Looking for a job takes preparation and persistence. If you have a disability, you may also have questions like: Should I tell an employer about my disability? What if I need something different during an interview? Can I ask for a change that would help me do the job?
You don't need to have all the answers before you start applying.
Start by recognizing what you bring to the workplace, thinking about what you need to succeed, and learning about the resources available to support you. You've got skills to offer. Let's make sure you have the tools and support to put them to work.
When you're looking for work, it's easy to focus on what might make the process more challenging. Try starting somewhere different: your strengths.
Maybe you're great with customers, organized, dependable, good with your hands, comfortable with technology, or a strong team member. Remember, valuable skills can come from jobs, school, training, volunteering, hobbies, and everyday life.
As you explore jobs, ask yourself:
The goal isn't simply to find any job. It's to find an opportunity where you can contribute and succeed.
A reasonable accommodation is a change or adjustment that can help a qualified individual with a disability apply for a job, perform essential job duties, or have equal access to employment.
Depending on the person and the job, accommodations could include:
You may not need an accommodation at all. You may need one during the hiring process or after you start working.
A helpful place to begin is with one question:
What would help me be successful?
Talking with an employer about an accommodation may feel intimidating, but a little preparation can help.
You don't need complicated language or a detailed explanation of your medical history. Focus on what you need and how it will help you participate.
For example:
“I'm looking forward to the interview. I need an accessible location for our meeting. Who should I speak with about arranging that?”
Clear. Professional. Simple.
Then you can get back to what you want the employer to know: the skills, experience, and strengths you could bring to the job.
If you're nervous about the conversation, write down three things:
What do I need?
When do I need it?
How can I explain it simply?
Then practice saying your request out loud.
You can practice with someone you trust—or come practice with us. Our career coaches can help you prepare for interviews and practice talking about your skills and employment needs.
You don't need a perfect script. You just need to feel prepared to communicate what you need.
There are resources available to help you understand your options.
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) provides information about disability discrimination, workplace accommodations, and employment protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) can also help eligible individuals with disabilities prepare for, find, keep, or advance in employment.
Our team at Employment Connection works closely with DOR representatives and can easily connect you with a local representative to answer your questions.
Sometimes you need a plan, some practice, or simply another person in your corner.
Our team is ready to help you:
Employment Connection's resource rooms include assistive technology for individuals with disabilities, as well as other free job-search resources.
You bring the goals. We'll help you work on the plan.