25 years ago, if someone told you that, soon, you’d carry a computer, phone, and camera in one device in your pocket you would’ve laughed. Not today. Technology has advanced to the point where things we thought impossible in our youth are canon in our world. Technological advancements have had a massive impact on society, and perhaps even more so for people with disabilities who now have an entirely accessible world.
In today’s blog, The Office touches base on a few ways technology has made a difference for people with disabilities in the workforce.
Entrepreneurship On The Horizon
One of the greatest impacts of technology on people with disabilities is the ability to launch a business without borders. Web development, consulting, marketing, and everything in between are no longer in-office jobs, and these and other services can easily be provided to a global client base from your kitchen table. You can typically even file for business permits and set up your business and tax structure without ever having to leave home.
As a business owner, you can also pick and choose who you hire. This means you can strategically select experts based on lead time, former customer reviews, and price. If you want to develop a custom app, for example, partner with a freelancer that has experience in mobile marketing, web development, and design. You might also consider recruiting a virtual assistant to help you tackle administrative tasks while you focus on building your business. Both of these can be found online through job portals that cater to like-minded remote workers.
Remote Work No Longer Taboo
Remote work is more accessible than ever, and a quick look at statistics prove it. According to online collaboration software service Miro, the remote workforce has grown by more than 150% over the last 12 years. And giving our newly-acquired proclivity for social distancing, more and more people will continue to work from home, even in traditionally in-person roles, such as healthcare provider and fitness trainer.
If you are looking for a salaried or hourly position, start your job search by refining your resume. Next, look for open positions that are either listed as remote or that may have the potential to be off-site. As you apply, place emphasis on your current capabilities. Highlight not only your skills but also let your future employer know what type of equipment you have at home and how much experience you have working unsupervised.
Chances are, a remote position will be interviewed via Zoom or other video conferencing software. Make sure that you are ready by first getting familiar with the app. The Interview Guys also suggests getting acquainted with the mute button in case of a coughing or sneezing fit and making sure that your Zoom profile name is a professional one.
Education Nation
The ability to earn a degree or acquire certifications online is also substantially beneficial to people with disabilities, both physical and intellectual. Learning remotely doesn’t require loading up a wheelchair or other equipment, and many programs are self-paced, so you do not have to keep up with an instructor whose teaching style may not be a perfect fit for your learning style.
The world has changed for the better when it comes to our technology. Today, we have information and access to the world at the palm of our hands. If you are a person with disabilities, you can use this to your advantage when it comes time to enter the workforce. Whether you want to be an entrepreneur or enjoy an extended education, tech has made it possible, all you have to do is use it.
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