If you live with a disability that affects your vision, hearing, mobility, or any other ability, you know that searching for a job can be a frustrating process. In fact, according to statistics, job seekers with disabilities have double the unemployment rate of their able counterparts. Today, we look at six technologies that can lower those unemployment rates by providing useful technologies to job seekers with disabilities.
1. Remote Learning
For a long time, job seekers with disabilities have been excluded from professional development opportunities. As remote learning becomes more popular, though, more people — including those with disabilities — are finding ways to learn online and sharpen their skills. You can take advantage of this opportunity by finding online courses in areas that relate to your target career path.
2. E-commerce Opportunities
You may also be interested in work-from-home opportunities that allow you to start your own business. Many e-commerce companies have sprung up in recent years, proving that it can be a lucrative endeavor for those who have the right business savvy. User-friendly e-commerce platforms offer job seekers with disabilities the technology needed to easily jump-start an online business — all without ever leaving the house.
3. Online Job Boards
Online job boards are yet another tech innovation offering job seekers with disabilities a chance to find work that meets their needs. You can easily browse jobs on these sites and find companies that are soliciting applications from candidates with disabilities. You can also look for jobs that are entirely remote so that you don’t have to worry about mobility challenges.
4. Screen Reading Software
If you have issues with vision, one of the best technologies you can use is screen reading software. There are many types of screen reading software on the market, but they all essentially function the same way — they use a text-to-speech algorithm to read aloud the text on a page. This tool can open up a world of employment opportunities for those with disabilities that impact their ability to see or read text.
5. Online Resume Makers
Crafting the perfect resume is challenging, and it can be particularly difficult for job candidates who have disabilities. With an online resume maker, job candidates of all abilities can quickly create a resume that will grab the attention of recruiters. Simply choose a template, customize it with your information, and download it so that it’s ready to submit along with your next job application.
Alternatively, if you work in a field like the arts, education, or social work, you’ll need a different, more detailed resume format called a curriculum vitae, here’s a possible solution that provides you with detailed templates that will highlight your skills and give you an edge over the competition. And best of all, it’s free!
6. Video Conference Platforms
Many job candidates who experience mobility barriers are unable to attend in-person interviews easily. Thankfully, the rise of video call interviews has minimized this problem and allowed candidates with disabilities to expand their job search. Indeed, video conference platforms such as Zoom and Teams have proven to be useful technology for these job seekers.
Use Technology to Get Ahead in Your Job Search
Searching for a job is stressful, no matter who you are or what kind of job you’re looking for. If you are living with a disability, though, there are tools and technologies that can simplify your search and eliminate some of the barriers you face, allowing you to put your talents and energies to full use.
Screen readers read aloud what is on a computer screen, not just a page. Screen readers assist blind and low vision users use the computer independently.