Getting a Job With a Disability (Infographic)

As anyone currently looking for employment knows, job seeking is an activity that requires patience, persistence and self-belief. Unless you’re very fortunate or gifted, you’ll work your way through numerous applications without so much as an acknowledgment, never mind being called for an interview. 

Getting a job with a disability often can be even harder, as some people find their options limited due to the amount of jobs that they would physically or mentally be unable to do. The infographic from Burning Nights below aims to offer encouragement to job seekers trying to get a job with a disability, by advising them on how best to approach the search for employment.

Identify jobs that are suitable

The unfortunate truth is that opportunities for people suffering from a disability are fewer than for the majority and whilst changing are being made to reduce the gap, there is still work to be done so that anyone who wants to work and the required the skills is on a level playing field as everyone else. I was surprised when I started to notice the amount of workplaces, business or even restaurants that don't have basic things such as wheelchair access and more should be done to level the playing field. A person with a disability should be honest with him/herself and recognise when a job specification counts them out of that position. For example, a wheelchair user would find it near impossible to work in a kitchen, given the sparsity of space and the requirement to be on one’s feet for the job. 

Refining the job search shouldn’t be all about exclusion and narrowing one’s options, though. A disabled jobseeker might well have a lot of skills and character traits that are as good as, if not better than, an able-bodied person. Therefore, the disabled jobseeker should identify their skills and strengths and use these to guide their job search.  

Ideally, a person with a disability would find a job that allows them to work from home, does not require physical exertion, pays sufficiently to cover medical expenses and involves comparatively little stress.

Be honest and show a ‘can-do' attitude

Opinion can be rather divided on whether disabled jobseekers should disclose their disability to a prospective employer in the application stage. Your skills and experience are what matters most but it is a good idea to at least inform them because should the applicant be called for an interview, the employer could make suitable arrangements. 

In my own experience when a person is able to discuss problems they've faced and overcome, I'm impressed. If you are able to combine this with your skills and experience you could actually find yourself having an advantage over your competitors.

Getting a job with a disability can be tough, but not impossible. If you are able to do what I've said and combine your skills and experience with overcoming a problem, you will put yourself in an excellent position for getting a great job.

Today’s guest contribution is from Burning Nights