Ask Aunt Lori - Finding a Job
Dear Aunt Lori,
I'm disabled but still able to work. How do I find a job? How would I get accommodations?
Job Hunter
Dear Job Hunter,
Job hunting as a disabled person can be somewhat difficult, but there are a variety of resources to help! Before beginning your search, ask yourself these questions and note which ones are a higher priority:
Can I work part time or full time?
What are my physical limitations, like lifting, working in the heat, or standing for long periods of time?
Can I handle being around customers, a group of people, or do I prefer to work alone?
Is there a certain time of day that I don't want to work?
Do I want to work from home?
Can I handle a stressful environment and/or a fast paced one?
Do I need to limit my monthly income (for SSI and Medicaid recipients)
Plus, the typical job hunting questions of what field, pay, shifts, max hours per week, etc.
Once you have those questions answered, it will be easier to start the search. Every state in the US has a Workforces Services office that has a Rehabilitation Services department that works with disabled people to help them find jobs. They may also provide information on different vocational training programs and assist in paying for them.
Link to the Arkansas Rehabilitation Services website here.
There are many resources besides government agencies, including DisabledPerson.com and The Campaign for Disability Employment.
A vital skill to learn to help job searches is how to write a good resume (sometimes cover letters). There are many, many tools, videos, and templates that show you how to create a good resume. Often, Adult Education centers have classes on how to create a great resume and offer to review and improve it. For those, search: "[your county, state] Adult education class resume building" and you should be able to find if there are any near you.
As for accommodations, it depends on the employer. Federal law requires that an employer provide "reasonable accommodations" to disabled people. Some employers will try their hardest to get out of doing anything, so it's important to know your rights as an employee and be assertive.
Typically, the discussion of accommodations follows a job offer. Once a job is accepted, if you need accaccommodationsou should request it then. Remember that you are not obligated to tell them your entire medical history. The method I use is to say, "I will need [accommodation(s)] due to a medical condition." The accommodations should be something that doesn't completely make you unable to do the job; so I can't ask that I stay on the ground if I apply for a job as a roofer. For jobs I've had in the past, I have asked not to use bleach products due to asthma.
The type of accommodations is unfortunately often left up to the employees. If you've never done the job, you understandably may not know what accommodations you need! It's very helpful to work with your state's rehabilitation services for that reason - often they've worked with people who have worked similar jobs and can tell you what they struggled with. Your medical team - particularly an occupational therapist, if you have one - may also be able to identify what accommodations you may need.
Happy hunting!
Aunt Lori
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