Technology is changing our world on a daily basis. And while this is true for everyone, in many ways, it’s most salient for people living with a disability. For many people, activities that were once seen as impossible are not only possible but common. Take work, for example. It wasn’t that long ago that a person with a disability could feel very limited in how they find a job and often challenged in maintaining it. But today, even people confined to their homes can find opportunities for work — thanks, in part, to advances in technology.
Technology Can Help You Be Your Own Boss
Today’s work world is all about the gig economy. Contractors and freelancers take on projects that they want, when they want them, and for the clients they want to work for. It’s the worker calling the shots. People with disabilities can take advantage of this work-from-home mentality. For example, if you have mobility issues and would be more comfortable working from home, you could explore a telecommute or contract position as a data entry specialist, graphic designer, customer service rep, or virtual assistant. On job boards like Upwork, you can search for openings and contracts, and potential employers can find you, too.
Technology Gives You the Advantage in the Job Search
Delivering paper resumes, knocking on doors, calling HR departments — the amount of physical work that used to go into the job hunt has diminished significantly. Not only are almost all resumes and applications received online, but many employers will do a first or even second interview over the phone. This can help take away the spotlight that you might feel hovering over your disability and give your qualifications and personality a chance to take center stage. Not only does this ease of access help you submit more resumes for better positions, but it also helps you feel more confident that your qualifications are under review, not your disability.
Technology Puts Opportunity at Your Fingertips
Do you want a new job? There’s an app for that! If you’re a contractor, most job boards have apps so you can check on your bids from your smartphone. If you are working remotely, you can talk to clients from anywhere in the world. For those who are managing people and projects, any decent project management software, like Asana, Basecamp or Slack, has an app you can use on your smartphone or tablet. Just be sure you have an updated and reliable smartphone so you are always on top of your game.
Technology Bypasses Potential Limitations
There are so many ways technology can help people with disabilities turn their passions into professions. For example, for someone who has muscle and motor control issues, voice-to-text technology can help them compose emails, write reports, and document procedures. If you have vision impairment, screen readers and screen magnifiers can help you stay informed and provide feedback on projects. People who struggle to hold or control a mouse due to a neurological condition or a spinal cord injury can control their screen with head movements. And for those who use American Sign Language as their primary mode of communication, there is tech that will watch and transcribe your signs into written text.
People with disabilities often face many seen and unseen biases when it comes to applying for a job. Technology has helped level the playing field and allowed people who are often marginalized or stereotyped a chance to show how bright they can shine.