9 answers
Grace
Student
Kennewick
1
Question
Asked
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How can students with disabilities be advised on what careers they can pursue
my favorite hobby and interesting thing i do during my free times is to stay with disabled people and have conversations with then so that they can feel the support
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9 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
745
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Many colleges and universities have disability services offices and departments right on the campus.
These offices might be a good place to start.
These offices might be a good place to start.
Jackie Carson
Singer & songwriter
1
Answer
Harrisville, Pennsylvania
Updated
Jackie’s Answer
I’m disabled, going on Federal Disability Retirement. I’m a singer, songwriter, & want to be an entrepreneur. You may not be able to do certain things, but definitely there are many you can do! I plan to keep singing, songwriting, got noticed by major labels too!
Stay motivated!
Keep fit if possible!
Remain optimistic, you can!
Jackie recommends the following next steps:
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
549
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Grace,
Advising students with disabilities on career options is an opportunity to empower them to realize their full potential and pursue fulfilling careers. It's crucial to approach this task with sensitivity, understanding, and a commitment to providing personalized support. Here are some strategies to help guide these students effectively:
1. Self-Assessment and Exploration:
- Use interest and aptitude assessments to identify the student’s strengths and interests.
- Explore career options that align with their abilities and interests, considering how their specific disability might impact their work environment and job tasks.
2. Understanding Rights and Accommodations:
- Educate students about their rights under laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
- Provide information on reasonable accommodations that can help them succeed in the workplace, such as assistive technology, flexible schedules, and modified workstations.
3. Skill Development:
- Focus on developing both technical skills relevant to their career interests and soft skills like communication, time management, and problem-solving.
- Offer specialized training and resources that accommodate their learning needs and preferences.
4. Mentorship and Networking:
- Connect students with mentors who have similar disabilities and successful careers.
- Encourage networking with professionals and organizations that promote inclusivity and diversity in the workplace.
5. Individualized Career Counseling:
- Provide one-on-one career counseling to discuss how their disability might influence career choices and strategies for overcoming potential barriers.
- Collaborate with disability services and career services to create a customized career plan that includes setting realistic goals and identifying necessary accommodations.
6. Highlighting Success Stories:
- Share stories of individuals with similar disabilities who have achieved success in various fields.
- Use these examples to inspire and motivate students, demonstrating that their disability does not limit their career potential.
7. Inclusive Job Search Strategies:
- Teach students how to disclose their disability during the job search process if they choose to do so.
- Provide resources for finding inclusive employers and job opportunities that are welcoming to people with disabilities.
8. Self-Advocacy and Advocacy:
- Encourage students to advocate for their needs and accommodations in the workplace.
- Offer training on self-advocacy skills, such as how to request accommodations and effectively communicate their abilities and needs.
9. Access to Technological and Educational Resources:
- Introduce students to assistive technologies and software that can enhance their job performance.
- Ensure they have access to educational resources and support services tailored to their specific disabilities.
10. Building a Positive Mindset and Resilience:
- Promote a positive mindset and resilience, emphasizing that challenges are part of any career path.
- Encourage students to persevere and proactively address obstacles, reinforcing that their unique perspectives and skills are valuable in the workplace.
By carefully considering each student’s disability and tailoring advice and support to their specific needs, students with disabilities can be empowered to pursue fulfilling and successful careers.
Best wishes.
Advising students with disabilities on career options is an opportunity to empower them to realize their full potential and pursue fulfilling careers. It's crucial to approach this task with sensitivity, understanding, and a commitment to providing personalized support. Here are some strategies to help guide these students effectively:
1. Self-Assessment and Exploration:
- Use interest and aptitude assessments to identify the student’s strengths and interests.
- Explore career options that align with their abilities and interests, considering how their specific disability might impact their work environment and job tasks.
2. Understanding Rights and Accommodations:
- Educate students about their rights under laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
- Provide information on reasonable accommodations that can help them succeed in the workplace, such as assistive technology, flexible schedules, and modified workstations.
3. Skill Development:
- Focus on developing both technical skills relevant to their career interests and soft skills like communication, time management, and problem-solving.
- Offer specialized training and resources that accommodate their learning needs and preferences.
4. Mentorship and Networking:
- Connect students with mentors who have similar disabilities and successful careers.
- Encourage networking with professionals and organizations that promote inclusivity and diversity in the workplace.
5. Individualized Career Counseling:
- Provide one-on-one career counseling to discuss how their disability might influence career choices and strategies for overcoming potential barriers.
- Collaborate with disability services and career services to create a customized career plan that includes setting realistic goals and identifying necessary accommodations.
6. Highlighting Success Stories:
- Share stories of individuals with similar disabilities who have achieved success in various fields.
- Use these examples to inspire and motivate students, demonstrating that their disability does not limit their career potential.
7. Inclusive Job Search Strategies:
- Teach students how to disclose their disability during the job search process if they choose to do so.
- Provide resources for finding inclusive employers and job opportunities that are welcoming to people with disabilities.
8. Self-Advocacy and Advocacy:
- Encourage students to advocate for their needs and accommodations in the workplace.
- Offer training on self-advocacy skills, such as how to request accommodations and effectively communicate their abilities and needs.
9. Access to Technological and Educational Resources:
- Introduce students to assistive technologies and software that can enhance their job performance.
- Ensure they have access to educational resources and support services tailored to their specific disabilities.
10. Building a Positive Mindset and Resilience:
- Promote a positive mindset and resilience, emphasizing that challenges are part of any career path.
- Encourage students to persevere and proactively address obstacles, reinforcing that their unique perspectives and skills are valuable in the workplace.
By carefully considering each student’s disability and tailoring advice and support to their specific needs, students with disabilities can be empowered to pursue fulfilling and successful careers.
Best wishes.
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
607
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
Most schools have a Disability Program Resources Center which offers support for their personal and educational pursuits. I volunteer with a college that was founded with the sole purpose of supporting those with differing abilities. There are many resources out there that can help guide and support ones journey.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6175
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Grace,
Guiding Students with Disabilities Towards Suitable Career Paths
Students with disabilities can be guided towards viable career choices by considering their unique strengths, interests, and abilities. It's also important to take into account the support and accommodations available in different career fields.
Self-Evaluation and Discovery
The initial step in guiding students with disabilities towards suitable careers involves conducting a comprehensive self-evaluation. This involves exploring their interests, values, skills, and personality traits. Tools like the Holland Occupational Themes or the Strong Interest Inventory can be used to identify potential career paths that align with their strengths and interests.
Career Investigation and Data Collection
Students with disabilities should investigate and collect data about various careers, including job descriptions, salary ranges, and required education and training. This can be achieved through online resources like the Occupational Outlook Handbook or O*NET, or by networking with professionals in their desired fields. Students can also explore career options that align with their interests and skills, and identify potential obstacles or challenges that may need to be addressed.
Support and Accommodations
Considering the support and accommodations available in different careers is crucial, as well as the accessibility of work environments and equipment. Students with disabilities should investigate the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which provide protections and accommodations for individuals with disabilities in the workplace. They should also look into resources like the Job Accommodation Network (JAN), which provides guidance on accommodations and modifications that can support individuals with disabilities in the workplace.
Career Guidance and Mentorship
Career guidance and mentorship can play a vital role in guiding students with disabilities towards suitable career options. Career counselors and mentors can provide guidance on career exploration, job search strategies, and resume and interview preparation. They can also provide support and encouragement, helping students to build confidence and self-advocacy skills.
Technology and Accessibility
Technology can also play a key role in guiding students with disabilities towards suitable career options. Assistive technology, such as text-to-speech software or speech-to-text software, can provide support and accommodations for students with disabilities. Additionally, online resources, such as career websites and job boards, can provide access to career information and job opportunities.
References Used:
National Center for Education Statistics The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (Print) The Occupational Outlook Handbook
God Bless You,
JC.
Guiding Students with Disabilities Towards Suitable Career Paths
Students with disabilities can be guided towards viable career choices by considering their unique strengths, interests, and abilities. It's also important to take into account the support and accommodations available in different career fields.
Self-Evaluation and Discovery
The initial step in guiding students with disabilities towards suitable careers involves conducting a comprehensive self-evaluation. This involves exploring their interests, values, skills, and personality traits. Tools like the Holland Occupational Themes or the Strong Interest Inventory can be used to identify potential career paths that align with their strengths and interests.
Career Investigation and Data Collection
Students with disabilities should investigate and collect data about various careers, including job descriptions, salary ranges, and required education and training. This can be achieved through online resources like the Occupational Outlook Handbook or O*NET, or by networking with professionals in their desired fields. Students can also explore career options that align with their interests and skills, and identify potential obstacles or challenges that may need to be addressed.
Support and Accommodations
Considering the support and accommodations available in different careers is crucial, as well as the accessibility of work environments and equipment. Students with disabilities should investigate the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which provide protections and accommodations for individuals with disabilities in the workplace. They should also look into resources like the Job Accommodation Network (JAN), which provides guidance on accommodations and modifications that can support individuals with disabilities in the workplace.
Career Guidance and Mentorship
Career guidance and mentorship can play a vital role in guiding students with disabilities towards suitable career options. Career counselors and mentors can provide guidance on career exploration, job search strategies, and resume and interview preparation. They can also provide support and encouragement, helping students to build confidence and self-advocacy skills.
Technology and Accessibility
Technology can also play a key role in guiding students with disabilities towards suitable career options. Assistive technology, such as text-to-speech software or speech-to-text software, can provide support and accommodations for students with disabilities. Additionally, online resources, such as career websites and job boards, can provide access to career information and job opportunities.
References Used:
National Center for Education Statistics The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (Print) The Occupational Outlook Handbook
God Bless You,
JC.
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1879
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Grace !
People that have a disability are no different when it comes to advising them about college and career. You would advise them the same way that you would advise anyone else. I know many people that have made important strides in society and their work despite the attitudinal barriers they may face. As an actor, I have worked side by side on stage with actors who have a disability.
You are right about building important support structures for the people. This is the best thing that you can do. Although a person's motivation and drive is fostered first within the family unit, other social supports are greatly needed. Sometimes it isn't there from the family and sometimes the person is held back out of their family's fear. So what you are doing is excellent and it will help you understand many different disabilities whether the disability is physical, mental or emotional in nature.
Even people that do not have a disability have different abilities, so if you really think about it, we are all limited on some level. Not everyone could be a ballet dancer or a surgeon or go through what it takes to be a concert pianist. The people that you advise also need to know that as Americans, they have protection under the law. The Americans With Disabilities Act (link is below) covers the rights of people that have a disability and they should be fully made aware of it. It will greatly serve them within a college and career experience (and any place).
An important feature is special accommodation which can be implemented in any building, public place or employment. People with disabilities also have many services to advocate and support whatever they may need. These would be Centers for Independent Living which are agencies that offer many programs and advocacy. You can do a search for "list of Centers for Independent Living in . . . ." where ever you are located. I have left a link to a national directory of these centers for you. I have also left a link to a website that has information about independent living for people that have a disability.
So, most people have the same needs as everyone else and they will greatly benefit from your support, understanding and reassurance and also your positive energy ! Keep up the great work and I wish you all the best !
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT https://www.ada.gov/
DIRECTORY OF CENTERS FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING https://www.ilru.org/projects/cil-net/cil-center-and-association-directory
WHAT IS INDEPENDENT LIVING ? https://acl.gov/programs/aging-and-disability-networks/centers-independent-living
People that have a disability are no different when it comes to advising them about college and career. You would advise them the same way that you would advise anyone else. I know many people that have made important strides in society and their work despite the attitudinal barriers they may face. As an actor, I have worked side by side on stage with actors who have a disability.
You are right about building important support structures for the people. This is the best thing that you can do. Although a person's motivation and drive is fostered first within the family unit, other social supports are greatly needed. Sometimes it isn't there from the family and sometimes the person is held back out of their family's fear. So what you are doing is excellent and it will help you understand many different disabilities whether the disability is physical, mental or emotional in nature.
Even people that do not have a disability have different abilities, so if you really think about it, we are all limited on some level. Not everyone could be a ballet dancer or a surgeon or go through what it takes to be a concert pianist. The people that you advise also need to know that as Americans, they have protection under the law. The Americans With Disabilities Act (link is below) covers the rights of people that have a disability and they should be fully made aware of it. It will greatly serve them within a college and career experience (and any place).
An important feature is special accommodation which can be implemented in any building, public place or employment. People with disabilities also have many services to advocate and support whatever they may need. These would be Centers for Independent Living which are agencies that offer many programs and advocacy. You can do a search for "list of Centers for Independent Living in . . . ." where ever you are located. I have left a link to a national directory of these centers for you. I have also left a link to a website that has information about independent living for people that have a disability.
So, most people have the same needs as everyone else and they will greatly benefit from your support, understanding and reassurance and also your positive energy ! Keep up the great work and I wish you all the best !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Steward "Tony" Pacheco
Minister, USMC Vet, John C. Maxwell Cert. Coach, Trainer, Speaker, Teacher, Straight Shooter
117
Answers
Kyle, Texas
Updated
Steward "Tony"’s Answer
As a disabled person myself, I realize there are varying degrees of disabilities. Since your favorite hobby and interesting thing to do during your free times is to stay with disabled people and have conversations with them so that they can feel supported, you have already chosen a career path that will never feel like work to you. A paid hobby which benefits everyone who is graced by your presence. It's win, win, win, win, win, win!
I would suggest leadership training to help instill those very virtues that you have exhibited but more on a professional level. You just don't want to motivate people with already obvious obstacles because motivation without a support system is like eating an ice cream cone on a hot day, outside a closed ice cream parlor. Can't get more because access is not available.
Your intent to give yourself to others would serve them well as a leadership trainer, coach, speaker, etc. where you learn and those you care for learn the skills required to do for themselves while also serving others. The motivation will already be there.
If I may suggest John C. Maxwell Leadership training & if you need a go-to person, I can help you in that direction.
As an FYI, I spent many years proving to others that I can do what they said I could not, but after a period of time, doing that lead me away from my own direction. Even in my circumstance, I then felt that I was not complete like everyone else. But when I started thinking as a leader, no proof was required, just learn, apply and duplicated. Honored to meet you.
I would suggest leadership training to help instill those very virtues that you have exhibited but more on a professional level. You just don't want to motivate people with already obvious obstacles because motivation without a support system is like eating an ice cream cone on a hot day, outside a closed ice cream parlor. Can't get more because access is not available.
Your intent to give yourself to others would serve them well as a leadership trainer, coach, speaker, etc. where you learn and those you care for learn the skills required to do for themselves while also serving others. The motivation will already be there.
If I may suggest John C. Maxwell Leadership training & if you need a go-to person, I can help you in that direction.
As an FYI, I spent many years proving to others that I can do what they said I could not, but after a period of time, doing that lead me away from my own direction. Even in my circumstance, I then felt that I was not complete like everyone else. But when I started thinking as a leader, no proof was required, just learn, apply and duplicated. Honored to meet you.
Roel Ramon
Product Management and Development
64
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Roel’s Answer
Hello Grace,
You've asked a fantastic question! I would strongly suggest setting up a meeting with your school advisor. They can provide personalized advice and guidance that's tailored to your needs. Also, it could be beneficial to conduct some online research. You never know what exciting career paths you might discover! Finally, consider reaching out to someone who has already succeeded in a career that interests you. They could provide valuable insights and advice. Keep exploring, you're on the right path!
You've asked a fantastic question! I would strongly suggest setting up a meeting with your school advisor. They can provide personalized advice and guidance that's tailored to your needs. Also, it could be beneficial to conduct some online research. You never know what exciting career paths you might discover! Finally, consider reaching out to someone who has already succeeded in a career that interests you. They could provide valuable insights and advice. Keep exploring, you're on the right path!
Loveth Ekeh
6
Answers
Updated
Loveth’s Answer
Dear Grace Here are some ways to advise students with disabilities on potential careers:
- Highlight accessible industries: Emphasize fields with established disability support, like tech, healthcare, or education.
- Explore job roles with flexible work arrangements: Many companies now offer remote or part-time options, which can be beneficial.
- Leverage assistive technologies: Showcase how tools like screen readers, speech-to-text software, or prosthetics can enhance career potential.
- Focus on abilities: Emphasize the student's strengths, skills, and talents to find a career that aligns with their capabilities.
- Provide role models and mentors: Connect students with professionals who have similar disabilities and successful careers.
- Encourage self-advocacy: Teach students to request accommodations and support, ensuring a smooth transition into their chosen career.
- Offer career assessments: Utilize tools like the Holland Occupational Themes or Strong Interest Inventory to identify suitable career themes.
- Job shadowing and internships: Arrange hands-on experiences to help students gain practical insight into various careers.
- Collaborate with disability services: Work with disability support teams to provide comprehensive guidance and resources.
Remember, the goal is to empower students to pursue careers that align with their passions, skills, and strengths, while also providing support and resources to ensure success.
- Highlight accessible industries: Emphasize fields with established disability support, like tech, healthcare, or education.
- Explore job roles with flexible work arrangements: Many companies now offer remote or part-time options, which can be beneficial.
- Leverage assistive technologies: Showcase how tools like screen readers, speech-to-text software, or prosthetics can enhance career potential.
- Focus on abilities: Emphasize the student's strengths, skills, and talents to find a career that aligns with their capabilities.
- Provide role models and mentors: Connect students with professionals who have similar disabilities and successful careers.
- Encourage self-advocacy: Teach students to request accommodations and support, ensuring a smooth transition into their chosen career.
- Offer career assessments: Utilize tools like the Holland Occupational Themes or Strong Interest Inventory to identify suitable career themes.
- Job shadowing and internships: Arrange hands-on experiences to help students gain practical insight into various careers.
- Collaborate with disability services: Work with disability support teams to provide comprehensive guidance and resources.
Remember, the goal is to empower students to pursue careers that align with their passions, skills, and strengths, while also providing support and resources to ensure success.