There are job roles to suit all disabilities

Jobs for people with special needs

People with special needs make up a large part of society when all the different needs are taken into consideration and they can be an important contributor to the workforce. Having a disability or learning difficulties is no reason not to have a rewarding and interesting career. However, picking the right job to match your specific needs is important.

Employers are not allowed to discriminate against potential employees with special needs if they are suited to a job, so if you have special needs yourself and want to train for and apply for a job then you really should just go ahead and do it!

Here are some ideas for finding a career path that will allow you to work effectively and make good money as someone with special needs:

Jobs for people with sensory disabilities

If you have a sensory disability like being blind or partially sighted or being deaf or hard of hearing, then there are lots of jobs you can do just as well as someone who doesn't have that disability.

For blind people, there is software that can read back text, so it is possible to do things that were not so easy for people with sight issues in the past, such as being an accountant or a computer programmer. You can also benefit from the fact that there are more and more jobs that can be done from home, thereby avoiding a difficult commute. However, if you do decide you want to work in an office, there are laws that allow you to bring a guide dog to work with you.

If you are deaf or hard of hearing, jobs that rely on your visual skills can be a good choice, such as data work or writing. However, if you know sign language, you may find a lot of good opportunities in teaching this at schools or working in a social work field with deaf people, as you can communicate with other deaf people more easily and help them progress in their own careers.

Jobs for people with mobility difficulties

If your disability isn't sensory but relates to mobility, for example, having some paralysis or limb amputation, you can effectively do any kind of job that isn't physically demanding. Offices are legally required to be accessible for wheelchairs and people with limited mobility.

However, you may prefer something where you don't have to commute, and so it can be a good idea to look at jobs you can do from home. There are lots of jobs that can be done remotely these days, from writing and accountancy to software development, and you can also study to do these jobs from home if you prefer that to attending a college course.

Autism spectrum disorders

If you have special needs because you have Asperger's syndrome or are on the autism spectrum then there are also lots of jobs you can consider. You should look for roles that don't require too much human interaction, so while sales, retail, and customer support might not be suited to you, jobs that require a lot of attention to detail and allow you to work by yourself may allow you to make a good living and have a rewarding career without giving yourself extra anxiety.

One profession very well suited to people on the autism spectrum is software testing or data analysis. These tend to be jobs where the unique way your mind works and your ability to focus on details is actually a boon. These are also jobs that often allow for home working and can, therefore, allow you to be productive and effective without the stress of being in an office environment every day.

For some disabilities or special needs, another good option can be working in a medical field like pharmaceutical sales. If you are promoting medicines you have actually used then you are able to sell them based on real experience, and that can make you a lot more effective.

Equally, jobs where you get to work with young people who have the same special needs as you can be a good choice because you can be a valuable mentor.

Whatever your own special needs are, there is a great career out there that needs you!

VERCIDA works with over one hundred clients who are committed to creating an inclusive work environment. If you are an employer and interested in working with VERCIDA to promote your diversity and inclusion initiatives and attract the best candidates, please call 02037405973 or email [email protected] for more information.

We are also officially recommended by Disability Confident as a step on achieving Employer status, please click here for more information.