Having a severe physical disability can make job hunting very difficult. However, 2020 has proven that many careers are actually more accessible than people might think. Reflecting on the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act in light of the current pandemic, Leadership Coordinator at Human Services Research Institute Nicole LeBlanc writes that, "COVID-19 is showing us that many jobs can be done from home when given access to technology and high-speed internet." And this will not be a temporary trend: The percentage of people permanently working from home is already expected to double this year.
All this is why there are more career paths now for you to explore in the coming years. Here are some of the best ones:
Market research analyst
Every company needs someone who can help analyze their sales data to find out what their customers want to buy, who wants to buy their products, and what they're willing to pay to get them. This is the job of a market research analyst. As one of the top careers in data analytics, the demand for market research analysts is higher than ever. In fact, from 2016 to 2026, the profession's growth is projected to rise by 23%. To become a market research analyst, you need a bachelor’s degree in market research or a related mathematics field such as statistics. And as a computer based job that can be easily done at home it is ideal for those with mobility issues.
Online counselor
Your disability gives you a unique perspective that can help other disabled individuals navigate their own hardships. Of course, you can extend your help to those without disabilities, too. As a counselor, you can choose to work in one field, such as family services, mental health, and others. But for some specialties, it helps to have an online MA degree for that area. Enrolling yourself in undergraduate programs in psychology, human services, and other social fields are good places to start your career in counseling.
Software developer
Aside from remote work, 2020 has accelerated the adoption of many tech products, from video conferencing software solutions to CRM. A software developer is in charge of creating these programs. Jobs in the computer science field are always growing, but the ones in software development more than others. In fact, employment in the field is going to grow by 22% from 2019 to 2029. This is much faster than average for most occupations. While a Computer Science degree is advantageous, you don’t need one to start a career in software development. Online certifications from reputable tech organizations like Microsoft, Citrix, and AWS will give you a good chance to get started.
Massage therapist
Massage therapy is a unique career where those who are visually impaired can excel at more than the average person. According to the American Institute of Alternative Medicine (AIAM), these people have “a better sense of touch,” which allows them to provide more effective treatments. Of course, given the current health scare, it might be difficult to put massage skills into practice.
Fortunately, you need all the time to prepare for this career. To become a licensed massage therapist, you need to graduate from a massage course, get at least six months of practical training, and complete the certification exam. For the first two, AIAM offers programs that are tailored for the visually impaired.
It can be challenging to find a career that you can thrive in. But once you do, you’ll find that if you work hard, you can be one of the best professionals in the field. Disability doesn’t have to stop you from succeeding.
Prepared by: Jessie Boxkin