Returning to Work with a Disability
It goes without saying that those of us who have a disability have a unique set of problems when it comes to finding a job. However, in today’s job market, and with the Americans with Disabilities Act, it is far easier to find a job and to have the proper accommodations supplied to you for your disability than ever before.
Entering the work force can be daunting, and you may feel as if you are unequipped to even begin the search. Do not give up hope yet. With the veritable treasure trove of resources available to you these days, you can better prepare yourself for the return to the job market by learning new skills and honing ones you already have.
College
There are many ways for someone with a disability to enter, or to reenter, the workplace. One obvious way is to go back to school. The community colleges in the area have very friendly and helpful disability counselors that will aid you in setting a goal for the future. Also, most community colleges feature a workforce center. There, you can find help writing a resume, making contacts with employers, and narrowing down what it is that you would like to do.
Vocational Rehabilitation
Another option is Vocational Rehabilitation. Voc Rehab, as it is called, aids people with disabilities in preparing and eventually finding a job. They have numerous programs that are tailored to suit each individual. Whether you wish to get back into the workplace immediately or would like to pursue an academic career, Voc Rehab is willing to help find the best path for you to achieve your goal.
Americans with Disabilities Act
Before you begin any job search, you should also familiarize yourself with ADA. Signed into law in 1992, it prohibits any discrimination on the basis of disability. You also have the right to any reasonable accommodations that you may require to successfully do the job.
Having a job is a deeply rewarding experience. It increases your sense of self worth and gives you a feeling of accomplishment like no other. The worst thing one can do when struggling with a disability is to give in and say “I can’t,” because there are so many resources out there to give you a hand up. You must also consider that a great deal of today’s best paying jobs are structured around the computer. The days of grueling manual labor is gone. If you can operate a mouse, you can be in at ground zero of the hottest jobs in the market place.