Career Resources for Students with Disabilities


 Students with disabilities face challenges when it comes to pursuing a degree and entering into their chosen career. The college campus is a nurturing and affirming environment, but the real world of work can be quite different. Some employers are unsure of legal issues and reasonable accommodations so it is important that you become a strong self-advocate, are knowledgeable about your rights and the job market. Career Services has identified resources and websites that may be helpful for your career development and job search process. Keep in mind that there is no one answer to the questions that you may face. Our career counselors are available to help you with questions regarding your employment rights, how to job search, navigate an interview or any other questions that you may have. Our counselors can provide you with support, advice and point you to helpful services.

Below you will find links to pages with information to make your search simpler.

  • Self Advocacy
  • How to Disclose a Disability
  • Legal Issues
  • Workplace/Employment Information for Students with Disabilities
  • Finding Employers Who Embrace Diversity
  • Internship Opportunities
  • National Organizations
  • Assistive Technologies

Self Advocacy

One of the most important skills that you will have to learn for the job search process is to be a strong self advocate. Colleges offer you readily available resources, but on-the-job accommodations and assistance can be more difficult to find in some employment settings. To successfully navigate in the world of work the following are some important suggestions:

  • Know how to communicate your needs in a way that others can understand. Be comfortable discussing your needs before you communicate them to others.
  • Be knowledgeable about your rights. Below you will find information on relevant laws and regulations.
  • Know where to go for assistance. Whether it is the human resources office or a compliance office, know who your advocates are at work or in the community.
  • Take action. Find the necessary resources, advocate for what you need and practice your communication skills. Become comfortable having these conversations with employers and agencies.

Disability Resources in the Academic Achievement Center can work with you to help you hone your skills as a self-advocate.

How to Disclose a Disability

Depending on the job and the scope of your work, it may or may not be necessary to disclose your disability to an employer. This is a personal choice and most experts agree that disclosure should be made only when it can directly benefit you (i.e. get you the accommodations that you require). Once you are aware of your legal rights, you should consider the required work tasks that are listed in the job description. If you can successfully complete the job requirements without accommodation it may not be necessary to disclose.

If it is necessary or if you choose to disclose, then this can be done at various stages of the hiring process. You can choose to disclose on your application, prior to the interview (especially if you need wheelchair access or assistive technology for the interview), during the interview or after an offer of employment is made.

When disclosing a disability keep in mind the following.

  • Be prepared with ideas on how accommodations can be made.

  • Know the realities of your chosen workplace.

  • Become an intern to test your abilities in a chosen field and gain necessary experience.

  • Keep the focus be on the skills, abilities and tasks that you can complete successfully as opposed to focusing on limitations, especially during the interview process.

  • Some employers may make assumptions about your abilities. Anticipate employers questions and concerns about your disability and be prepared to address them. Your confidence and calm will likely put the employer at ease making the conversation easier.

  • Have individuals who know your abilities (teachers, supervisors, employers) serve as reference(s).

  • Be cool, confident, collected and prepared for this conversation. A positive attitude will go a long way when talking to a potential employer. Practicing what you would say can make the discussion more relaxed.

Again, this is a personal process in which you need to assess a variety of factors. The Career Services staff is happy to discuss this process with you. Below you will find some other helpful resources.

Legal Issues

Your job search will require being aware of relevant laws pertaining to persons with disabilities and employment. The Americans with Disabilites Act prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. It also limits the information employers can obtain from a job applicant. The only exception to this is that a government agency can ask an applicant to voluntarily disclose a disability for affirmative action purposes. Below you will find resources that pertain to legal issues and will assist you in being more aware of your rights and responsibilities.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) -The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal law that protects the rights of people with disabilities in all employment practices, including job application procedures, hiring, termination, training, pay, promotion, benefits, and leave. The ADA website will give you important information and details about your rights and responsibilities.

University of Tennessee - Disability Careers Office - Resources, disability-related questions and objections, disclosure options for employment, disclosure process, disability presentations, elements of the disclosure process, financial scholarships, how to write a cover letter, developing a script for disclosure, rules for a good disclosure, rules for appropriate language, section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, self-advocacy, and thank you letters.

U.S. Dept.of Labor - Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) - ODEP provides national leadership by developing and influencing disability-related employment policy and practice.

U.S. Dept.of Labor - Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) - Fact Sheets - Fact Sheets on Accommodation, Workplace Culture, Discrimination, Emergency Preparedness, Disclosure, Laws and Issues, Employment Options, Job Seeking and more.

DisabilityInfo.gov - Employment - Federal site for disability-related resources including: Employment, Education, Housing, Transportation, Health, Income Support, Technology, Community Life, and Civil Rights.

US Department of Justice - Provides comprehensive information about the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Access Unlimited - Provides information regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The Social Security Administration - Provides a Resources Toolkit to explain the work incentives for SSDI and SSI beneficiaries. "Work incentives" are special rules making it possible for people with disabilities receiving Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to work and still receive monthly payments and Medicare or Medicaid.

U.S. Dept. of Education - Includes a section devoted to legislation affecting people with disabilities.

Workplace / Employment Information for Students with Disabilities

Once you have made the decision about when and how to disclose your disability, it will be important to be aware of workplace and employment issues that could affect you now and in the future. Here is a collection of articles, resources and organizations that discuss workplace issues and provide support and advice on various career-related topics from resume writing to preparing for interviews.

Diversity World - Excellent links to career information for people with disabilities. Links to RecruitABILITY website, where you can post your resume.

Disabilityworld e-zine home page - This site has many articles on disability-related topics, including employment. The scope is international, with an emphasis on policy.

AFBCAREER CONNECT - The American Foundation for the Blind - a "free resource for people who are blind or visually impaired to learn about the range and diversity of the jobs that are performed throughout the United States and Canada by adults who are blind or visually impaired."

Business Leadership Network - The US Business Leadership Network (USBLN) is the national organization that supports development and expansion of its BLN chapters across the country, serving as their collective voice. It is the only national disability organization led by business for business.

Disability and the Workplace: An Internet Primer - Provided by Cornell University, School of Industrial and Labor Relations, this is an extensive guide to Internet Resources dealing with several levels of physical and mental disability and the workplace and also includes job search information.

DisabilityInfo.gov - Sponsored by several government agencies and provides one-stop access to helpful information on employment, education, housing, transportation, health, income support, civil rights, and more.

The Riley Guide - Network, Interview, & Negotiate - How to prepare for interviews as well as how to handle tough interview questions.

The Riley Guide - Employment Resources for the Disabled - These are resources specifically set up to meet the needs or address the interests of the disabled.

WWW Virtual Library - Internet Disability Resources - A listing of disability resources available on the Internet.

Learning Disabilities Association of America - Assessment, Civil Rights, Workplace Issues, Post Secondary Options.

Diversity World - Career Development - Career development resources for people with disabilities.

Finding Employers Who Embrace Diversity

The job search process takes dedicated time and diligent work for everyone. You will need to devote time daily and/or weekly to find potential employment leads. The process can be challenging for students with disabilities. Part of the job search process will include finding organizations that provide you the benefits and supports necessary for happy and productive work. The following websites will assist you in identifying employers and organizations that embrace diversity and look to hire individuals with disabilities.

Careers and the DisABLED Magazine - Resume Database; List of companies that actively recruit college graduates with disabilities, including Annual Survey of "Top 50 Employers."

Office of Disability Employment Policy - Employers who have indicated an interest in recruiting and hiring qualified individuals with disabilities for open positions within their company or organization. Companies listed by state.

DO-IT (Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology) - Works to increase the successful participation of people with disabilities in academic programs and careers.

Job Access - Working with Companies, Non-Profits, and others to employ people with disabilities.

National Business & Disability Council - Resume Database, Job Postings, Internships.

Workforce Recruitment Program - Creates a database of screened candidates with disabilities seeking summer and permanent positions.

JustOneBreak.com - "Just One Break" brings together the area's leading employers and qualified applicants with disabilities to help meet or exceed business expectations.

AFB Career Connect - Employment planning for people who are blind or visually impaired.

eSight Careers Network - Connecting business leaders to talent in the disability community.

Makoa.org - Job training/placement/employment.

COSDonline.org - Career Opportunities for students with disabilities.

Disability Jobsite.com - A link for job listings all over the US.

Idealist.org - A web site posting internship and job positions for non-profit agencies in Ohio and across the US.

Career Resources Corp - Career Resources Corp is a non-profit training and employment agency for individuals with disabilities.

Careers and the disabled - Maintains a list of companies actively recruiting undergrads, graduates, and professionals with disabilities.

DisabilityInfo.gov: Employment - For people with disabilities, the site promotes greater independence by providing guidance on job accommodations.

Entry Point - A program of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) offering Outstanding Internship Opportunities for Students with Disabilities in Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science, and some fields of Business.

Lift Inc.-Information - Technology careers for professionals who have disabilities.

Monster Diversity and Inclusion - This is the regular Monster.com division that lists job openings for people with disabilities.

Virtual Library - Extensive list of resources.

Disability Access and Information Services (DAIS) - Extensive job listings and resources.

The Federal Work Force Recruitment Program for College Students with Disabilities (WRP) - Designed to assist students with disabilities to gain employment with Federal agencies. This program is coordinated by the Office of Disability Employment Policy and a consortium of Federal agencies and private sector employers participating.

Mobility International (MIUSA) - Provides international educational exchange opportunities for students with disabilities. Empowering people with disabilities around the world through international exchange and international development to achieve their human rights.

U.S. Dept. of Labor - Connects job seekers with employers who have expressed an interest in hiring people with disabilities.

Internship Opportunities

Internships are crucial for all students in today's economy. Internships give you practical, marketable experiences demonstrate to an employer that you can accomplish the job tasks they are looking for in the workplace. Our office maintains internship leads on our CareerLink database and below you can find some additional internship resources.

Emerging Leaders - Summer Internship Program for College Students with Disabilities offers paid summer internships at many of America's leading corporations. These companies are members of the National Business & Disability Council (www.nbdc.com) and are proactive in recruiting qualified people with disabilities.

ENTRY POINT! -A program of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), offers outstanding paid, 10-week internships and semester co-ops in major companies throughout the United States, including NASA, IBM, NIH, NOAA, and Merck. ENTRY POINT! is available to students with disabilities majoring in life sciences, physical sciences, computer science, engineering, mathematics, and some social science and business fields.

The Microsoft - Federal AAPD IT Internship Program - Open to any college or university student with a disability who has demonstrated an interest in an IT career.

Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation - AAPD Congressional Internship Program - Provides students with disabilities to work on Capitol Hill for eight weeks.

The Washington Center - Provides a total of 50 competitive scholarship awards for students with disabilities interested in working in the executive, judicial or legislative branches of the federal government during the spring and fall semesters (scholarships are not available in the summer).

National Organizations for People with a Disability

American Association for People with Disabilities

Mobility International USAL - International exchange and development opportunities for persons with disabilities.

National Industries for the Blind- NIB - A private, not-for-profit corporation whose mission is to enhance the opportunities for economic and personal independence of persons who are blind, primarily through creating, sustaining and improving employment.

National Organization on Disabilities - The mission of the National Organization on Disability (N.O.D.) is to expand the participation and contribution of America's 54 million men, women and children with disabilities in all aspects of life.

U.S.Department of Labor Office of Disability Policy

Massachusetts Business Leadership Network - MassBLN is an employer-led network that offers participating employers resources for recruiting candidates with disabilities, information on disability employment issues, best disability employment practices, and exposure to various services.

Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) - MRC provides resources to citizens with disabilities in Massachusetts, including information on advocacy, intervention, disability determination services, job placement and training, and more.

National Business & Disabilities Council - The National Business & Disabilities Council is the leading resource for employers seeking to integrate people with disabilities into the workplace. The site offers job and internship listings and information about career events.

U.S. Office of Personnel Management, Federal Employment of Persons with Disabilities - This Web site provides information about the process of applying for Federal government jobs and how reasonable accommodations are made. This site also includes resources than can help you with a wide range of issues that pertain to the Federal employment of adults with disabilities.

The Disability Resources Monthly Guide to Disability Resources on the Internet, by State

American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) CareerConnect - Includes over 1,000 mentors who are blind or visually impaired. Search for someone whose job interests you. You can also use the My CareerConnect features to create your own resume, accessible online calendar of appointments, and more.

AAPD Congressional Internship Program for College Students with Disabilities - The Congressional Internship Program is located in the Washington DC area. A few additional internship programs are listed (U.S. Department of Transportation, HUD Intern Program, Microsoft-AAPD Federal Internship Program, Wellstone Fellowship for Social Justice, Washington Center's Public Service Internship Program, etc.)

Project HIRED - Not-for-profit organization that assists individuals with disabilities in finding competitive employment. It also assists with temporary employment and includes a mentoring program. The organization is based in the Silicon Valley.

Mobility International USA - Offers international exchange and international development programs for students with disabilities.

Lift, Inc. - Recruits, trains and places people with disabilities in information management and information technology positions; established in 1975.

National Association of the Deaf (NAD) - Information for the hearing impaired as well as their families and communities, including information about sign language and interpreter certification. While some sections of the site are limited to members, the NAD Job Market is open to all for viewing.

Learning Disabilities Association of America - Provides general information about learning disabilities, while local chapters provide referrals to physicians and treatment centers. Provides information and referral to state chapters, parent resources, and local support groups. Publishes news briefs and a professional journal.

National Center for Learning Disabilities - Dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by learning disabilities. National information and referral, public outreach and communications, and legislative advocacy and public policy.

Learning Disabilities Association of America - Learning disabilities association of America (LDA) is dedicated to identifying causes and promoting prevention of learning disabilities and to enhancing the quality of life for all individuals with learning disabilities and their families by encouraging effective identification and intervention, fostering research, and protecting their rights under the law.

World Association of Persons with Disabilities - World association of persons with disabilities (WAPD) advances the interests of persons with disabilities at national, state, local and home levels.

Assistive Technologies

Here you will find websites that will give you more information on assistive technologies.

Equal Access to Software and Information - Site contains links to journals and other information on technology use for persons with disabilities.

The New York Institute for Special Education - Site has information on technologies for aiding with deafness and blindness.

Closed Captioning Web - Contains reference information on closed captioning, as well as professional opportunities.

The Council for Disability Rights - The CDR's website has a thorough explanation of the important aspects of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Know your rights!

National Business & Disability Council - The National Business & Disability Council's National Resume Database is used by employers with a commitment to diversity to recruit individuals with disabilities for positions in their organizations. Job seekers with disabilities can post their resumes free of charge.

Connect-Ability - Learn about Connect-Ability - an initiative for people with disabilities seeking employment for the first time or who want a new challenge, and employers seeking valuable, qualified workers.

National Business & Disability Council's National Resume Database - The National Business & Disability Council's National Resume Database(®) , which was developed with the goal of bringing together top talent with disabilities and America's top employers in both the private and public sector.

AbilityHub - Provides comprehensive information on adaptive equipment and alternative methods available for accessing computers

The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) - Fact Sheets from the Office of Disability and Employment Policy, US Department of Labor.

Some information is adapted from the Americans with Disabilities Act home page (www.ada.gov), Fordham University's "Resources for Students with Disabilities" and Wheelock College's "Employment Considerations for People with Disabilities."

Websites and resources referred from: Babson College, University of California at Berkeley, Stanford University, University of Maryland Baltimore County, University of Pennsylvania, Carleton College, City Colleges of Chicago, Job Accommodation Network, www.disabilityinfo.gov, the Ohio State University, Virginia Tech, Portland State College, St Joseph's University, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, JobWeb, University of Arizona and the University of Texas

Last Modified: August 26, 2009