Best Tech Resources for Career Success When You Have a Disability
Best Tech Resources for Career Success When You Have a Disability
Although society would like to think it’s
reached a point where everyone has the same opportunities, people with
disabilities know that’s simply not the case. At the end of the day, the world
at large simply wasn’t made with disabilities in mind, and accommodations, when
they exist, often don’t go far enough to truly level the playing field.
That’s why it’s so important for people with
disabilities to find the tools they need to thrive. With the right resources,
you can more easily navigate your industry, even the parts that weren’t
designed for you. disABLEDperson, Inc. presents this guide to
help you find the tools to success:
A
Reliable Smartphone
At this point, most people already have a
smartphone, but able-bodied and neurotypical people often underestimate how
vital a tool this is for people with disabilities. There are countless accessibility apps out there, all designed
explicitly to help people have the tools they need, no matter where they are.
There are color-checking apps for people with impaired vision, captioning apps
for people with auditory processing issues, even bathroom finding apps for people who can’t
afford to hunt for the nearest facilities.
All of that said, these apps can fall flat if
you don’t have a phone that can support the latest updates. It’s easy to get
left behind if you’re on a model that operating systems no longer support. If
you’re in this boat, search for affordable ways to get a newer model. For
example, many carriers offer upgrade programs that allow you to trade your
phone in for a discount. When you rely on tools to make your way in the world,
it’s important to know they’ll work properly when the time comes.
Online
Schools
As more and more people learn the myriad
benefits of working and studying remotely, online studying
opportunities are becoming more ubiquitous. Although universities make their
best effort to ensure that they have accessible learning opportunities for
everyone, many people would be best suited by the opportunity to learn at their
own pace, on their own schedule, in the environment that works best for them.
Online universities provide that chance.
That makes now a great time to look into
earning a degree, especially if there’s a field you’ve always considered but
avoided due to accessibility concerns. For example, IT and computer science are lucrative fields
that are likely to become even more in-demand over time. Finance, business,
teaching - there’s a whole world of careers out there waiting for you to make
your mark.
Home-Based
Business Opportunities
In much the same way that being able to
connect virtually has created opportunities to study, it’s also made it more
feasible to run your own business when you have a disability. Home-based, fully remote companies are
becoming more and more common. This method of business ownership puts you in
complete control of your workload, schedule, and process, meaning you can build
your business on a foundation of accessibility.
One of the best ways to get your footing as a
home-based company is to try your hand at freelance work. This allows you to practice
the skills you’ll need to thrive and refine your work process in order to
discover what works best for you. Moreover, it’s possible to make a freelance
career fit on the side of a full-time job, so you don’t have to sacrifice your
current work in order to feel out the idea of running a business for yourself.
There are a lot of freelance resources you can find online that
make it easier to get started.
Many fields and opportunities that might have
been completely out of reach for many are more accessible than ever thanks to
technology. By learning which tools can help you thrive, you can create the
barriers-free career you’ve always dreamed of.
disABLEDperson, Inc. aims to reduce the unemployment rate of individuals and veterans with disabilities by helping them connect with employers. Visit our website today.
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