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[Editor’s note: Jillian Day created 508Assist.org to help people all across the web make their sites accessible to individuals with disabilities. A close family member, who has a visual impairment, had trouble finding a dinner recipe online that he could read easily. This inspired her to start 508Assist.org. When she’s not chasing after her little ones, Jillian enjoys being outside, whether she’s fishing, hiking, or geocaching with her family.]
The Job Hunt with a Disability: Real Tips, No Fluff
There’s nothing easy about the job search in general—but throw a disability into the mix, and suddenly you’re playing the game on hard mode without a rulebook. Whether you’re fresh out of college, re-entering the workforce, or pivoting careers, you’re probably juggling more than the average applicant. You’re not just looking for a job—you’re looking for a place that understands what you bring to the table and has actually made room for it. Here’s some practical advice that’s been earned, learned, and passed along by folks who’ve been in your shoes.
Start With Employers Who Get It
Not every company is on the same page when it comes to accessibility, and that’s putting it politely. Rather than burn energy convincing someone that inclusive hiring is worth their time, focus your search on organizations that already walk that walk. Check out job boards like AbilityJobs or Inclusively, or go through workforce development programs that have relationships with disability-friendly employers. And if you’re ever unsure about a company, stalk their website—look at their diversity statements, benefits, and leadership bios. The truth is usually buried somewhere in plain sight.
Remember Your Story Is Your Superpower
You’ve probably been told to “frame your disability as a strength,” which can sound like branding nonsense when all you’re trying to do is be taken seriously. But here’s the twist: you’ve been solving problems, adapting, and negotiating with the world in ways that most people never have to think about. That’s resilience, creativity, and patience all rolled into one. You don’t need to perform inspiration, but if you can talk authentically about what you’ve learned from your experience—and how that shows up in your work ethic or approach—you’re already setting yourself apart.
Open a Business of Your Own
Sometimes the best move isn’t finding the right employer—it’s becoming your own. Starting a business when you have a disability comes with its own set of considerations, but it also means building a space that works for you from the ground up. You’ll need to map out your business idea, register it with your state, apply for an EIN, and set up a proper business bank account. Forming an LLC can protect your personal assets while adding legitimacy to your venture, and you can cut costs by self-filing or using a highly rated online formation service—learn how to start an LLC in California with ZenBusiness.
Know When (and If) to Disclose
This one’s tricky. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to disclosing a disability. Some folks prefer to be upfront during the application process to advocate for accommodations early. Others wait until there’s a job offer or onboarding. The right move depends on your comfort level, the nature of your disability, and whether you need immediate accommodations to get through interviews. Just remember: you’re never legally required to disclose unless you’re requesting specific support. And if a company reacts poorly? That’s data. Better to find out early than six months into the job.
Get Real About the Application Game
The job application process wasn’t built for nuance. Automated systems screen resumes, recruiters skim for keywords, and nobody’s reading between the lines. So play the game, but play it on your terms. Tailor your resume with words straight from the job posting, keep your cover letters sharp and specific, and don’t over-explain gaps unless it’s helpful. If you use assistive tech, make sure your resume is formatted in a way that won’t confuse applicant tracking systems—clean fonts, no columns, and standard file types go a long way.
Interview on Your Terms
Interviews can be weird for anyone, but if you need accommodations—extra time, a specific format, an interpreter—it adds another layer. Ask for what you need in writing beforehand, and don’t feel like you’re “asking for special treatment.” You’re requesting access, not a favor. Also, don’t be afraid to flip the script in the interview. Ask them how they support employees with disabilities. If their answer is vague or defensive, that’s a red flag, not your cue to shrink yourself.
Tap Into Community Wisdom
You don’t have to go through this alone. Online communities, local advocacy groups, and professional networks specifically for people with disabilities are goldmines of support. These are the folks who can tip you off to which companies are actually inclusive, share hacks for navigating annoying parts of the process, or just remind you that your frustration is valid. Follow disabled professionals on social media, join career forums, and attend webinars or job fairs tailored to your experience. Sometimes the best career coach is someone who’s just a few steps ahead of you on the path.
Don’t Let Rejection Rewrite Your Worth
Here’s the hardest part: you’re probably going to hear “no” more than you’d like. It’s not always about you—it’s often about bias, ignorance, or systems that aren’t built for real inclusion. Don’t internalize that. You are not the rejection emails. You are the persistence, the hustle, the skill set, and the perspective that can’t be replicated. And when it finally clicks—when the right employer sees all of that—it’s going to make every ounce of effort worth it.
The job search for people with disabilities isn’t just about finding work—it’s about finding dignity, autonomy, and a workplace that actually understands inclusion beyond the buzzwords. It’s tiring, yes. It’s unfair sometimes. But it’s also filled with possibility, especially when you start steering the process instead of being pushed through it. Keep showing up, keep asking questions, and don’t apologize for demanding more from the world of work. You’re not just trying to get in the door—you’re trying to reshape what the room looks like. And that matters more than most people realize.
Discover the transformative power of support and empowerment at Whispers of Hope, where Karen Lynn-Chlup inspires individuals with disabilities and their families to embrace a world of possibilities.
I wrote this poem for my dance teacher, Al Gilbert. I was only three-and-a-half when he cupped my hand in his, while smiling and looking into my eyes. From that moment on, my life changed forever!
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