Social Security Disability payments are a last resort for most people. They would prefer to work if they could. But a crippling physical, mental, or emotional condition makes that impossible. But the environment is changing. About 20 percent of workers now work from home (WFH). A WFH gig is a matter of convenience for some. But for disabled people, especially physically disabled people, it could be a game-changer. It’s much easier for these individuals to get across the house than it is for them to get across town.
Finding a new job, especially if it’s in a new career, is not easy. Yet almost every time we turn on the news, we see inspiring stories of people who turned hobbies into multi-billion dollar conglomerates. These stories are supposed to be inspiring, but instead, often they are discouraging… especially if they are trying to sell you some program to become successful. So, it’s important to have realistic expectations and access to affordable education. At first, people in new careers must start at the bottom and work their way up.
The Social Security Administration will not pay for school or career re-education. But it does provide some assistance. For example, disabled individuals who return to work may continue collecting disability benefits for up to nine months. Furthermore, these individuals may continue receiving Medicare Part A (premium-fee) coverage for up to ninety-three months.
The Social Security Disability attorneys at Heermans Social Security Disability Law Firm can help people access these additional benefits while making sure to keep their disability in place as long as possible. In addition to work reconsideration, Heermans can also help people with benefit reconsiderations. If a Claims Examiner previously denied your petition and your financial, medical, or other circumstances have changed, you may now be eligible for benefits.
Medical Lab Technician
You do not need a medical background for this job. You just need to pay attention to details and keep your nose to the grindstone, or rather microscope or lab read-out. So, this field could be good for people with physical disabilities who have problems moving around.
Construction Drafting
After a brief pandemic slowdown, the construction industry is once again running full speed ahead. If you are not able to do the actual construction activity but like this field, this may be a viable alternative. So, if you are a creative and conceptual thinker, consider an internship in this area.
Audio Production
Many visually-impaired people have outstanding audio senses, even if they aren’t quite this good. Performing work for free , perhaps at a church or for a local band, is a good way to get started in this career.
Legal Assistant
Some employers insist on paralegal certificates or other educational requirements. Others just want individuals who show up and work hard. People with disabilities often fit in well at a SSI law firm. Frequently, clients want to meet with people who share their daily struggles.
Early Childhood Education
Day care instructors, teacher assistants, and substitute teachers often have few or no additional educational requirements. Furthermore, people with disabilities are often inspiring to young people.
Digital Design and Technology
Many employers are often willing to provide customized workstations or WFH accommodations for people with physical disabilities. Truthfully, some of these employers need to fulfill their diversity statistics or may have another ulterior motive. But, the work itself is still challenging and worth every penny of a paycheck.
Marketing
These positions usually involve research or advertising. Research requires attention to detail, a trait that a lot of disabilities usually don’t affect. As for advertising, many marketing companies are anxious to connect with new customers and bringing diversity to a marketplace is becoming increasingly important today.
Accounting/Bookkeeping
Like many other jobs on this list, accounting and bookkeeping jobs require little interpersonal interaction. In fact, if you are mostly sedentary because of a disability, that’s usually a positive trait in this area as opposed to a negative one. This career path is often like the aforementioned audio engineer path. Unpaid gigs at charitable organizations often lead to paide gigs elsewhere.
Professional Counseling
Usually, the best business and personal counselors are people who have overcome some of the same issues their clients face. Additionally, many people want virtual counselors who are available on demand but can maintain confidentiality. There are many types of counselors these days, not just psychological.
Pharmacy
Disabled individuals often excel in pharmacy tech and sales positions. Following a familiar theme, pharmacy tech positions require strict attention to detail, a mental quality which people either have or do not have. Plus, some pharmaceutical companies also offer opportunities in sales to outgoing people who have disabilities and experience taking certain medications.
Medical Office
Physical mobility and personal interaction usually aren’t required in these positions. Instead, most medical offices just want people who are disciplined workers. Many individuals start as low-level assistants and work their way up the ladder. If an employer needs to hire someone in such a position and s/he has a choice between an inexperienced kid and a disabled adult, guess who wins that contest…maturity and experience for sure.
Nurse Assistant
Nurses are in short supply in many areas. Nurse assistants are important for recruiting and retention. The less work nurses have to do, the more likely they are to sign on and stay active. So, there’s a considerable demand for nurse assistants. Additionally, disabled people are usually quite empathetic. That’s an important quality for a healthcare worker. These jobs can be physically demanding so this may be one limiting drawback.
Social Services Counseling
Roughly the same principles apply here. Since growing up with a learning disability can be very challenging, those who do often develop empathy for anyone else who is struggling. That’s why some people who have learning disabilities find that the field of counseling provides a good place for their talents. They can help comfort and advise other people by being truly genuine and understanding.
Technology
Areas like computer network architecture, software development, and information security analysis are often very good pivot careers. If a disability prevents you from working in your former computer field, after some brief online or live classes, you could be fully qualified for one of these positions. People with conditions such as Asperger syndrome can flourish in a career that utilizes their ability for focused and intelligent problem solving—without having to be around too many other people. Maybe you fit that profile and will go on to become something like a video game programmer or mobile software developer.
Animal Care
Much like nurse assistants, veterinary assistants are important for recruiting and retaining employees. If employers offer assistants, they have a leg up in this area. If the assistant is a disabled person, that’s even better for workplace diversity.
Culinary Arts
Some positions, like short-order cook or fast food cook, are very repetitive and require little cooking skills. It’s not quite this easy, but it’s certainly not difficult, even for someone with moderate mental disabilities. People with moderate mental disabilities can often use their creative abilities in more advanced chef positions.
If you need help transitioning from SSI/SSD to a career or information about the disability claim process, contact the SSI lawyers near you at Heermans Social Security Disability Law Firm, serving the Memphis Metro-Area, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana. More value added FREE information can be found in our online article library. Call or text 24/7 at (901) 244-0057.
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