Jobs Working With the Disabled

Physical therapists may help people with disabilities to improve balance and strength.

Disabilities affect millions of families around the world, according to Disabled World. About 10 percent of the world's population -- about 650 million people -- live with disabilities. Working with disabled individuals can be professionally and personally rewarding, since those working jobs assisting the disabled may feel a sense of reward in helping people live healthier or more fulfilling lives. Learning which jobs involve working with the disabled may help you decide whether this is an appropriate career choice for you.

Things You'll Need

• Physical therapist certificate
• Residence manager license
• Special education certificate

Instructions

1. Learn about becoming a physical therapist. Physical therapists and therapist assistance work with the disabled to improve or stabilize physical conditions. They may work in hospitals, nursing homes or clinics to help disabled individuals build strength, balance, coordination and flexibility. Physical therapists may also instruct disabled individuals on modifications or precautions for safely navigating stairways, bathtubs or work environments. Treatments might include massage or exercise regimens. When working with the disabled, physical therapists may also teach individuals how to care for prosthetic limbs or wheelchairs.

2. Consider working within non-profit groups. Non-profit groups work with the disabled to help secure resources, act as advocates or raise funds for disabled groups. You may run a volunteer center geared toward helping individuals with disabilities, help people with disabilities find jobs or work as an activist to increase general awareness about the challenges of living with a disability. Given the large variety of jobs, it may be easier to find this type of work with a non-profit group. However, some non-profit groups run with tighter budgets, leading to the possibility of lower pay and benefits packages.

3. Apply for work as a residence manager. Some individuals with disabilities may live in residence homes, where professionals work to meet their daily needs, including meals, health care, recreation and interaction with other people. Residence managers oversee the operation of assisted living homes so that residents enjoy an orderly, safe environment. Managers may coordinate with cooks, health care staff, janitorial staff and entertainment planners to create a smoothly flowing schedule for residents with disabilities. This job may also involve acting as a liaison with the outside community, communicating with family members, hospitals or other organizations to better provide service to clients.

4. Earn a special education teaching certificate. Special education teachers work with the disabled to ensure that they receive a quality education. Students with disabilities may face extra challenges when it comes to physically navigating the classroom, overcoming learning disabilities to master content or completing schoolwork, while continuing to work with therapists, doctors or social workers to address additional needs. This job helps to provide a safe, nurturing learning environment for students to succeed academically.

References

• Disabled World: World Facts and Statistics on Disabilities and Disability Issues
• State University: Physical Therapist Assistant Job Description
• Learning to Give: Careers in the Nonprofit Sector
• Department of Human Services: Seniors and People with Disabilities
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Teachers -- Special Education