While many businesses prioritize hiring individuals with disabilities. These job seekers encounter a unique set of problems that may make the job search and interview process more challenging.
“You could feel self-conscious about your impairment even if you’re extremely qualified for a job,” says Jonathan Kaufman, a career counselor and psychologist who specializes in disability problems. “There’s a significant psychological factor at work. Kaufman, who was born with cerebral palsy, was also a former White House policy adviser on diversity and disability.
You’re not alone if you’re concerned that potential employers may doubt your capacity to perform successfully on the job. “There is still a lot of stigmas associated with individuals with impairments in the workplace,” says Rebecca Cokley, disability rights program officer at the Ford Foundation and former head of the Center for American Progress’s Disability Justice Initiative.
Companies are planning to provide more opportunities to people with disabilities
The good news is that an increasing number of businesses have. Promised to include persons with disabilities in their diversity recruiting efforts. Microsoft, SAP, and Walgreens, for example, have initiatives in place to hire persons with autism spectrum disorder.
Are you ready to begin your search? These five pointers will make job hunting with a handicap easier and ensure that you. Not your impairment, is the center of attention.
Request What You Require
Any job seeker has to be confident. First and foremost, be aware that job seekers with impairments are protected by federal legislation. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 prohibits employers from inquiring about a job candidate’s medical history during an interview. It also mandates that companies provide “reasonable adjustments” for eligible job candidates or employees.
What does it mean to make a fair accommodation?
Any change or alteration to a job or work environment. That allows a person with a disability to perform essential job activities is considered a reasonable accommodation. (Modifying the height of desks and equipment. Adding computer screen magnifiers, or providing telecommunications for the deaf are examples of reasonable accommodations.)
Before accepting a job offer, Cokley warns. You cannot acquire adjustments without reporting your condition. You should have no reluctance in demanding the accommodations you need in order to succeed at your work.”
Only talk about it What Do You Need to Know About Your Disability
If you’re invited to an interview on the fifth level of a . Building that doesn’t have an elevator and you can’t climb up the stairs. You’ll need to explain why. But, according to Ryan, “in most instances, the longer you wait to disclose your condition, the better off you are.”
If your limitation is obvious, Ryan advises that you address it briefly before moving on to how you would execute the job. “What you want to do is face it and emphasize that it has no effect on your ability to do your job,” he explains.
Recognize Disability Disclosure
When it’s time, share what you need to share. You don’t have to include your impairment on your CV or cover letter, for example. Obviously, if you’re asked to attend a meeting in a building with no access ramp and you’re physically unable to walk up the stairs, you’ll need to inform the interviewer ahead of time—and then emphasize that you’re looking forward to explaining how your skills and expertise would be a huge asset to the company.
You are under no legal requirement to disclose your impairment to a potential employer if you have a condition that does not require any adjustments or affects your ability to perform the tasks of the job.
Concentrate on your skills and abilities.
Directaccessgp told us that when it comes to job searchers who need accommodations, it’s critical to frame your request in a favorable manner. “You want to show [an interviewer] that employing you is a win-win situation for both you and the organization,” Kaufman advises. “As long as I can change the resolution of my computer display so that I can see everything properly, I’ll be able to plow through those spreadsheets with ease,” for example.
It’s critical to be as clear as possible, according to Dan Ryan, author of the Job Search Handbook for People with Disabilities. Knowing which technologies can help you flourish at work will help you stand out to potential employers.
“Show that you’ve done your homework and know precisely what you’ll need to fulfill all of the job’s main duties,” Ryan advises.
Make the Most of Your Work Experience
Talking about how you’ve thrived at past employment is one approach to play up your talents to a recruiting manager. “Demonstrating that you’ve performed the duties of the position you’re going for is incredibly useful,” Ryan adds. “It proves that you can perform the job and do it well,” says the author.
Use numbers to help quantify your accomplishments for added wow-factor. Don’t simply state you managed a budget and cut costs. Instead, state, “I oversaw a $50,000 yearly budget and decreased expenditures by 15%.” However, don’t only shout your own praises. Make a list of past managers and colleagues who can attest to your abilities and credentials.
Utilize the available resources
A variety of disability advocacy and support organizations provide free job training and placement aid. Ryan suggests the Job Accommodation Network (JAN), a US Department of Labor program that provides information on employment accommodations for a variety of impairments. The Workforce Recruiting Initiative (WRP) is a countrywide recruitment and referral program that links government sector companies with disabled job candidates.
Attending networking events that cater to persons with disabilities might assist you in locating firms that already have good facilities and support systems in place. Don’t be afraid to push yourself forward.
Final words
If you can follow these tips, you can easily find a job that can help you regardless of the disabilities that you face. It can provide amazing returns to you in the long run as well.
