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35 Great Jobs for People with Disabilities

By Publisher
| Last Updated December 17, 2021

Good jobs for people with disabilities might be more accessible than you think. No matter what type of disability you might have, you can discover the satisfaction that often comes from realizing—and using—your strongest abilities and skills.

Many organizations are now actively creating jobs for disabled people. In fact, you can find great opportunities within nearly every industry. The government, healthcare, technology, and financial sectors especially are becoming much more welcoming to physically or mentally challenged people.

Following, we have tried to break out some of the main areas of disability, with examples of jobs that have the potential to work well. Start exploring your options right now!

Explore good jobs for disabled adults:

Median annual wages are based on 2020 estimates from the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program. OEWS job growth data listed for each career below is for the 2020-2030 time period.


Good Jobs for Disabled Adults

In America, 13.2 percent of the population live with at least one disability. Thankfully the landscape of how various disabilities are understood and accommodated is changing and evolving. You just need to find the people and organizations who will support you in the ways you might need.


Best Jobs for Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities

Smiling at workHundreds of causes exist for intellectual disabilities that result in conceptual, social, or practical-living impairments. As a result, people within this category display a vast array of possible talents. So not all these career ideas are appropriate for everyone. But they do represent some of the best jobs for mentally disabled people with conditions like Down syndrome or brain injuries (depending on relevant levels of functioning). Consider these examples of jobs for mentally disabled adults:

Culinary Arts

Commercial kitchens offer opportunities that are well-suited to those who need routine as well as those who have a lot of inherent creativity. Restaurant kitchen jobs with more responsibility can be great options for people with a mild intellectual disability.

1. Restaurant cooks:

  • Median annual wage: $27,250
  • Job growth: 26% (much faster than average)

2. Food preparation workers:

  • Median annual wage: $26,070
  • Job growth: 6%

3. Bakers:

  • Median annual wage: $29,400
  • Job growth: 10%

4. Chefs and head cooks:

  • Median annual wage: $53,380
  • Job growth: 25% (much faster than average)

Veterinary and Animal Care

There's something about working with animals that can draw out the very best in a person. The animal care field can offer some of the best jobs for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

5. Veterinary assistants:

  • Median annual wage: $29,930
  • Job growth: 14%

6. Animal care and service workers:

  • Median annual wage: $26,370
  • Job growth: 33% (much faster than average)

Careers for Neurodiverse People

Careers for People with DisabilitiesNeurodiversity involves differences in how the brain works that are not attributed to disease or medical conditions. But these brain differences don't always cause or occur with intellectual disability. Many neurodiverse people are exceptionally intelligent and, with the proper resources, can become successful and high functioning.

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD), including Asperger's disorder*, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Tourette syndrome, and learning disorders like dyslexia and developmental speech disorders are all examples of neurodiversity that, with proper understanding and accommodation, don't necessarily impair the ability to find a great job.

Use the following articles for more detailed breakdowns of employment with ASD or ADHD:

Although you might have challenges in one area, you may have real strengths and talents in another. For example, many people with at least one learning disability have valuable traits such as resilience, empathy, or creativity. Others seem to have a natural ability to speak in public or see the bigger picture. That's why some of the previously mentioned careers (such as design and teaching) are often good jobs for people with learning disabilities. Here are a few other possibilities to consider:

*Note that Asperger's is no longer used to describe people on the autism spectrum and is now only considered a high-functioning variant of ASD.

Technology

People with conditions such as Asperger syndrome can flourish in a career that utilizes their ability for focused and intelligent problem solving—without having to be around too many other people. Maybe you fit that profile and will go on to become something like a video game programmer or mobile software developer. Did you know that mobile app developers have some of the most satisfying jobs you can get? It's true. CNN Money even named mobile app developer the number one best job in America.

7. Computer network architect:

  • Median annual wage: $116,780
  • Job growth: 5%

8. Software developers and quality assurance analysts:

  • Median annual wage: $110,140
  • Job growth: 22%

9. Information security analysts:

  • Median annual wage: $103,590
  • Job growth: 33% (much faster than average)

Social Services and Healthcare

Social services and counseling:

Careers for People with DisabilitiesSince growing up with a learning disability can be very challenging, those who do often develop empathy for anyone else who is struggling. That's why some people who have learning disabilities find that the field of counseling provides a good place for their talents. They can help comfort and advise other people by being truly genuine and understanding.

10. Rehabilitation counselors:

  • Median annual wage: $37,530
  • Job growth: 10%

11. Addictions and mental health counselors:

  • Median annual wage: $47,660
  • Job growth: 23% (much faster than average)

12. School counselors:

  • Median annual wage: $58,120
  • Job growth: 11%

Healthcare:

This sector is another option that can allow you to take advantage of your empathetic nature. Providing basic care to medical patients or residents of nursing facilities can be an especially great way to experience a sense of pride and meaning.

13. Nursing assistant:

  • Median annual wage: $30,830
  • Job growth: 8%

Jobs for Physically Disabled Adults

Man working from a wheelchairYou can find good jobs for disabled people at home or in a workplace with appropriate accessibility and accommodations. And these options are also all suitable jobs for people in wheelchairs.

Check out the following options, separated by industry area:

Healthcare, Medical Office, and Social Services

Medical office:

You don't usually need to be very mobile to work in a medical office or hospital department. And many health industry employers value having employees who understand what some of their patients might be going through. Plus, areas like medical billing and coding often provide telecommuting opportunities, making it a great source of jobs for disabled people at home.

14. Medical office assistants:

  • Median annual wage: $37,350
  • Job growth: 11%

15. Medical records and health information specialists:

  • Median annual wage: $45,240
  • Job growth: 9%

16. Medical and health services managers:

  • Median annual wage: $104,280
  • Job growth: 32% (much faster than average)

Pharmacy:

Many pharmacies have become more open to providing jobs for disabled adults. Plus, some pharmaceutical companies also offer opportunities in sales to outgoing people who have disabilities and experience taking certain medications.

17. Pharmacy technicians:

  • Median annual wage: $35,100
  • Job growth: 4%

18. Sales representatives for drug companies:

  • Median annual wage: $65,420
  • Job growth: 5%

Counseling:

Why not help others find great jobs for people with disabilities? With the wisdom drawn from your own experiences, you can do a world of good as an occupational guidance counselor to disabled students and adults.

19. Vocational counseling:

  • Median annual wage: $58,120
  • Job growth: 11%

Business, Marketing, and Finance

Careers for People with DisabilitiesEmployment in the business sector is often done at a desk and usually on a computer or other device. Working in an office, at a desk that could be customized if needed, and with technology that incorporates accessibility, can provide a lot of great opportunities for those with physical disabilities in the workplace.

Accounting and bookkeeping:

Handling financial matters as an accounting or bookkeeping specialist can be a great way to keep your mind engaged. And it's something you can do from a desk customized just for you.

20. Bookkeeping and accounting clerks:

  • Median annual wage: $42,410
  • Job growth: -3%

21. Accountants and auditors:

  • Median annual wage: $73,560
  • Job growth: 7%

Marketing:

If you live with a disability, then you could offer useful insights to companies and other organizations that want their brands, products, and services to connect with people like you. The marketing industry is full of ways to use your creativity or analytical abilities.

22. Marketing specialists and research analysts:

  • Median annual wage: $65,810
  • Job growth: 22% (much faster than average)

23. Marketing managers:

  • Median annual wage: $141,490
  • Job growth: 10%

Technology and Design

Technology and digital design can provide some of the best options when it comes to jobs for disabled people at home. You can work at a desk customized for you, or work on a laptop, tablet, or phone from wherever is comfortable or appropriate. This area also provides opportunities for contract and outsourcing work, which often can be performed from wherever you choose.

24. Graphic designers:

  • Median annual wage: $53,380
  • Job growth: 3%

25. Computer support specialists:

  • Median annual wage: $55,510
  • Job growth: 9%

26. Web developers:

  • Median annual wage: $77,200
  • Job growth: 13%

Careers for the Visually Impaired

Careers for People with DisabilitiesA 2017 study published by JAMA Ophthalmology showed that more than seven million Americans lived with some visual acuity loss, with more than one million people experiencing blindness. But assistive technologies continue to get more sophisticated. Braille computer displays and voice-command technology are just two examples.

For more detailed information, check out this article on jobs for blind people. And here is a small sampling of the many good options for those who deal with vision loss to consider:

Teaching and Early Childhood Education

Young people are curious and always looking for new sources of inspiration. As a person who is blind or has impaired vision, you can bring your insights to the classroom or playground, which can challenge students' imaginations and inspire them to grow.

27. Childcare workers:

  • Median annual wage: $25,460
  • Job growth: 8%

28. Teacher assistants:

  • Median annual wage: $28,900
  • Job growth: 9%

29. Elementary school teachers:

  • Median annual wage: $60,660
  • Job growth: 7%

Legal Services

Law firms may be able to use your unique perspective on issues. Plus, you may find your niche in providing legal assistance to clients who live with a disability and want a professional they can easily relate to.

30. Paralegals and legal assistants:

  • Median annual wage: $52,920
  • Job growth: 12%

Audio Production

As a visually impaired person, one of your gifts might be an enhanced ear for music. And that could mean you have a talent just waiting to be used for recording, editing, or mixing songs and sound.

31. Sound engineering technicians:

  • Median annual wage: $53,520
  • Job growth: 17% (much faster than average)

Careers for Those Who Are Deaf or Hearing Impaired

Careers for People with DisabilitiesPeople in this category have a higher employment rate than any other disability group. And, like those with vision disabilities, people who have hearing disabilities have found career opportunities in just about every sector. Even so, some options stand out, such as:

Drafting

Drafting could be a good option for anyone who enjoys focusing on something without much distraction. Plus, you get to play a role in making buildings or other structures come to life.

32. Civil and architectural drafters:

  • Median annual wage: $57,500
  • Job growth: -1%

33. Electronics and electrical drafters:

  • Median annual wage: $62,100
  • Job growth: 2%

Carpentry

This skilled trade can be truly enjoyable, especially if you're the type of person who has an extra keen eye for detail.

34. Carpenters:

  • Median annual wage: $49,520
  • Job growth: 2%

Medical Laboratory Technology

Accurate diagnostic testing is a crucial part of the healthcare system. And it requires great vision, which may be a strength of yours. Plus, you don't have to communicate with too many people face-to-face in some medical lab tech jobs.

35. Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians:

  • Median annual wage: $54,180
  • Job growth: 11%

How to Conduct an Effective Job Search If You Have a Disability: 6 Tips

1. Find Help

Woman using laptop outsideYou may be able to avoid a lot of common mistakes—and achieve success more quickly—by enlisting the support of others. Most communities have non-profit or government-run agencies that assist people seeking disability employment services.

2. Know Where to Look

Job opportunities can be found through organizations that offer disability employment services. In some cases, you might even be able to take advantage of special hiring processes. That's why it's smart to get the support of local agencies; they can often show you where those opportunities are. Two great examples of where you can find disability employment services include:

  • The National Telecommuting Institute, Inc. (NTI): This not-for-profit organization specializes in identifying and developing work-at-home opportunities for Americans with physical disabilities. NTI matches people with part-time or full-time jobs—and helps train them—in fields like virtual customer service, technical support, survey work, quality-control monitoring, and business-to-business telemarketing.
  • USAJOBS: As part of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), this resource helps people with disabilities connect with good job opportunities throughout the federal government. It lists thousands of job announcements—for opportunities in several countries—from hundreds of federal agencies. Plus, it offers information about the Schedule A Hiring Authority, which often gives federal agencies a faster option for hiring individuals who have psychiatric, intellectual, or severe physical disabilities.

3. Start Volunteering

It's amazing what you can learn through volunteer opportunities. Many people with disabilities have gained marketable skills through volunteering and gone on to find great jobs that pay well. Plus, being a volunteer gives you a chance to test out some easy jobs for disabled adults while you expand your network of professionals who can serve as references. And it's a good way to be social while getting used to working in a structured environment.

4. Think Carefully Before Revealing Your Disability

You may want to avoid disclosing that you have a disability during certain phases of your job search. After all, you probably don't want potential employers prejudging your abilities or stereotyping you before even having the chance to meet you face-to-face. That's why many disability-employment counselors recommend not mentioning your limitations on your resume or in your cover letter.

That said, in some situations, revealing your disability can be to your advantage. For instance, if you are going after a job in a federal agency, disclosing your disability can make you eligible for Schedule A hiring. And some employers seek out professionals with disabilities to add more diversity to their teams. In addition, at the application or interview stage, you might be legally required to disclose your disability if you require any special accommodations.

5. Interview Like a Pro

Every job interview is an opportunity to showcase your strengths. So, it's essential to play up your talents and abilities. Your disability may become a topic of discussion, especially if you have visible limitations. But it's best to turn those limitations into positives by acknowledging your challenges and explaining why they've given you abilities that other people might not have.

For example, maybe your disability has given you more persistence, a better work ethic, and an ability to take on new challenges at a higher level than other professionals. Focus on how you can add value to each organization and describe your talents in as much detail as possible.

6. Don't Give Up

Even the most talented and qualified people without disabilities sometimes run into roadblocks. So, if you're not getting the opportunities you want, don't lose hope. Keep trying. Your confidence and self-esteem are the biggest assets that will keep you in the running. It's only a matter of time before your job-search efforts start generating results. Stick with it.


Americans With Disabilities Act, Ticket to Work, and Other Helpful Resources

Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act requires all American government agencies and all companies that get money from the federal government to work toward building workforces consisting of at least seven percent disabled adults.

The Americans with Disabilities Act also includes protection from employment discrimination. The law is designed to ensure everyone can be involved in their communities, including those who envision working while disabled.

The Ticket to Work and Self Sufficiency (Ticket) Program is government-funded and dedicated to assisting disabled Americans in preparing for, securing, and keeping employment. The ultimate goal is financial independence.

Many resources like the Job Accommodation Network also exist to help employers understand what accommodations can be made for workers with various limitations.


Get Started

You're already motivated to share your talents in the workforce, so your next step can be as easy as learning more about a program that interests you. Good jobs for disabled adults are waiting to be filled by people like you!