The CDC states that 27 percent of US adults have some type of disability, however, the jobs supporting disability are often few and far between. Often disabilities greatly limit an individual’s life and independence and force them to be reliant on those around them. Yet this is not always the case, with many disabled employees actively looking for disability-friendly jobs that will allow them the sense of independence to utilize their skills to build a life for themselves.
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The Bureau of Labor Statistics suggests that disabled employees are joining the workforce in greater numbers post-pandemic. Earlier this year, the department announced that the labor force participation rate of disabled workers rose to 23.1 percent. They also announced that the employment-to-population ratio stood at 21.3 percent. With the greater number of work-from-home jobs and the rising diversity initiatives by companies, job seekers appear more optimistic about finding work. Disabled employees are turning to disability job boards to find work more suited to them, making it important for employers to also be aware of where they can advertise available roles.
Job Boards for Disability-Friendly Jobs
Many job seekers look on regular job platforms for work, doing their best to identify roles they are suited for that match their education and experience. In addition, disability jobs are sometimes more specifically available on job boards that are curated to fit their different abilities. Some
for disabled employees that allow them to perform their duties with ease while also contributing to the company with their field-specific expertise.
AbilityJOBS
The job board is one of the largest platforms available for disabled job seekers, with 116,476
Registered job seekers and 6,097 registered employers, according to the website. Jobseekers can find opportunities from companies like Amazon, Dartmouth, HSBC, Warner Bros. Discovery, Meta, and many more organizations that have committed to becoming ADA (Affirmative-Disability-Action) leaders dedicated to making a change. They also make space for veterans with disabilities and provide opportunities for them to utilize their experiences and skills.
DisABLEDperson, Inc.
“We are simply here to serve” The website states, and it appears that the disability-friendly job board is committed to the statement. The 501(c)3 non-profit organization states its dedication to reducing unemployment rates among individuals with disabilities by connecting them to employers who are looking to increase the diversity among their workers. The organization has been active since 2002 and has made great strides in opening up the job market for disabled employees.
The website also has active scholarship competitions available for college students with disabilities, providing a $2000 award for those who qualify and win with an ongoing event with a 17 October 2023 deadline.
Federal Disability Employment
The Federal government has its own accommodations for hiring disabled employees who want to be a part of the government workforce. A Schedule A Hiring Authority allows disabled people with any form of disability to apply for positions that can hold great benefits, just like any other government employment opportunity. Job seekers can apply through the USA Jobs website and scroll to find the criteria to apply.
Hire Disability Solutions
This efficient job portal presents a long list of featured employers who can be browsed through, for employees to find the right job opportunities. Not only does the platform assist with recruiting, but it also provides training solutions to improve opportunities for the existing workforce. Their consulting services can also be used to explore diversity issues and create inclusionary opportunities for disabled employees.
AbilityLinks
Launched in 2001, AbilityLinks provides a job board to provide disability-inclusive jobs to people with any form of disability as well as veterans. Their extensive talent pools allow employers to find the right candidates for any openings they might have at their organization. The sponsors for the platform include Northwestern Medicine, Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, Amazon, and many others. Employers should refer to the job board’s “5-minute check” post and evaluate whether they are a truly inclusive company. There are many other eye-opening reads on the website that encourage companies to open up their doors to accommodate disabled employees.
Our Ability, Inc.
This disability-owned business enterprise with CEO John Robinson at the helm, combines its Jobs Ability AI platform to match the disability job opportunities with the profiles of eligible job seekers registered on the platform. Additionally, their Our Ability Jobs public job boards provide a direct gateway for employers interested in hiring. They also provide a private hiring pipeline for businesses that want to connect with candidates directly.
National Telecommuting Institute (NTI)
This platform specializes in work-from-home disability-friendly jobs in both full-time and part-time roles. They primarily organize call center jobs for customer services, sales, and other technical support. The authorized Social Security Administration Employment Network works to train job seekers and disabled employees on how to conduct these telecommunication jobs and then connect them to commercial and government employers who are looking to fill those roles.
Their website states, “Our no-charge services include direct job placement, skills training, and job coaching. No matter how long you have been out of the workforce, we can help.”
CareerCast
The list of job boards is incomplete without mention of the CareerCast Disability Network which extends its job listings to disability-inclusive jobs and those seeking them. It also provides additional information on which jobs are most sought after. Their collection of CareerCast Niche Networks includes other opportunities as well, such as their Diversity and Bilingual Network, Green Network, Trucking Network, Energy Network Temporary and Part-time Network, etc.
Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
JAN uses the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to guide its workings, providing employers with all the resources they need to open up to employees with disabilities and the qualifications they bring to the table. They provide accommodation solutions and strategies to help define inclusive workplaces where job seekers can reach their full potential. With 40 years of experience behind them, they provide free one-on-one guidance for companies trying to understand and incorporate the ADA. While not a traditional job board, it provides valuable information on accommodations and disclosure.
Getting Hired
This job board prides itself on its mission towards inclusion and diversity. With opportunities for women, BIPOC (Black Indigenous and People of Color), LGBTQ+, Veterans, and of course, disabled employees, there is something for everyone. Since 2008, this Allegis Group company has worked towards supporting underrepresented groups and allowing them to be a part of the mainstream workforce. Their extensive talent community provides a space for job seekers to make the most of disability job ranges available to them.
Disabilities can be isolating, more so when you try to find a space for yourself in the modern world but find opportunities closed off to you. Disability-inclusive jobs are a giant step towards making the employment space inclusive and these job boards make it that much easier to make the most of available opportunities. Local governments often provide similar accommodations and aids for finding employment as well so remember to look up your government policies and offerings if you ever need to find a disability-friendly job close to you.