Let’s talk about how to find a job—or figure out what career path you want to take—when you have a disability. I’m going to take you through some helpful resources you can turn to when making decisions about your future.
First and foremost, it’s important to know exactly what your rights are. Several prominent acts have been passed to help make the process of finding work fairer and more accessible for people with disabilities.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects the workplace rights of individuals with disabilities. It prohibits discrimination and ensures equal opportunity in employment. This means that employers cannot discriminate when hiring, firing, promoting, or determining pay for individuals with disabilities.
There is also the Rehabilitation Act, which provides funding for programs that support people with disabilities. One of the most significant programs under this act is independent living, which helps individuals with disabilities develop the skills and access the resources they need to live on their own and become full fledged members of their communities.
Another significant law that supports individuals with disabilities is the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). This act provides assistance to those who face challenges in securing employment by offering education, skills training, job-search support, and general career guidance.
There are lots of different companies that offer internships and scholarships specifically meant for those with disabilities. Three prominent companies that could be helpful to look into are the AAPD (American Association for People with Disabilities), NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), and the AAAS (the American Association for Advancement in Science).
The AAPD offers both summer and fall internships at a wide range of positions (federal, for-profit, non-profit), which focus on developing participants’ leadership skills. This internship accepts college students, graduate students, law students and people with many different types of disabilities.
As for the AAAS, they offer a seasonal internship. It is a ten- to twelve-week paid internship called Entry Point!. This program specifically recruits students with disabilities in STEM for science positions in the government, at universities, and companies. In order to apply for this internship you must be a full-time student, live in the USA, and have at least a 3.0 GPA.
NASA is a government organization that provides opportunities to people with disabilities. Similar to the AAAS, NASA has STEM scholarship programs like MUREP (Minority University Research and Education Program) and Space Grant initiatives. These programs aim to get more minorities, including those with disabilities, educated in the STEM field and working at NASA.
One good resource to use to find work is called Lime Connect. This is a large network of individuals with both visible and non-visible disabilities. It’s a great place formaking connections and finding job offers well-suited to people with disabilities.
Another helpful organization is the National Business and Disability Council (NBDC). The NBDC provides a variety of useful links and guides to help individuals with disabilities find careers. They offer assistance with locating accessible rental housing, publish articles explaining accessibility standards, and provide access to a webcast series that discusses a range of issues employees with disabilities face in the workplace.
In conclusion, even if you have a disability, there are many resources available to help you succeed in the world and find a career that not only matches your abilities but also provides lasting enjoyment.
