How To Get A Job If You Have A Disability
Updated : August 4th, 2020
Job seekers with a disability find it quite challenging to get suitable opportunities to their liking. To overcome this, candidates with disabilities need to highlight their relevant skills to potential employers asserting they are well-suited for the job. The key is not to be self-conscious about your perceived weaknesses and show the hiring manager why you are best suited to the position.
The Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Act is a civil rights law that forbids discrimination towards all people with disabilities. The ADA defines a disability as any physical or mental damage that has a significant impact on life activities, such as breathing, seeing, walking, lifting, sleeping, and taking care of yourself.
Despite your disability, you have to meet the essential job requirements that you are applying for. These can include your education, experience, skillset licensing, etc. If you do not meet the critical job criteria, the employer is under no obligation to hire you. Another vital aspect of qualifying for a job is that you are expected to perform basic tasks without any assistance.
We have listed down a few points that you should not overlook when attending an interview to improve your chances of bagging that job you want.
Seek Assistance from Job Hunting Resources
There are a lot of support groups for people who have limitations. They offer services like job training, job assistance, and lots more. Some of the support groups are mentioned below:
- The Job Accommodation Network is a service provided by the Department of Labor. They offer advice and guidance on how to maximize your efforts to get a job if you have a disability.
- The Workforce Recruitment Program is a referral and recruitment program that helps connect employees in the federal sector to job seekers with disabilities.
There are several events that help workers with disabilities find the right job. Never hesitate to put yourself out there, as these events are a great chance to network and meet potential employers.
You are Entitled To Disability Non-Disclosure
Disability disclosure means that you do not need to reveal your disability on your CV or cover letter. If your disability does not impact the job requirements of the role, legally you don’t have to reveal it. But at times, you may need to attend an interview in a building without ramp access. In such a situation, you will need to inform your potential employer about your disability.
Always Ask For What You Need In The Interview
The interview is the time to discuss and understand what you are expected to do as part of the job. This is the time to tell the potential employer that you may require a workstation that suits your needs. This may mean sourcing a special ergonomic desk or installing a communication system if you are deaf/mute, etc.
If You are Asked a Tough Question Handle it With Courtesy
If you are asked a question about your disability that you are not comfortable answering, try saying something positive. The ADA clearly states that it is illegal to ask about the candidate’s medical history.
Dress Well
Always be formally dressed when you go for an interview. Don’t try to hide your disability by covering it up for an interview. Stay confident and always answer questions to point.
Final Statement
You may be eligible for disability insurance if you are unemployed. It will help you get by in times of difficulty. A disability can be temporary or permanent, but you are entitled to claim this insurance.
Related Tags : disability, jobs, unemployment
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I lived in ga in 2019 and move to florida in 2020 and work for the xmas months in nov-dec. I was told to do a combine wage claim. my question is which state do i file the claim in?
Alisa,
Please consider filing from the state where your last employment was based.
I filed for pua in Ohio back in October 2020.My claim has been in ajudacatuon since 11/1/20.So 2 to 6 weeks is a total understatement! When I call.i am told to basically hurry up and wait some more.I have recently been redetermined and my claim is allowed.but I have one pending issue.How long is too long?
Nicole,
Unfortunately, nobody has an answer. There are perhaps thousands of pending applications. Please consider the option of visiting an office in the vicinity if safe and feasible.
If you claim your weeks for unemployment and for the next 2 months you still have not received your money. Where can you go in volusia county to talk with a live person
Melinda,
Please consider the option of visiting an office in the vicinity if safe and feasible.
On NYS DOL website, my claim is saying current yet the information is for my old claim with 0 days remaining despite receiving 2 weeks of payments on the new claim and I was able to certify last night. I haven’t received anything; no letters or emails.
Ellina,
Have you tried calling the Unemployment Office in this regard?
I was disqualified for UI benefits for not providing an ID and other forms of identification. How do I fix this?
Manuel,
You can consider filing an “Appeal”. Details will be available on the official website.
What is the procedure if it appears a pension amount has not been applied to Unemploymemt claim?
Jerry
Jerry,
Please speak to a member of the Claims Center for assistance.
My name micheal powell79 i. Been trying to file for a weekly but it wont let me !!can someone please help
Michel,
Please let us know how we can help you.
Hi Mike, I’m in NYS and was at the end of my BYE on 3/14, I was still certifying but wasn’t getting paid. I found out I had to file a new claim because my other was exhausted. I’m still waiting on approval. Maybe you have to file a new claim. I hope this helps.
I help I have no job
Arsenal,
Please let us know how we can help you.
They say 2-6 weeks it’s more accurate to say 2-6 months; and when you call many of them are rude and unwilling to assist!
Ronald,
They might be swarmed with calls and inquiries.
someone needs to look into Sharon L. Anton gillette, wyo. or dickinson, nd she is a fraud and has done so many fraudulent things and please look into her
Annette,
Please report it to the Fraud Division of the Unemployment Office in your state. You can report on the website.
I worked part time for thee years here in florida. I’m currently not working. I’m also retired and collects social security.
My question is
Am I qualified to file for unemployment ?
Ruby,
To be eligible, you’re required to have sufficient hours and earnings. Please use the “Benefits Calculator” available on this website.
So adjudication takes 8 to 12 weeks. Oh okay, that explains why I havent received payment since July. That surely helps just like the rest of the information that you give. And by the way. What’s the NEW reason you can’t get through to the Call Center.
I am having problems applying for benefits online. any suggestions? possibly a direct link?
Robert,
I hope you were able to get to the bottom of it.
No. I was hoping to see a contact number or site for reporting fraud.
Steve,
You will find it on your state’s Unemployment Office website.
I Would like to apply for my unemplyment.
Deidre,
You can easily apply for UI benefits on the official website of the Unemployment Office in your state.