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What jobs can someone with a learning disability do?
Hi my name is Faith and I’m 21 and I also have a learning disability and it’s been hard for me to get a job because of the way I talk in an interview was hard for me to talk in an interview #interviews #job-application #work But mainly I want to work like in fast food or a daycare or as a shopper #interviewing-skills #career #job
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7 answers
Updated
Suvebah’s Answer
Hello Faith,
Your job options are not limited to daycare or shopper. You can reach out to resources such as Learning Disabilities Association of America. The website alone provides a wealth of knowledge and outlines various opportunities for empowerment of individuals with learning disability.
Your job options are not limited to daycare or shopper. You can reach out to resources such as Learning Disabilities Association of America. The website alone provides a wealth of knowledge and outlines various opportunities for empowerment of individuals with learning disability.
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
Faith, someone with a learning disability can function as well as anyone else, given the right environment, management, and a fighting chance. I've worked with learning-disabled people from the Ph.D level all the way down to the most entry-level positions, and the biggest challenge always seems to be everyone to understand:
- The exact nature of your disability AND of your ability: At what do you excel, and in what areas will you need assistance? What unique viewpoints and insights can you bring to the job? For example, a deaf or challenged person may be able to speak ASL (American Sign Language) and help an employer understand the environment of the hearing-impaired. In your case, can you communicate well enough to do the jobs you listed? Let the employer know that!
- Accommodations: As Priya pointed out, there are many things a willing employer can do to make it possible to hire a learning-disabled person.
- Your career goals: Sometimes employers are hesitant to hire a given employee because "their growth may be limited". But often, the interviewee would be very happy just to get into a stable, pleasant, and rewarding position at any level. Make sure the interviewer understands your goals.
Best of luck in your search. There IS something out there for you; you just have to find it!
- The exact nature of your disability AND of your ability: At what do you excel, and in what areas will you need assistance? What unique viewpoints and insights can you bring to the job? For example, a deaf or challenged person may be able to speak ASL (American Sign Language) and help an employer understand the environment of the hearing-impaired. In your case, can you communicate well enough to do the jobs you listed? Let the employer know that!
- Accommodations: As Priya pointed out, there are many things a willing employer can do to make it possible to hire a learning-disabled person.
- Your career goals: Sometimes employers are hesitant to hire a given employee because "their growth may be limited". But often, the interviewee would be very happy just to get into a stable, pleasant, and rewarding position at any level. Make sure the interviewer understands your goals.
Best of luck in your search. There IS something out there for you; you just have to find it!
Updated
TJ’s Answer
Many employers make accommodations for people with disabilities. You may make a request for an accommodation during the interview process. This will give you an opportunity to be interviewed, with or without an accommodation as needed. The Human Resources department will be the best source to assist you during the interview as well as once you start your job.
Updated
Tonya’s Answer
Hello Faith,
Do not be discouraged by your learning disability. Fast food, daycare or shopping is not the only alternatives you have. If that is the field you would like to build a career path, then this would be great! Nonetheless, if you desire more; many corporations offer accommodations for disabilities, including invisible disabilities. This is the law, according to the ADA. Embrace your passions and know that what is for you; is for you. You can accomplish all things. Stay positive and motivate and success will follow.
The answer is you can do any job that you desire.
Do not be discouraged by your learning disability. Fast food, daycare or shopping is not the only alternatives you have. If that is the field you would like to build a career path, then this would be great! Nonetheless, if you desire more; many corporations offer accommodations for disabilities, including invisible disabilities. This is the law, according to the ADA. Embrace your passions and know that what is for you; is for you. You can accomplish all things. Stay positive and motivate and success will follow.
The answer is you can do any job that you desire.
Updated
Priya’s Answer
Hi Faith,
Are you able to apply for any kind of accommodations? I know in college you can possibly do so. In regards to in jobs, I am not so sure, but were you able to communicate your disability during the interview? Though it may be scary, perhaps doing so can help you get a better understanding if that job can help accommodate your disability, or if they are not the right fit. I am rooting for you!
Are you able to apply for any kind of accommodations? I know in college you can possibly do so. In regards to in jobs, I am not so sure, but were you able to communicate your disability during the interview? Though it may be scary, perhaps doing so can help you get a better understanding if that job can help accommodate your disability, or if they are not the right fit. I am rooting for you!
Updated
dave’s Answer
Faith
May I ask what specifically is your LD?
My wife is a special ed teacher and may have some suggestions for you.....
daycare may definitely be a great option for you
May I ask what specifically is your LD?
My wife is a special ed teacher and may have some suggestions for you.....
daycare may definitely be a great option for you
Updated
Kerry’s Answer
My wife and I both are dyslexic and I've been able to pursue a great career in my life's journey. My wife was able to recently finish her degree to become a programmer and she found a job (and is doing well these past few months after graduation). When you talk to HR at a prospective company make sure they understand what your interviewers may observe, by having that conversation ahead of time people can take that into account and bypass and prejudgment on their perception of your condition. Interviews can be very brief to hiring managers have to rely on all their senses to determine if you can perform the duties of the job, so give them the best chance to fairly evaluate you. Knowing your condition may prompt them to ask some relevant questions and alleviate any concerns about your abilities.