Job Searching with a Disability | Colorado Mesa University

Are you a student with a disability struggling to find a job? This often occurs because many employers do not have a clear understanding of disabilities, or are not sure how someone who has one can contribute to their business. In actuality, there are many individuals with disabilities with successful careers across the country. Studies show that there are benefits to hiring disabled persons.

It is unlawful for employers to discriminate against individuals because of a disability. Be prepared with a resume that highlights your strengths and skills, not your disability. Your goal is to get an interview and show a potential employer all you have to offer their company.

Here are some suggestions:

If your disability is covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Americans with Disabilities Amendment Act (ADAA), find out how the law applies to you. The ADA requires that an employer make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals who have disabilities, unless doing so would cause “undue hardship” to the employer. You can learn more by visiting the ADA home page http://adata.org/.

Match your resume as closely as possible with the description of the job for which you are applying. Using key words from the description in your resume or cover letter will allow an employer to see how closely your skills match what is required for the position. Do not include your disability on your resume. Your objective is to get an interview, not give a potential employer reason to not hire you.

Make sure, after you read a job’s description, that you would be able to perform the duties with reasonable accommodations. If a job requires a lot of on-foot field work outside of the office, for example, and you have limited mobility, this would not be the job for you. Some smaller companies may not have buildings with elevator access, for example. Make sure you ask questions about this at your job interview.

Sharing information about your disability with an employer depends on your individual circumstances. If your disability is visible, it might be best to mention it before you come for an interview. Perhaps the best time to disclose it is after the interview has been scheduled, and you telephone to confirm the details. For example, during the phone conversation, you could mention, “Because I use a wheel chair, could you suggest which entrance to your building would be most convenient?” Or if you will need to be contacted through an interpreter or you will need to be contacted by email or phone be sure and let the employer know of your needs.

If you do not have a disability that is visible, it is up to you on whether or not to disclose it to an employer. If you require any kind of specific accommodation, it is probably best to tell them. But, in most cases, you should wait until after you’ve received an offer, if at all. If your disability is not visible, such as mental illness or epilepsy, you may need to mention it during an interview only if you will need special accommodations. If no accommodations are needed, you may not need to mention it at all, if it will not affect your job performance.

An employer may be concerned that you will not be able to perform the job. Be prepared to share your skills and strengths with him, and cite examples (work, school, recreation) to show that you will be able to do what is asked of you.

Share with the employer that hiring a disabled person increases workplace diversity. Your disability allows you to look at things from a different perspective, and assists a company in better serving the population of persons with disabilities. Surveys show that people with disabilities tend to stay at a job longer and are not absent as frequently as others.

Additional Resources:

abilityjobs.com (A job-searching site for persons with disabilities)
disability.gov (A government informational site)
Educational Access Services (CMU resource for students with disabilities)
askjan.org Job Accommodation Network

CMU Career Services remains dedicated to ensuring students are best prepared for their future! That's why we have partnered with the Grand Junction branch of the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR). DVR helps individuals with disabilities find employment opportunities and connects them to resources to help them live independently. Please visit https://dvr.colorado.gov/ to learn more about this excellent program.

Along with many other benefits, DVR helps people with disabilities utilize the Workforce Opportunity Tax Credit . The WOTC is an incentive for businesses to diversify their workplace and introduce new perspectives.

Interested in connecting with DVR? Please stop by Educational Access Services or Career Services and request a referral. DVR will receive your referral, and they will get in touch with you to set up an appointment time.

In addition to DVR, the Career Services office encourages students with disabilities to check out the Center For Independence. The Center for Independence's main goal is to help people with or without disabilities move towards a better and more independent way of living. You can check out some of their programs here.

Visit the Career Services office for help creating a resume, cover letter, or to practice interview questions.

Schedule an Appointment With Career Services