75 Suggestions for jobs for people with disabilities

Embarking on a meaningful career journey is a shared dream for everyone, regardless of their abilities. But for those with disabilities, finding the right job that fits their skills and interests and provides a supportive environment where they can thrive is challenging.

Whether you face learning, mental, or physical challenges, you too deserve a fulfilling career you love. Being able to discover a path that best suits you, aligns with your strengths, and allows you to contribute to the workforce in a meaningful way is a pivotal step toward achieving an enjoyable career.

People with disabilities bring a new way of thinking, a special set of skills, and a unique perspective that contributes to the colorful and diverse landscape of the workforce, which sparks innovation. That’s why we compiled a list of 75 jobs for people with disabilities. 

We break down:

• Identifying your strengths as someone with a disability

• 25 jobs for people with learning disabilities

• 25 jobs for people with physical disabilities

• 25 jobs for people with mental disabilities

Identifying your strengths 

For anyone—disabled or not—searching for a new job, identifying and embracing strengths is a key component in the job search. Recognizing your unique abilities, talents, and skills is the first step to becoming self-aware. This strong sense of knowing empowers you to align your career choices with tasks and workplace environments that play to your strengths.

Alongside medical professionals and your support system, take the time to get clear on what you need to succeed on the job. Consider your skills, strengths, limitations, preferences, motivators, passions, necessary accommodations, and values. This process not only enriches your own personal and professional development but allows you to approach your job search with confidence.

While you should do the work to define what an ideal work environment looks like, it's equally important for workplaces to foster inclusivity, educate staff about various disabilities, and proactively address the specific needs of individuals to create an environment where everyone can thrive. 

Jobs for people with learning disabilities

Learning disabilities, such as dyslexia are often misunderstood. Clear and open communication between the employee and employer is essential to address potential misunderstandings. Colleagues or supervisors might not be aware of the specific challenges faced, leading to misconceptions and stigmatization. 

Although some individuals with learning disabilities may require specific accommodations, such as assistive technology, additional time for tasks, or modified instructions, many people with learning disabilities demonstrate exceptional creativity, excel in spatial reasoning, possess strong critical thinking skills, and have the ability to think outside the box. 

Hence, vocational or technical fields that involve practical, experiential learning may be well-suited for their strengths. They may excel in roles that require thinking on their feet, adapting to changing situations, and finding effective solutions. 

Here are 25 jobs for those with learning disabilities:

1. School Counselor

2. Mental Health Counselor

3. Chef 

4. Motion Picture Director 

5. Computer Animator 

6. Interior Designer 

7. Graphic Designer 

8. Video or Film Editor 

9. Artist 

10. Actor 

11. Photographer 

12. Plumber 

13. Truck Driver 

14. Housekeeper 

15. Retail Worker 

16. Sales Representative 

17. Real Estate Broker

18. Help Desk Worker/Desktop Support 

19. Customer Service 

20. Beautician 

21. Software Engineer 

22. UX Designer & UI Developer 

23. Computer Programmer 

24. Web Designer 

25. Veterinary Assistant 

Jobs for people with mental disabilities

Mental health conditions can lead to discrimination and bias, as a result, employees may fear disclosing their condition due to potential repercussions. This poses a unique challenge because mental disorders are not visible and unless the employee discloses it, employers may be unaware and unintentionally create an unsupportive environment. 

Sometimes mental health conditions can lead to fluctuations in an individual's performance, but like everyone else, they possess unique strengths and abilities. They tend to have exceptionally high IQ levels, develop a heightened sense of empathy, find innovative solutions, and possess strong interpersonal skills, leadership qualities, and innovative thinking.

Therefore, industries or roles that prioritize adaptability, creativity, and effective problem-solving, such as creative fields, technology sectors, or roles focusing on project management, may be particularly conducive to the strengths of individuals with mental health disabilities. 

Here is a list of jobs for people with mental disabilities:

1. Business Analyst 

2. Data Analyst 

3. Financial Analyst

4. Researcher 

5. Engineer 

6. DevOps Engineer 

7. Computer Scientist 

8. Web Developer 

9. Computer Programmer 

10. Help Desk Worker/Desktop Support 

11. Data Entry 

12. Accountant 

13. Dental Hygienist 

14. Physical Therapy Assistant 

15. Computer Animator 

16. Novelist/Writer 

17. Video Editor 

18. Musician 

19. Nail Technician 

20. Hair Stylist 

21. Mathematician 

22. Entrepreneur 

23. Paralegal 

24. Plumber 

25. Massage Therapist 

Jobs for people with physical disabilities

Physical disabilities often come with challenges related to workplace accessibility. Buildings, workstations, and technology may not be designed to accommodate individuals with mobility issues. Commuting can also be a significant challenge, especially in areas with limited accessible public transportation.

With the rise of remote work, the physically disabled have more options to explore job opportunities that accommodate their needs and provide flexibility in their work environment. 

Individuals with physical disabilities might require specific assistive technologies. But despite physical constraints, individuals with physical disabilities tend to be strong in adaptability, resilience, critical thinking, attention to detail, creative thinking, using technology, and project management.

Consequently, roles that require creative thinking, project management, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances align with their strengths. 

Here are some good career options for people with physical disabilities:

1. Marketing Manager 

2. Account Manager 

3. Public Relations 

4. Marketing Specialist 

5. Scrum Master 

6. Actuary 

7. Bank Teller 

8. Executive Assistant 

9. Human Resources 

10. Recruiter 

11. Pharmacist 

12. Medical Administrator 

13. Pharmacy Assistant 

14. Operations Manager 

15. Political Scientist 

16. Chemist 

17. Physicist 

18. Astronomer 

19. Atmospheric Scientist 

20. Teacher 

21. Broadcast News Anchor 

22. Architect 

23. Computer Animator 

24. Sound Engineer 

25. Playwright 

Need some career guidance? Discover your professional journey with Career Pathways and explore job demand and salaries for over 12,000 job titles.

Key takeaways

1. Regardless of their abilities, every individual deserves a fulfilling career that aligns with their strengths and allows meaningful contributions to the workforce.

2. Identifying and embracing strengths is crucial for all job seekers, empowering them to align their career choices with tasks and environments that capitalize on their abilities.

3. People with disabilities bring unique perspectives, skills, and innovative thinking to the workforce, contributing to a diverse and vibrant professional landscape.

4. Individuals with disabilities often thrive in roles that value creativity, adaptability, and effective problem-solving. 

5. Industries like technology and creative fields provide environments where their strengths shine.