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Carving New Paths: How Young Adults with Disabilities Are Thriving in Business
By Jillian Day
[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 business world is often portrayed as fast-paced, cutthroat, and unforgiving—but that’s only one version of the story. For young adults with disabilities, the landscape comes with its own unique set of barriers, yet also a rising tide of possibilities. We’re living in an era where entrepreneurship is becoming more accessible, remote work is redefining the workplace, and diverse thinking is increasingly celebrated. What this means is that there’s never been a better time for young adults with disabilities to not just get by, but to thrive and lead with purpose.
Rewriting the Rules with Entrepreneurial Spirit
You don’t have to wait for someone to hand you a seat at the table when you can build your own. More and more young adults with disabilities are doing exactly that—starting businesses that align with their values, needs, and strengths. Entrepreneurship allows for flexibility, autonomy, and the chance to challenge the way traditional workplaces operate. Instead of adapting to outdated systems, they’re creating new models that are inclusive from the ground up.
Tech Is Leveling the Playing Field
If you’ve ever felt like the business world wasn’t designed with you in mind, technology is slowly flipping that script. Assistive tools, accessible software, and communication platforms make it easier to run meetings, collaborate globally, and work from just about anywhere. You can start a marketing agency from your kitchen table or manage a drop-shipping store without ever setting foot in a physical office. The tools are out there—you just need to find the ones that let you move the way you move.
Online Learning for Business Skills Advancement
Gaining a sharper understanding of how business works doesn’t always mean stepping away from your life to sit in a classroom. Enrolling in an online Master of Business Administration program gives you the tools to lead with purpose, from mastering strategic planning to making smart, data-backed decisions that move organizations forward. These programs are built with working professionals in mind, so you can grow your expertise without pausing your paycheck. With the right coursework and commitment, you’ll walk away equipped to navigate complex business landscapes with confidence.
Remote Work Isn’t a Trend—It’s a Game Changer
The pandemic forced a lot of companies to reevaluate what “workplace” really means, and that opened doors which were previously bolted shut. Remote work gives young adults with disabilities a chance to control their environments, limit unnecessary challenges, and focus on doing great work rather than performing for appearances. You can work in a hoodie, take breaks when you need them, and show your value based on results—not just face time.
Mentorship Can Be a Lifeline
No one should have to navigate the business world alone, especially when the map was never drawn with you in mind. Mentorship from someone who gets it—someone who’s lived experience mirrors your own in even the smallest ways—can be the difference between feeling stuck and moving forward. Whether it’s a fellow entrepreneur with a similar disability or an advocate who understands how to cut through red tape, the right mentor can help you avoid landmines and keep you focused on your goals.
Authenticity Is Your Advantage
Here’s the thing: pretending to be someone you’re not is exhausting and unsustainable. Your lived experiences bring a perspective to the table that most people don’t have, and that’s powerful. Whether you’re pitching an idea, building a brand, or applying for a position, leaning into who you are isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s your competitive edge. Authenticity resonates. People remember it. Businesses are finally catching on to the fact that different doesn’t mean less—it often means better.
Finding the Right Communities Makes All the Difference
You don’t have to brave this road solo. There are thriving communities—online and off—that are built around support, shared experiences, and opportunity. From Slack groups for disabled freelancers to LinkedIn circles centered on inclusive entrepreneurship, these spaces exist to uplift and connect. You can ask for advice, share wins, learn new skills, or even find your next collaborator. Tapping into the right circles can take your career from isolated to inspired.
Taking Up Your Own Space
Maybe you’ve been taught to be quiet, to stay small, to wait your turn. Forget that. You’re not here to be grateful for scraps—you’re here to bring something original and necessary to the table. Whether that’s through launching your own business, leading within an existing company, or just doing your job in a way only you can, you have every right to take up space in this world. Own your story. Use your voice. Let the business world bend toward you for once.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to thriving in business, especially if you’re navigating a disability. But here’s what’s true: the world is shifting. Accessibility is no longer a side note—it’s becoming central to innovation, leadership, and culture. That means your presence isn’t just valid, it’s valuable. Keep pushing. Keep building. Because you don’t just belong in the business world—you’re helping redefine what it means to succeed in it.
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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