.

Who Can Help Sponsored

• Earn your degree from industry experts at University of Phoenix. Take the next step in your career.

[jlodgesharonmp]

on 11/18/2009 Work at home opportunities are hard enough to find if you are able bodied, but if you are disabled, almost impossible. The J. Lodge Corporation offers great opportunities for work at home for the disabled. They specialize in assisting Americans with disabilities get back into the work force. Earning while on Social Security Disability information can be found at: http://www.yourtickettowork.com/. To apply go to: http://www.jlodge.com/careers. Hope to have you as a co-worker soon!!!!!

[nhalliday]

on 11/17/2009 Work. If you need more info on this program please visit www.ssa.gov/work/aboutticket for more information. Then go to the J.Lodge site and there will be opportunities for employment at that time. Best of Luck to all!

[jubileef44]

on 11/16/2009 I tried applying for a job today with J Lodge that was a major dissappointment I read everything and went to file the application and they fail to tell you that you must be on or applying for social security what a joke.

[jlodgesharonmp]

on 11/10/2009 Despite the economic forecasts that still show job losses set to climb even higher, there are a few companies that are still experiencing growth. The J. Lodge Corporation, a quality call services company, has sustained profitability since 1999 and accredits its success solely to its unique employee model that consists of disabled business Americans. While other companies are outsourcing their jobs to foreign competitors, J.Lodge is striving to provide part-time careers for individuals who are interested in our company and who qualify for our positions. If anyone is interested please visit: http://www.jlodge.com/careers

I am disabled and have been since August 2000. This is the first job I have been able to find that I can do from home. I found real at home work and you can too… Please go to the website and click on Employment at top and then click on Apply. It’s that simple. Hope...

[jlodgesfryer]

on 11/5/2009 I have been living with anxiety and depression for many years and have struggled with finding, and keeping, a job. One of the biggest obstacles for me has been getting to the workplace. I was finally able to get employed by J. Lodge Corporation. J. Lodge Corporation is a quality call services company that incorporates and employee model consisting of disabled Americans. By using their educational and business experience; employees are able to pursue a work from home, part-time career. Working for J. Lodge Corporation has given me the opportunity to work from home and have flexibility in my schedule.
J. Lodge Corporation is currently expanding. They are looking for individuals who are interested in their company and who qualify for their positions. If you are interested, please visit http://www.jlodge.com/careers and apply online.