Smart Technology Techniques for Professionals With Disabilities
Updated: Feb 16
A transition to work-from-home settings and vast improvements in technology have contributed to significant accomplishments in the business world. Namely, more people than ever are finding ways to make their jobs work for them. And these benefits are not limited to people without disabilities. Project-Assistant highlights these methods of harnessing technology for professionals with disabilities to give their careers a boost.
Enhance Your Resume
Because your resume speaks for you, it's essential to get it right. Fortunately, no matter your
role or job experience, technology makes it easy to create a resume that showcases your skills. You can even use a resume builder to simplify the process or try PDF editing software to revise an existing resume.
Keep in mind that many employers use automated systems to intake applicants. Making your resume ATS-friendly ensures that it gets through the system and onto the hiring manager's desk.
Improve Your LinkedIn Profile
While a succinct resume is an excellent first step, whether you are applying for jobs online or in person, consider your online presence, too. Especially in remote roles, companies tend to
review applicants' social media profiles — and LinkedIn might be their first stop. In fact,
according to The Manifest, 67 percent of companies use LinkedIn to recruit workers.
Choose a clear, professional photo for your LinkedIn profile and take time to connect with people with similar backgrounds and skills. You may want to invest in LinkedIn Premium, too.
Premium allows you to message people directly and find out who's been viewing your page.
This is just one way that technology can help you build a professional network!
Explore Remote Work Opportunities
Advancements in technology have made many on-site jobs into work-from-home opportunities. One possibility is medical coding from home.
Choose from among online medical coding courses that introduce you to the field or help hone your skills. Take assessments to validate your learning and receive confirmation of your skills. For other opportunities, start with a list of companies that actively recruit and support workers with disabilities. Diversity Inc offers a list of top companies for people with disabilities.
Know Your Technology
Confidence is critical in your job search, and so is preparation. If your disability requires
accommodation in the workplace, you don't have to lead with that. But once you're in serious talks with a potential employer, it's smart to arrive at solutions.
The assistive technologies you may need will vary depending on your role, but common assistive tools include screen readers, text-to-speech software, and expanded or modified keyboards.
Offering up possible solutions to your prospective boss shows that you are proactive. Plus,
many communication technologies that help people with disabilities are also valuable for
creating a more collaborative work environment.
Advocate for Better Tech
Assistive tools might support you in completing your daily job duties. But diversity and inclusion are important components of any work environment. Advocating for a user-friendly website that’s accessible to screen readers or encouraging alternatives to video calls can benefit everyone.
As Forbes confirms, hiring people with disabilities is an excellent move for companies for their bottom lines and culture. Supporting your organization in becoming more friendly to all workers is a worthwhile and valuable contribution.
Advocating for additional technology improvements in your workplace can help create opportunities for others to benefit — including clients or customers. So while you're benefiting from the use of technology in your career, you're also helping pave the way for future workers.
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