Disability shouldn’t mean exclusion.
As companies expand on their inclusivity initiatives and employment programs for people with disabilities, getting a job in your desired field is more achievable than ever.
In this blog, we will discuss:
- What is disability training?
- How do you engage with individuals with disabilities?
- How can employers recruit more employees with disabilities?
- What kind of work training program is best for people with disabilities?
- What type of jobs might be best suited for people with disabilities?
What is Disability Training?
In order to create a more inclusive and understanding workspace, most corporations offer disability training. In this specific job training, leaders and team members alike will better understand the challenges that people with disabilities face. This allows the workplace to be more inclusive and understanding and improves aspects such as accessibility.
By enhancing the company’s awareness of those with disabilities, employees will get a better grasp of why their coworkers view the world, handle changes, and communicate differently. Disability training creates a more respectful and graceful environment!
How Do You Engage with Individuals with Disabilities?
It’s important to remember that you should talk to someone with a disability the same way you would talk to anyone else. By being aware of their needs, while maintaining respectful boundaries and genuine connection, you will make them feel equal to you.
Engagement can look like this:
- Having conscious communication! Communicate at eye level, don’t ask intrusive questions, and communicate naturally with a normal tone of voice and expression.
- Asking before you help – it may not always be wanted or warranted.
- Not focusing on their disability but focusing on their personhood!
- Being patient in the ways that they may communicate differently.
- Treat them like you would anyone else – and make sure to interact with them in an age-appropriate manner.
While some people may be daunted by interacting with someone different from them, at the end of the day, it’s necessary to remember that we are all people who deserve equal treatment and inclusion.
How Can Employers Recruit More Employees with Disabilities?
If companies focus on creating an inclusive culture, they’ll be able to recruit more employees with disabilities. Employment services should focus on growing their talent practices so they are able to employ a wider range of personalities and strengths.
If a company also offers necessary accommodations, such as modified seating, widen doorways, ramps, and flexible sick days and project timelines, people with disabilities will be more inclined to work there. Finally, promoting inclusion as a core company value will make all employees feel seen and respected!
What Kind of Work Training Program is Best for People with Disabilities?
Vocational rehabilitation is a resourceful training program for people with disabilities. Under this program, people are able to receive a diagnosis, individualized rehabilitation programs, counseling, training, and job placement.
Through social security disability insurance (SSDI), people with disabilities can also be a part of the ticket-to-work program. From ages 18-64, people are able to enter/reenter the workforce through free training. Job searches for people with disabilities become an easier transition, as this program helps adults prepare for and find stable jobs.
What Type of Jobs Might be Best Suited for People with Disabilities?
Across the world, there are people with disabilities working in every vocation! This includes teaching, law, media, medicine, business, and much more. USA.gov lists numerous resources, training, and employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
While a job in any vocation is attainable, below are some recommended jobs for people with disabilities:
- Accounting. Large accounting firms have some of the highest hiring rates for people with disabilities, and this job can be calming as it is based on organization and numbers.
- Graphic Designer. Being a designer provides you with more work-from-home opportunities and is perfect for a creative mind.
- Teacher. You not only see the world as a different place than most people, but you are able to help others with a disability as well!
- Writer. This is another job that provides increased work-from-home opportunities and focuses on nonverbal communication skills (instead of spoken/verbal communication skills).
Personal skills can translate into job skills! Focus on finding a career that interests you, aligns with your passions, and requires skills that you know you possess.
