{"id":20068,"date":"2024-10-15T13:55:27","date_gmt":"2024-10-15T19:55:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/?p=20068"},"modified":"2026-01-30T14:54:12","modified_gmt":"2026-01-30T20:54:12","slug":"employment-for-people-with-disabilities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/employment-for-people-with-disabilities\/","title":{"rendered":"Disability and your career: Employment strategies for success"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Work-life balance. It\u2019s one of the buzziest corporate terms of our time, increasingly bubbling up in coffee shop convos and group chats even before the pandemic redefined what it means to have a healthy relationship with our jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But for people who live with a disability\u2014roughly <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/news.release\/archives\/disabl_02222024.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">13% of the U.S. population<\/a>, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)\u2014balancing professional and personal responsibilities isn\u2019t so much about managing two aspects of your life. It\u2019s about making space and acknowledging your disability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cDisability is a part of diversity, equity, and inclusion, whether we recognize it or not,\u201d says Kevin Irvine, senior talent acquisition consultant for individuals with disabilities at a university medical center in Chicago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Securing a job, making a career change, and negotiating workplace dynamics is hard enough. Adding a disability to the mix\u2014<a href=\"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/financial-checklist-when-facing-a-new-disability\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">whether it\u2019s a new or lifelong condition<\/a>\u2014could be enough to make you feel lost or excluded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That feeling of exclusion is a reality for many. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dol.gov\/agencies\/odep\/research-evaluation\/statistics\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">unemployment rate for disabled Americans<\/a> is double that of people without disabilities in 2024, according to the BLS\u20148.8% versus 4.4% for people without disabilities, aged 16 to 64. The good news? Employment for people with disabilities is steadily rising. In July 2024, also per the BLS, 36.9% of the disabled population aged 16 to 64 was employed. This was just slightly below the number from June, when 37.6% of people with disabilities were employed\u2014among the highest ratios on record.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For better or for worse, navigating employment for people with disabilities often requires relentless self-advocacy and hard work. To lessen the load, we\u2019ve tackled the key questions\u2014and provided a list of useful resources at the end of this article\u2014to help you address any challenges, no matter where you are in your career journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-are-my-rights-as-someone-with-a-disability\">What are my rights as someone with a disability?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) aims to prevent discrimination in areas like education and employment, parking and transportation, voting and using social services, shopping, and surfing the web. The ADA is a federal law, not a benefits program\u2014meaning you don\u2019t need to apply for coverage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>Tip: <\/strong>Passed in 1990 and amended in 2008, the ADA is a valuable resource for all Americans with disabilities. You can access the full document <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ada.gov\/law-and-regs\/ada\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>here<\/em><\/a><em>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/archive.ada.gov\/ada_title_I.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Title I of the ADA<\/a> addresses employment rights for people with disabilities. It applies to employers with 15 or more employees and includes state and local governments, employment agencies, and labor unions. It ensures that someone with a disability who is qualified for a job has the same access as anyone else to all the benefits and opportunities of that job. That means employees with a disability are covered in areas like recruitment and hiring, promotions and pay, job training, and even social activities in the workplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Rehabilitation Act, meanwhile, protects federal employees (such as postal workers and IRS agents) and federal contractors and subcontractors (such as some construction workers and IT specialists) from disability-related discrimination. Additionally, employers with ties to the government must take affirmative action to recruit, hire, promote, and retain people with disabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"mx-auto block-quote block-quote--5front bg-fixed bg-center bg-no-repeat bg-cover z-0\">\n    <div class=\"block-quote__glow\"><\/div>\n    <blockquote class=\"post--constrain-large\">\n        <p>&#8220;[T]he more people are visible, the more understanding we will create around the spectrum of disability.&#8221;<\/p>\n                    <footer class=\"block-quote__source\">Kevin Irvine, university medical center in Chicago<\/footer>\n            <\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <div class=\"post__content\">\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-am-i-disabled-according-to-the-law\">Am I disabled, according to the law?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The definition of disability is intentionally broad in an effort to provide a wide range of coverage. The ADA considers a person to be disabled if one or more of these apply:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>You have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You have a record of such an impairment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You\u2019re regarded as having an impairment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>A substantial limitation doesn\u2019t need to be complete, constant, or severe. And even if someone with a disability can mitigate their limitations, such as with hearing aids or a mobility device, the person is still regarded as disabled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-employment-barriers-might-i-face\">What employment barriers might I face?<strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>People with a disability may face different obstacles to securing work, keeping a job, doing their job well, and feeling safe at work. And different kinds of barriers can often work together to have a cascading effect, possibly leading to a sense of exclusion or a lack of inclusion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Physical infrastructure: <\/strong>Employers must ensure equal access at work sites and beyond, including parking lots, entrances and emergency exits, conference rooms and shared workspaces, personal workspaces, hallways, stairwells, restrooms, and elevators.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Technological infrastructure: <\/strong>Workplace technology should be either directly accessible or compatible with assistive technology. This includes email, internet, and software applications; telecommunications and video products; desktop computers, and laptops and printers. Online job applications should also be accessible (or compatible with assistive technology), and reasonable accommodations should be made for applicants who request them.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Attitudinal barriers: <\/strong>These include stereotypes, biases, and misconceptions that may hinder the inclusion of people with a disability in the workplace.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>While the ADA states that employers must provide equal access to individuals with disabilities, barriers themselves\u2014particularly physical and technological obstacles\u2014can exist on an individual, case-by-case basis. Further, the abstract nature of attitudinal barriers is far too nuanced to be formally regulated. At the end of the day, people with disabilities will need to be prepared to advocate for themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to Irvine, attitudinal biases are, without a doubt, the biggest barrier that people with disabilities face. \u201cAttitudes that either actively ignore accessibility and inclusion, or that don&#8217;t take the necessary steps to make sure processes are inclusive, create barriers that don\u2019t have to be there,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Employers that want to knock down barriers should educate all their employees about people\u2019s rights to accommodations and confidentiality. \u201cYou may not always know why someone\u2019s getting a different work environment, and that\u2019s okay,\u201d Irvine says. \u201cYou don\u2019t have a right to know everything. But again, the more people are visible, the more understanding we will create around the spectrum of disability.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-when-and-how-should-i-disclose-my-disability-to-my-employer\">When and how should I disclose my disability to my employer?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The only time you typically need to disclose a disability to your employer or potential employer\u2014according to the Job Accommodation Network (JAN), a free service of the Department of Labor\u2014is if you require an accommodation. You can do this at any stage of employment, whether that\u2019s five minutes or five years after you\u2019re hired.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2120\" height=\"870\" src=\"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/BK-102-100-Impact-of-Disability-on-Employment-INARTICLE-2_02-scaled-e1727454752512-1.jpg\" alt=\"Two uniformed men in a factory stand together and look at a tablet.\" class=\"wp-image-22398\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/BK-102-100-Impact-of-Disability-on-Employment-INARTICLE-2_02-scaled-e1727454752512-1.jpg 2120w, https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/BK-102-100-Impact-of-Disability-on-Employment-INARTICLE-2_02-scaled-e1727454752512-1-300x123.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/BK-102-100-Impact-of-Disability-on-Employment-INARTICLE-2_02-scaled-e1727454752512-1-780x320.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/BK-102-100-Impact-of-Disability-on-Employment-INARTICLE-2_02-scaled-e1727454752512-1-768x315.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/BK-102-100-Impact-of-Disability-on-Employment-INARTICLE-2_02-scaled-e1727454752512-1-1536x630.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/BK-102-100-Impact-of-Disability-on-Employment-INARTICLE-2_02-scaled-e1727454752512-1-2048x840.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2120px) 100vw, 2120px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are three ways to set yourself up for success when sharing about a disability at work:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-be-intentional\">1. Be intentional<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Have an action-oriented reason to disclose your disability. If you choose to discuss a limitation without offering a solution, your manager probably won\u2019t know what to do with that information. Offer a specific request for accommodation or a work-related adjustment so your manager knows how to help. You\u2019re the one who knows your abilities best, after all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-be-authoritative\">2. Be authoritative<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You can&#8217;t control how someone responds to your disclosure. But you can control what you say and how you say it, Irvine says. Showing confidence\u2014even if you don\u2019t feel it\u2014goes a long way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cPeople take their cues about how to respond to your identity disclosure from you,\u201d he says. \u201cWhen you demonstrate self-assuredness and show you understand yourself, your disability, and what you need to be successful, people can feel that and feed off it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Talking about yourself to a potential employer is your opportunity to be in charge of your narrative. \u201cI\u2019ve found that when you leave things out of your story, people tend to fill in those gaps with their imagination,\u201d Irvine adds. That applies to many areas\u2014from a disability to gaps in your work history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-practice-talking-about-it\">3. Practice talking about it<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI think everyone has a \u2018muscle\u2019 for talking about their disability, but it atrophies when they don&#8217;t use it,\u201d Irvine says. \u201cBut the more you do it, the stronger it gets.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Try exercising that muscle in other areas of your life. Talking about your disability with friends, family, or even strangers on the bus or at the grocery store can help you build confidence in your ability to explain your needs to an employer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt can feel really good to have people know your story,\u201d Irvine says. \u201cIt can be uncomfortable at first, for sure. But it gets easier the longer you do it. And your experience year five of being public with your disability is going to be very different than your experience year one.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-am-i-required-to-discuss-my-disability\">Am I required to discuss my disability?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The ADA prohibits employers from asking nonvoluntary questions about a disability on an application. After you\u2019ve received an offer, your potential employer may ask disability-related questions only if they ask the same questions of all people who do that job. Per the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), your employer may ask for disability information once you\u2019ve begun working only if their request is \u201cjob-related and consistent with business necessity.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Federal agencies hiring contractors, meanwhile, are required to invite applicants to self-identify any disability during the application process, after a job offer is extended, and again every five years. While you aren\u2019t required to answer, this information, if disclosed, must be kept separate from your records and cannot be used to inform job decisions, such as performance reviews.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If an employer asks you to disclose a disability, it must clearly state that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The information is requested only to help the employer fulfill its affirmative action efforts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Disclosure is voluntary.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Employees\u2019 responses are confidential.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>There\u2019s no penalty for not answering.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s a difference between whether you <em>must<\/em> disclose a disability and if you <em>should. <\/em>The pros of disclosure far outweigh the cons, says Irvine, who lives openly with chronic health conditions. However, these benefits might not be obvious until you decide to discuss your needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe more we disclose, the more we find connections we didn\u2019t know existed,\u201d he says. \u201cJust as you may find people with a negative bias, you\u2019re also likely to find people with a positive bias\u2014people that have a connection to disability, maybe even your specific disability.\u201d By not sharing, Irvine explains, you could be missing out on an opportunity to get crucial support that might make your employment experience easier and more enjoyable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-a-reasonable-accommodation-and-how-do-i-ask-for-one\">What is a reasonable accommodation, and how do I ask for one?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A reasonable accommodation, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eeoc.gov\/publications\/ada-your-responsibilities-employer\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">per the EEOC<\/a>, is anything that allows you to perform the job\u2019s essential functions, doesn\u2019t fundamentally change the nature of the job, and doesn\u2019t cause the employer undue hardship\u2014meaning it won\u2019t be overly difficult or expensive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2120\" height=\"870\" src=\"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/BK-102-100-Impact-of-Disability-on-Employment-INARTICLE-3_02-scaled-e1727463500158-1.jpg\" alt=\"Two uniformed men in a factory stand together and look at a tablet.\" class=\"wp-image-22399\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/BK-102-100-Impact-of-Disability-on-Employment-INARTICLE-3_02-scaled-e1727463500158-1.jpg 2120w, https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/BK-102-100-Impact-of-Disability-on-Employment-INARTICLE-3_02-scaled-e1727463500158-1-300x123.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/BK-102-100-Impact-of-Disability-on-Employment-INARTICLE-3_02-scaled-e1727463500158-1-780x320.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/BK-102-100-Impact-of-Disability-on-Employment-INARTICLE-3_02-scaled-e1727463500158-1-768x315.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/BK-102-100-Impact-of-Disability-on-Employment-INARTICLE-3_02-scaled-e1727463500158-1-1536x630.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/BK-102-100-Impact-of-Disability-on-Employment-INARTICLE-3_02-scaled-e1727463500158-1-2048x840.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2120px) 100vw, 2120px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Reasonable accommodations should be flexible, Irvine says. \u201cIf you\u2019ve got 20 people with the same disability, they may need 20 different accommodations. And some of them may need no accommodations at all.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Accommodations shouldn\u2019t be viewed as \u201cspecial treatment,\u201d and many are relatively simple and inexpensive. Often, they benefit all employees. Follow these tips, and you might find that securing an accommodation at work is easier than you thought:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-ask-away\">1. Ask away<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Accommodations\u2014like disabilities themselves\u2014are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. But remember: Your employer isn\u2019t obligated to provide any accommodation unless you\u2019ve asked for one, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eeoc.gov\/laws\/guidance\/fact-sheet-disability-discrimination\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">according to the EEOC<\/a>. It\u2019s also important to request an accommodation <em>before<\/em> there\u2019s a negative impact on your job performance, not after. If you received disciplinary action before your employer was aware of your disability, it isn\u2019t required to rescind it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you think you might be eligible for an accommodation at work, there\u2019s no harm in asking. Keep in mind that employers are free to provide accommodations even if you don\u2019t meet the ADA\u2019s definition of disabled. Open up a dialogue and see what happens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-document-everything\">2. Document everything<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While not required, putting your initial accommodation request in writing is wise. It gives you the time and space to communicate your needs while eliminating the pressure and unpredictability of a face-to-face interaction. More importantly, it establishes a record of your request.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Reinforcing any verbal commitments in writing also helps ensure your needs are understood and met, Irvine says. \u201cNot everyone communicates clearly. Asking clarifying questions is a way to ensure you correctly understand what they&#8217;ve intended to communicate.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He suggests sending an email post-discussion stating, \u201cOn this date, we talked about X, and you said X, Y, and Z. Is my understanding of what you said correct?\u201d Not only are you making sure everyone\u2019s message was received, but it also alerts your employer that you\u2019re logging the conversations for possible future reference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Documentation can also provide protection if your supervisor changes. A great setup you may have with your current supervisor could shift if a new boss is less understanding about your accommodation. \u201cYou can request a change in supervision style, but you can\u2019t request a change in supervisor as an accommodation,\u201d Irvine says. Having an agreement in writing can help ensure your needs continue to be met.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, it\u2019s important to document any instances of discriminatory treatment, from emails to summaries of relevant conversations. While you hope to never have to deal with such events, you should retain a paper trail if you do.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-be-open-minded\">3. Be open-minded<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The ADA doesn\u2019t guarantee that every accommodation request will be granted. Irvine says it\u2019s an interactive process by design. \u201cIf you say, \u2018I want X,\u2019 they say, \u2018Let\u2019s try Y,\u2019 and you simply say no, that\u2019s not exactly participating in the interactive process.\u201d If your employer offers an alternate accommodation that could be effective, you should give it a go, unless you know\u2014and can prove\u2014that you\u2019ve tried that strategy in the past to no avail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not seeing eye to eye with an employer can be challenging. But remember: \u201cJust as you may not have experience asking for accommodations, your employer may not have experience getting a request from someone with your specific disability before,\u201d Irvine adds. \u201cSo you have to keep your expectations appropriate and recognize that you could also be educating them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"mx-auto block-quote block-quote--5back bg-fixed bg-center bg-no-repeat bg-cover z-0\">\n    <div class=\"block-quote__glow\"><\/div>\n    <blockquote class=\"post--constrain-large\">\n        <p>&#8220;It can feel really good to have people know your story.&#8221;<\/p>\n                    <footer class=\"block-quote__source\">Kevin Irvine, university medical center in Chicago<\/footer>\n            <\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <div class=\"post__content\">\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-do-i-find-a-job-that-accommodates-my-interests-and-my-disability\">How do I find a job that accommodates my interests and my disability?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Job searching for a person with a disability isn\u2019t necessarily different from anyone else\u2019s job search. Most of the same rules apply, even if you may need to consider some additional factors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-look-for-the-right-fit\">1. Look for the right fit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Seek out roles aligning with your skills, qualifications, experience, career goals, and desires. As far as your disability is concerned, you want to find something that requires the fewest number of accommodations needed to get the job done, Irvine says. \u201cFor example, if you require a flexible schedule, applying for a job that largely involves a fixed shift will make things tough.\u201d As part of your job hunt, consider looking into organizations that publicize openings for individuals with disabilities, including the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ssa.gov\/careers\/programs\/individuals-with-disabilities.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Social Security Administration<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-research-a-company-s-culture\">2. Research a company\u2019s culture<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When seriously considering an employer, look at what they\u2019re putting out on public-facing channels, Irvine says. What does their career page say about their culture and values? What does their website say about their approach toward diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility? \u201cThe more you see, the more it gives you a sense of what they understand,\u201d he adds. \u201cAnd if you see nothing, that tells you something, too.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Scroll through their social media to see what story they\u2019re telling. If you see yourself represented in their content, that\u2019s a great sign. If there\u2019s no mention of disability, that might raise a red flag. \u201cIt could be a community where you have to be more of a pioneer,\u201d Irvine says. \u201cWe\u2019re on a marathon journey of understanding and awareness, and sometimes you\u2019re going to have to be the one to move the needle.\u201d If that\u2019s not a role you\u2019re comfortable taking on, you might want to pass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-embrace-your-ability-to-have-an-influence\">3. Embrace your ability to have an influence<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The power for job seekers has only increased in recent years, Irvine says, with employers struggling to fill certain roles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2120\" height=\"870\" src=\"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/BK-102-100-Impact-of-Disability-on-Employment-INARTICLE-5_02-Edit-scaled-e1727463987471-1.jpg\" alt=\"A young man uses sign language while on a video call.\" class=\"wp-image-22400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/BK-102-100-Impact-of-Disability-on-Employment-INARTICLE-5_02-Edit-scaled-e1727463987471-1.jpg 2120w, https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/BK-102-100-Impact-of-Disability-on-Employment-INARTICLE-5_02-Edit-scaled-e1727463987471-1-300x123.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/BK-102-100-Impact-of-Disability-on-Employment-INARTICLE-5_02-Edit-scaled-e1727463987471-1-780x320.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/BK-102-100-Impact-of-Disability-on-Employment-INARTICLE-5_02-Edit-scaled-e1727463987471-1-768x315.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/BK-102-100-Impact-of-Disability-on-Employment-INARTICLE-5_02-Edit-scaled-e1727463987471-1-1536x630.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/BK-102-100-Impact-of-Disability-on-Employment-INARTICLE-5_02-Edit-scaled-e1727463987471-1-2048x840.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2120px) 100vw, 2120px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If an employer you\u2019re considering <a href=\"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/job-with-no-benefits\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">doesn\u2019t offer the benefits<\/a> you\u2019re looking for, let them know that. If a lack of benefits is going to sway your decision, companies should be aware since it might motivate them to do something about it. \u201cEmployers need to be competitive,\u201d Irvine says. \u201cLetting them know how they can be competitive for you can be helpful.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-resources-can-help-me-figure-all-this-out\">What resources can help me figure all this out?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Plenty of resources are available to help you advocate for yourself and your needs. Here are a few:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-job-accommodation-network\">The Job Accommodation Network<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, <a href=\"https:\/\/askjan.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">JAN<\/a> offers free guidance on employment for people with disabilities. Among other things, JAN has a comprehensive A-to-Z library of accommodation information organized by disability, topic, and limitation. Say, for example, you have Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease, a neurological disorder that can lead to muscle weakness in the extremities. You can browse JAN\u2019s CMT listing to find common limitations, accommodation ideas, and even product suggestions like grip aids and alternative keyboards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-ticket-to-work\">Ticket to Work<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/choosework.ssa.gov\/about\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ticket to Work<\/a> is a career development and finance program run by the Social Security Administration for people who want or need to continue working but don\u2019t want to lose <a href=\"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/financial-tips-care-disabled-loved-one\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">access to the disability benefits<\/a> they\u2019re receiving through Social Security. It offers free career counseling, vocational rehabilitation, and job placement with qualified employers. Medicaid or Medicare benefits often continue while you transition to working. If at a later time you\u2019re unable to work again due to your disability, you might be able to quickly resume benefit payments without filing a new application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-rehabilitation-services-administration\">Rehabilitation Services Administration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Rehabilitation Services Administration (<a href=\"https:\/\/rsa.ed.gov\/about\/states\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">RSA<\/a>) provides state governments with grants to help them develop and implement vocational rehabilitation programs and other employment services for people with disabilities. The organization can direct you to each state\u2019s relevant vocational rehabilitation agency, where job seekers and employers can find resources and services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-making-it-work-navigating-employment-with-a-disability\">Making it work: Navigating employment with a disability<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Being employed with a disability can have its challenges, but advocating for yourself helps open doors to equitable employment opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At the end of the day, don\u2019t forget to be kind to yourself, Irvine says. \u201cGive yourself the grace to make mistakes. You won\u2019t always do things as well or as smoothly as you see someone else doing them. It just takes time and a lot of trial and error.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have a disability and are looking for more guidance, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/financial-checklist-when-facing-a-new-disability\/?ICMPGN=OS-BK-ARTCTA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">make your way through this checklist<\/a> to get yourself on track financially.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"disclaimer\">Articles may contain information from third parties. The inclusion of such information does not imply an affiliation with the bank or bank sponsorship, endorsement, or verification regarding the third party or information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"disclaimer\">The information provided herein is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be construed as professional advice. Nothing contained in this article shall give rise to, or be construed to give rise to, any obligation or liability whatsoever on the part of Discover Bank or its affiliates.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Get educated about your rights in the workplace and find out how you can request accommodations that can help you successfully perform your job.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":20101,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[78,80],"tags":[5921,142,5922,2632,93],"class_list":["post-20068","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-career","category-work","tag-career-change","tag-career-tips","tag-job-search","tag-life-events","tag-security"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20068","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20068"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20068\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":22401,"href":"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20068\/revisions\/22401"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/20101"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20068"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20068"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=20068"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}