32 Great Jobs for People with Disabilities
By Publisher
| Last Updated April 9, 2024
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. Great opportunities exist 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:
- Jobs for Individuals with Intellectual Disability
- Jobs for Neurodiverse People
- Jobs for Physically Disabled People
- Jobs for the Visually Impaired
- Jobs for Hearing Impaired People
- How to Get the Job You Want If You Have a Disability
- Americans With Disabilities Act, Ticket to Work, and Other Helpful Resources
Salary information and job growth is based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) unless otherwise indicated.*
Good Jobs for Disabled Adults
In America, 13.5 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
Hundreds 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: $34,110
- Job growth: 6%
2. Food preparation workers:
- Median annual wage: $29,790
- Job growth: -5%
3. Bakers:
- Median annual wage: $32,780
- Job growth: 5%
4. Chefs and head cooks:
- Median annual wage: $56,520
- Job growth: 5%
Veterinary and Animal Care
Working with animals can bring out the best in a person. The animal care field can offer some of the best jobs for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
- Median annual wage: $34,740
- Job growth: 20%
6. Animal care and service worker:
- Median annual wage: $29,790
- Job growth: 16%
Careers for Neurodiverse People
Neurodiversity involves differences in how the brain works that are not attributed to disease or medical conditions. However, 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), 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 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 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:
Computers and Technology
People with conditions such as autism spectrum disorder 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.
7. Computer network architects:
- Median annual wage: $126,900
- Job growth: 4%
- Median annual wage: $124,200
- Job growth: 25%
9. Information security analysts:
- Median annual wage: $112,000
- Job growth: 32%
10. Computer support specialists:
- Median annual wage: $59,660
- Job growth: 5%
Social Services and Counseling
Since 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 others by being genuine and understanding.
11. Rehabilitation counselors:
- Median annual wage: $39,990
- Job growth: 2%
12. Addictions and mental health counselors:
- Median annual wage: $49,710
- Job growth: 18%
13. School counselors:
- Median annual wage: $60,140
- Job growth: 5%
Healthcare:
The healthcare sector is another option that can allow use 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.
14. Nursing assistants:
- Median annual wage: $35,740
- Job growth: 4%
Jobs for Physically Disabled Adults
You can find good jobs for disabled people at home or in a workplace with appropriate accessibility and accommodations. These options are also suitable jobs for people in wheelchairs.
Check out the following options, separated by industry area:
Healthcare and Medical
Medical office:
You don't usually need to be very mobile to work in a medical office or hospital department. 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.
15. Medical office assistants:
- Median annual wage: $38,270
- Job growth: 14%
16. Medical records and health information specialists:
- Median annual wage: $47,180
- Job growth: 8%
17. Medical and health services managers:
- Median annual wage: $104,830
- Job growth: 28%
Pharmacy:
Many pharmacies have become more open to providing jobs for disabled adults. Plus, some pharmaceutical companies also offer sales opportunities to outgoing people with disabilities and experience taking certain medications.
18. Pharmacy technicians:
- Median annual wage: $37,790
- Job growth: 6%
19. Sales representatives for drug companies:
- Median annual wage: $67,750
- Job growth: 1%
Business, Marketing, and Finance
Employment 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 many 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 you can do it from a customized desk.
20. Bookkeeping and accounting clerks:
- Median annual wage: $45,860
- Job growth: -6%
- Median annual wage: $78,000
- Job growth: 4%
Marketing:
If you live with a disability, 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 managers:
- Median annual wage: $138,730
- Job growth: 6%
Media Arts and Digital Design
Media arts and digital design can provide some of the best job options for disabled people at home. You can work at a customized desk or on a laptop, tablet, or phone from wherever is comfortable or appropriate. This area also provides opportunities for contract and outsourcing work, which can often be performed from wherever you choose.
23. Graphic designers:
- Median annual wage: $57,990
- Job growth: 3%
24. Web developers:
- Median annual wage: $80,730
- Job growth: 16%
Careers for the Visually Impaired
A 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. However, 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. 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, challenging students' imaginations and inspiring them to grow.
25. Childcare workers:
- Median annual wage: $28,520
- Job growth: -2%
26. Teacher assistants:
- Median annual wage: $30,920
- Job growth: 0%
27. Kindergarten and elementary school teachers:
- Median annual wage: $61,620
- Job growth: 1%
Legal Services
Law firms may be able to use your unique perspective on issues. You may also find your niche in providing legal assistance to clients who live with a disability and want a professional they can easily relate to.
28. Paralegals and legal assistants:
- Median annual wage: $59,200
- Job growth: 4%
Audio Production
One of your gifts as a visually impaired person might be an enhanced ear for music. That could mean you have a talent just waiting to be used for recording, editing, or mixing songs and sound.
29. Sound technicians:
- Median annual wage: $53,960
- Job growth: 2%
Careers for Those Who Are Deaf or Hearing Impaired
People who are deaf or hearing impaired 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.
30. Drafters (architectural, civil, electrical, electronics, mechanical):
- Median annual wage: $60,400
- Job growth: -2%
Carpentry
This skilled trade can be truly enjoyable, especially if you have a keen eye for detail.
31. Carpenters:
- Median annual wage: $51,390
- Job growth: 1%
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.
32. Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians:
- Median annual wage: $57,380
- Job growth: 5%
How to Conduct an Effective Job Search If You Have a Disability: 6 Tips
1. Find Help
Enlisting the support of others may help you avoid many common mistakes and achieve success more quickly. 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 have found great jobs that pay well. Plus, being a volunteer allows you 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 your 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 meeting 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 pursuing 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 others 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, don't lose hope if you're not getting the opportunities you want. 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 career training program that interests you. Good jobs for disabled adults are waiting to be filled by people like you!
* Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook. Some careers listed may be part of a combined occupation profile (visited April 8, 2024).
