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How Individuals with Disabilities Can Use Technology in Their Careers
By Patrick Young
 
 
 

The rapid advancement of technology has brought about a revolution in the way many people approach careers. Individuals facing unique challenges are now able to overcome their disabilities and find great success in an industry or position of their choice. In fact, nearly 50 percent of these individuals of working age are currently holding jobs. Technology has a lot to do with this positive change, and things aren’t showing any signs of slowing down. Here are some ways that technology can help improve the careers of disabled individuals. 

 

Grab a smartphone to stay connected. 

 

With hands-free capabilities, extended batteries, varying features, and a wealth of apps, smartphones have become the swiss-army knives of the job market. If you’re an individual with a disability who’s working directly with customers or clients, a reliable and updated smartphone can help make sure you’re always available and connected. If your phone is outdated or unable to handle your tasks, consider upgrading to a newer phone like the iPhone XS, which boasts a fast operating system, a Smart HDR camera, and high-quality speakers. For members of team Android, the OnePlus 7 is another great choice with a large display, a fast internal processor, and a battery that charges quickly. 

 

Turn to the internet for job searches. 

 

It’s no longer customary to apply for a job in-person or request one over the phone. Instead, the vast majority of job seekers apply online at sites like Jobstar Australia where companies seeking quality candidates post open positions. The rise in remote work is also making it easier than ever for people with disabilities to find accessible employment by allowing them to work from home. As an independent contractor, you’ll have countless job boards from which to choose, and their opportunities are typically sorted by category. Many of these job boards also feature accompanying apps to make it even easier to find a suitable position. 

 

Look for jobs with high technological integration. 

 

Technology has made work easier because it makes up for where humans come up short. This is true in a population-wide sense as well as on an individual level. Finding a job that relies heavily on technology is a great option for individuals with disabilities. These positions are less physically demanding yet still provide a living wage. Plus, many technology-focused jobs can be done comfortably and efficiently at home. For example, you can work as an accountant, market research analyst, data entry specialist or virtual assistant.

 

Take advantage of voice controlled software and hardware. 

 

One of the most exciting technological developments of the past few years has been voice recognition. Today, many standard devices such as smartphones, computers, and televisions can be controlled with voice commands. These devices have voice user interfaces which allow the systems to understand human speech. This technology allows for completely hands-free use. Individuals with disabilities can make use of these devices to make for a more seamless and productive working space. No matter what your job requires, you should be able to find voice controlled software and hardware to supplement your efforts. 

 

With each passing year, more and more individuals with disabilities are finding meaningful work. Technology is partially to thank since recent advancements can make it easier to apply for jobs, curate a resume, and establish an accessible workflow. With the right devices, you can land a meaningful and well-paying job in no time!

 

Photo Credit: Pixabay.com