Pro Tip: Start with your goals. What are you passionate about? Anyone can learn. Passion for a certain disability employment can convince the hiring manager you will.
You can do most computer science and IT jobs from a desk. In many cases these are also great work-from-home jobs.
CS is a growing field, and many of the jobs pay very well. All in all, these make some of the highest-paying jobs for disabled people.
Computer Scientist—$109,075
IT Professional—$85,460
UX Designer & UI Developer—$97,460
SQL Developer—$81,714
Web Designer—$56,143
Web Developer—$88,488
Help Desk Worker/Desktop Support—$43,835
Software Engineer—$104,463
Data Entry—$31,153
DevOps Engineer—$138,378
Computer Programmer—$64,719
Scientist Jobs
Political Scientist—$115,110
Chemist—$55,226
Sociologist—$73,760
Biologist—$49,547
Physicist—$102,798
Astronomer—$110,980
Mathematician—$76,988
Atmospheric Scientist—$89,820
Biostatistician—$92,426
Teacher Jobs
Mentor—$26,300
Tutor—$26,019
Teacher—$45,483
Teaching Assistant—$36,593
Substitute Teacher—$31,116
Preschool Teacher—$28,620
Artistic Jobs
Need employment for physically disabled artists? Try this mini-list:
Graphic Designer—$48,256
Artist—$40,532
Interior Designer—$56,462
Video Editor—$46,274
Video or Film Producer—$91,100
Playwright—$38,000
Musician—$40,000
Novelist/Writer—$55,420
Computer Animator—$61,000
Sound Engineer—$44,234
Counseling Jobs
Mental Health Counselor—$45,449
Addiction Counselor—$37,762
School Counselor—$50,615
Other Jobs for People with Physical Disabilities
Still haven’t found any jobs for the disabled to inspire you? Try these satisfying careers:
Scrum Master—$101,298
Entrepreneur—$57,360
Broadcast News Anchor—$83,300
Medical Laboratory Tech—$40,000
Telemarketer—$23,481
Telephone Operator—$22,360
Human Resources—$60,677
Lonnie Bissonnette lost the use of his legs in 2004. He’s now the first paraplegic BASE jumper. He’s parachuted from record-high Angel Falls, The Skylon Tower in Niagara Falls, and the 3,000 foot fjords of Norway.
Pro Tip: Networking is the magic key that unlocks every door. It makes finding jobs for people with disabilities a snap.
But—your greatest weakness can be your greatest strength.
If you’ve got ADHD, you’re either:
Inattentive
Hyperactive-Impulsive
Combination Type
You might do well with fast-paced jobs. Slow-and-steady focus may not be your thing.
Does that mean you can’t be an engineer? A doctor? Lawyer?
Not at all.
In fact, some with ADD/ADHD say those make great jobs for people with disabilities.
It all comes down to your condition, and how you cope with it.
79 Jobs for People with ADD/ADHD
Teaching Jobs
Does helping others help you focus? Some sufferers find disability jobs in schools.
Mentor—$26,300
Teacher—$45,483
Teaching Assistant—$36,593
Substitute Teacher—$31,116
Preschool Teacher—$28,620
Daycare Worker—$20,320
Counseling Jobs
Mental Health Counselor—$45,449
Addiction Counselor—$37,762
School Counselor—$50,615
Artistic Jobs
Many believe van Gogh, Picasso, and da Vinci had ADHD. Artistic careers make great jobs for disabled people with attention deficits.
Graphic Designer—$48,256
Artist—$40,532
Interior Designer—$56,462
Video Editor—$46,274
Video or Film Producer—$91,100
Playwright—$38,000
Musician—$40,000
Novelist/Writer—$55,420
Computer Animator—$61,000
Photographer—$32,068
Camera Operator—$24,380
Sound Engineer—$44,234
Motion Picture Director—$92,220
Actor—$35,310
Cosmetology Jobs
Beautician—$26,460
Hair Stylist—$21,333
Nail Technician—$22,150
Writing Jobs
Don’t ask your ADHD what career is best for you. It’ll give you three different answers a week. Follow your passion. It’s the best way to find fitting jobs for the disabled.
Journalist—$45,925
Copy Editor—$45,506
Office Jobs
If you work best in a tight team, try these disability employment options:
Office Assistant—$26,693
Office Manager—$47,250
Receptionist—$28,729
Secretary—$30,162
Administrative Assistant—$41,045
Retail Jobs
Cashier—$21,803
Retail Worker—$24,809
Store Manager—$50,465
Physical Labor
Construction Worker—$27,250
Warehouse Worker—$28,979
Healthcare Jobs
Some with ADHD love the fast-paced world of healthcare. These might be your best jobs for disabled adults:
Nurse—$65,976
Nurse Practitioner—$117,298
Doctor—$200,000
Caregiver—$24,395
CNA—$26,419
Physical Therapist—$69,464
Physical Therapy Assistant—$31,994
Sales Jobs
Sales jobs can make attention-grabbing employment for disabled people with ADHD.
Autism, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome affect 6.5 million people in the U.S.
As recently as the 1980s, those millions were considered unemployable.
That attitude is changing. The intellectually disabled can work a wide array of jobs.
See the 35 jobs for people with intellectual disabilities below for inspiration.
Outdoor jobs, positions with a strong routine, or jobs with a creative work environment can fit the intellectually disabled.
34 Jobs for People with Intellectual Disabilities
Food Service Jobs
Can someone with an intellectual disability be a waitress? Sure. I worked with a high-functioning intellectually disabled server at a popular chain restaurant. She was a fun, friendly, and efficient waitress, and she made great tips.
Waiter/Waitress/Server—$16,569
Chef—$54,443
Fast Food Worker—$16,500
Barista—$19,100
Line Cook—$25,821
Cafeteria Worker—$12,960
Baking Assistant—$18,100
Artistic Jobs
Intellectually disabled doesn’t mean artistically disabled. Try these jobs for disabled people with intellectual disabilities:
Artist—$40,532
Photographer—$32,068
Physical Labor
Some with IDD do well in physical jobs. These jobs for the disabled fill the bill:
Farm Worker—$26,000
Housekeeper—$23,109
Custodian—$23,440
Fitness Center Assistant—$18,900
Computer Science Jobs
For those with Asperger’s syndrome, tech jobs make logical disability employment. Some with Asperger’s excel in IT jobs.
Computer Scientist—$109,075
SQL Developer—$81,714
Web Designer—$56,143
Web Developer—$88,488
Software Engineer—$104,463
Computer Programmer—$64,719
Desk Jobs
Office Assistant—$26,693
Web Designer—$56,143
Data Entry—$31,153
Office Clerk—$22,500
Other Jobs for People with Intellectual Disabilities
Here are 10 more disability jobs for those with IDD:
Painter—$38,546
Entrepreneur—$57,360
Courtesy Clerk—$13,10
Assembler—$30,080
Packager—$22,000
Meeter/Greeter—$19,100
Order Filler—$28,000
Sales Associate—$24,809
Supermarket Shelf Stocker—$20,000
Pet Sitter—$21,000
Parking Attendant—$30,660
Pro Tip: Don’t go it alone. Let friends, family, and mentors know you’re looking for a job. Don’t have any? Reach out to nonprofits and local agencies for free help.
A job will pull you into a useful, passionate arena.
It'll change your world.
There are lots of jobs for deaf and hard of hearing people.
In fact, there’s a growing list of jobs for workers who are cut out of the verbal communication loop.
See the list of 67 jobs for people with disabilities below.
69 Jobs for Deaf and Hearing Impaired People
Marketing Jobs
Marketing Specialist—$50,390
Marketing Manager—$80,673
Graphic Designer—$48,256
Research Jobs
Built for tracking down facts and figures? These computer careers make great jobs for disabled people with hearing trouble.
Researcher—$61,085
Research Assistant—$30,647
Accounting Jobs
Accountant—$55,202
Bookkeeper—$34,677
Analyst Jobs
Like numbers? Try the next four jobs for the disabled.
Data Analyst—$65,470
Business Analyst—$70,170
Financial Analyst—$63,829
Biostatistician—$92,426
Engineering Jobs
Engineering jobs for disabled adults work well for those with high IQs.
Engineer—$77,182
Mechanical Engineer—$73,016
Civil Engineer—$68,638
Electrical Engineer—$83,088
Computer Science Jobs
Tech jobs pay well and make great disability jobs for the deaf and hard of hearing.
Computer Scientist—$109,075
IT Professional—$85,460
UX Designer & UI Developer—$97,460
SQL Developer—$81,714
Web Designer—$56,143
Web Developer—$88,488
Help Desk Worker/Desktop Support—$43,835
Software Engineer—$104,463
Computer Programmer—$64,719
Network Administrator—$61,474
Artistic Jobs
If you’re more left-brain oriented, try these disability employment alternatives:
Graphic Designer—$48,256
Movie Producer—$91,100
Artist—$40,532
Drafter—$44,956
Interior Designer—$56,462
Playwright—$38,000
Novelist/Writer—$55,420
Photographer—$32,068
Cosmetology Jobs
Beautician—$26,460
Hair Stylist—$21,333
Nail Technician—$22,150
Writing Jobs
Journalist—$45,925
Copy Editor—$45,506
Technical Writer—$70,240
Science Jobs
Love science? These STEM jobs make good employment for disabled people with a scientific bent.
Political Scientist—$115,110
Chemist—$55,226
Conservation Scientist—$59,500
Sociologist—$73,760
Biologist—$49,547
Geologist—$61,337
Physicist—$102,798
Astronomer—$110,980
Atmospheric Scientist—$89,820
Medical Jobs
Pharmacy Assistant—$30,150
Medical Laboratory Tech—$40,000
Construction Jobs
Carpenter—$40,000
Taper—$42,000
Physical Labor
Vehicle or Equipment Cleaner—$23,492
Housekeeper—$23,109
Desk Jobs
Here are nine cushy desk jobs for disabled people who can’t hear.
Credit Authorizer—$34,600
File Clerk—$30,131
Actuary—$107,598
Paralegal—$52,351
Office Clerk—$22,500
Administrative Assistant—$41,045
Drafter—$44,956
Credit Authorizer—$34,600
Benefits Manager—$80,000
Archivist—$46,795
Other Jobs for People with Hearing Disabilities
Entrepreneur—$57,360
Plumber—$50,000
Electrician—$52,621
Animal Breeder—$44,650
Merchandiser—$63,657
Super Bowl champion Derrick Coleman has been deaf since age three. In middle school, the other children called him “four ears” because of his bulky hearing aids. These days, most just call him “sir.”
Pro Tip: Looking for work-from-home jobs for people with disabilities? Programming jobs pay great and don’t take years of training. Coding bootcamps make the learning easy.
Already got experience, but not in the job you want? Use the combination resume format to focus on transferable achievements. See our guide: Combination Resume Template
8
45 Careers for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Please don’t read this list of jobs for the blind and think, “These are my choices.”
You can get any job you want.
In some cases your road will be tough. You’ll face more hurdles than a sighted person. But don’t let that stop you.
Most jobs today need brains, logic, interpersonal skills, and work ethic. Nowhere have I mentioned eyesight. That’s a tool, but technology has given us great substitutes.
The list of jobs for people with disabilities below can make your life a little easier.
45 Careers for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Research Jobs
Enjoy digging into facts and figures? Try these two jobs for the disabled.
Researcher—$61,085
Research Assistant—$30,647
Accounting Jobs
Accountant—$55,202
Bookkeeper—$34,677
Counseling Jobs
You certainly don’t need eyesight to see within. Here are three solid jobs for disabled people with impaired vision.
Mental Health Counselor—$45,449
Addiction Counselor—$37,762
School Counselor—$50,615
On-the-Phone Jobs
Call Center Worker—$25,000
Customer Service—$34,780
Legal Jobs
Yes, there are blind lawyers. Don’t rule out these disability jobs.
Attorney—$113,749
Paralegal—$52,351
Analyst Jobs
Work your right brain with these disability employment choices:
According to a 2017 survey of 64,000 developers, about 1% of all programmers are blind. Only ½% of all people are blind. That means there are more blind people in the programming industry than the average career.
See what Lucas Radaelli, blind Google programmer, says about programming jobs for people with disabilities.
Computer Scientist—$109,075
SQL Developer—$81,714
Help Desk Worker/Desktop Support—$43,835
Software Engineer—$104,463
Computer Programmer—$64,719
Artistic Jobs
Playwright—$38,000
Musician—$40,000
Novelist/Writer—$55,420
Audio Recording Engineer—$44,234
Music Producer—$62,000
On-the-Phone Jobs
If you can talk on the phone, look for employment for disabled people in this list:
Telemarketer—$23,481
Telephone Operator—$22,360
Call Center Worker—$25,000
Writing Jobs
Journalist—$45,925
Copy Editor—$45,506
Science Jobs
Love science? Try these jobs for disabled adults with STEM skills:
Political Scientist—$115,110
Chemist—$55,226
Conservation Scientist—$59,500
Sociologist—$73,760
Biologist—$49,547
Physicist—$102,798
Mathematician—$76,988
Teaching Jobs
Tutor—$26,019
Mentor—$26,300
Teacher—$45,483
Teaching Assistant—$36,593
Substitute Teacher—$31,116
Other Careers for the Blind or Visually Impaired
Benefits Manager—$80,000
Credit Counselor—$35,060
Actuary—$107,598
Entrepreneur—$57,360
Ollie Cantos is blind. He’s also a lawyer, Justice Department Official, former White House staffer, and the father of triplets. His boys are also blind—and Eagle Scouts. They’re pursuing careers as diverse as real estate investment and law.
Pro Tip: National Industries for the Blind has a “CareersWithVision” page. It helps with careers for the blind and visually impaired. It lists about 200 disability jobs for the blind.
Here’s a recap of our big list of 150+ jobs for people with disabilities:
We’ve got lists of disability employment to fit your disability. Above, see jobs for physically disabled people, jobs for people with ADD, and 10 more categories.
Look for government jobs for disabled individuals. It’s illegal for employers to discriminate. But government positions actually need to hire people with disabilities.
Don’t let your disability limit you. The lists of disability employment in this guide will make things easier. But just because you don’t see a job on the list, that doesn’t rule it out. Trust your passions.
Use job search sites to find jobs. Find a job title you like. Then use the disability jobsites in this article to track down openings near you.
Do you have questions on how to find the best jobs for people with disabilities? Not sure how to get an employer to take you seriously? Give us a shout in the comments! We’d be happy to reply.
Rate my article: jobs for people with disabilities
Tom Gerencer, a Certified Professional Résumé Writer (CPRW), is a career expert who has published over 200 in-depth articles on Zety. Since 2016, he has been sharing advice on all things recruitment from writing winning resumes and cover letters to getting a promotion.
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