Using Technology to Advance Your Career: Tips for People with Disabilities

While society has come a long way in terms of reducing stigma and creating equal opportunities for people of marginalized groups, those with disabilities still face barriers when finding work and advancing their careers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for those with disabilities is nearly double that of those without disabilities. Thankfully, advancements in technology have opened new doors for people with disabilities looking to find fulfilling work. Here are some tips from Benostech to help you leverage technology to advance your career!

Online Tools to Assist with Job Hunting

Online tools have made the job hunt easier and more accessible for everyone, people with disabilities included. For example, you can now look for and apply to jobs through online job boards instead of visiting local businesses in person to hand over your resume. Online tools also help with the resume-building portion of the job hunt. You can use a resume builder for free to create modern, eye-catching resumes that will stand out in a pile of traditional resumes. Choose a resume template that aligns your personal style with that of the company you wish to work for. Then, add your own text, imagery, and colors to make it your own!

Another way to give yourself an edge in the job market is by going back to school to upgrade your education. And if you choose an online program, you can also enjoy some additional advantages. For example, if you’re thinking about returning to school in order to earn your bachelor of education degree, online courses allow you to study at your own pace from the comfort of your own home, then reenter the job market with a degree that sets you apart from the competition.

Remote Learning

If you need advanced credentials to land the job you’re after, consider going back to school online. With remote learning, students with limited mobility don’t have to travel long distances or burden themselves with the stressors that come with it. Look for online degree programs that will open doors in your desired line of work. For example, if you want to work in the field of information technology, consider going back to school and earning an IT degree. You could also earn a degree in education, healthcare, or business, just to name a few. According to EDsmart, online degrees are just as credible as those earned from traditional colleges!

Networking Online

Networking is your ticket to career success. If you don’t feel comfortable networking in person, turn to online networking opportunities. This is a great way to avoid stigma when meeting potential professional contacts and can make networking more accessible if your mobility is limited.

To get started with online networking, set up a profile on LinkedIn. Your profile should highlight your skills and accomplishments alongside a professional photo and an explanation of your expertise. You may even want to opt for the premium version of LinkedIn so you can message people directly and see who’s viewed your profile page.

Launching an Online Business

If you’d like a greater degree of freedom in your professional life than is possible with remote employment, consider starting your own business. Running an online business will give you complete control over when, where, and how you work. You could work as a freelancer, writing articles or designing graphics for other businesses online. Or, you could start a business selling items directly to consumers, whether this means reselling items you source from a supplier or selling your own handmade crafts. As DoughRoller suggests, you could even buy an online business that’s already up and running! While running a business is a lot of work, entrepreneurship is a meaningful career path with unlimited growth potential.

Making the Most of Assistive Technology

Whether you’re working from home or attending college remotely, take advantage of assistive technology to make your life easier. You can find both hardware and software to assist with online work. For example, Monsido.com suggests assistive tools such as screen readers, braille keyboards, screen magnifiers, sip-and-puff systems, hands-free mouse tracking software, and voice controls. Look for assistive technology designed to help with the specific challenges you’re facing when working online.

Technology offers countless benefits to people with disabilities looking to advance their careers. From online tools that help you generate resumes and apply to jobs to online educational opportunities, you have access to all kinds of valuable technology that will support you as you work toward your career goals.

Benostech offers tips and resources on business, education, software, and more! If you have any questions, let us know!