Part-time jobs are employment opportunities requiring fewer hours per week than full-time careers. These duties can range from a few hours per week to a predetermined number of days or schedules.
According to recent data, disabled employees were more likely to work part-time (30%) than non-disabled workers (16%).
The article explores the best part-time jobs for people with disabilities, considering their impairments and skill sets.
Benefits of Working Part Time
Working part-time can provide you with many advantages; as per research,
- For starters, it makes it easier for those who have been out of work for a while due to a handicap.
- It may help you advance in your profession since it allows you to obtain valuable experience while adding to your skill set and resume.
- It gives a sense of accomplishment and a feeling of self-reliance. In addition, it has been proven that doing something that matters may improve mental health and build confidence.
- Lastly, it gives you financial benefits and boosts your financial security.
Part-Time Jobs For Disabled Persons
Indeed, it is good news that businesses are opening their doors to those with impairments.
The New York Times found that people with disabilities are now getting more and better job offers, such as competitive salaries, flexible schedules, paid holidays, and reasonable accommodations, similar to what an equal-opportunity employer would do.
Without further ado, here are some part-time jobs that people with disabilities can go for,
Teaching
As with non-disabled people, teaching is one of the best part-time jobs for people with disabilities. Education Research Data shows that 4.6% of elementary, middle, and high school teachers also have a disability.
Schools may be a great place to look, and depending on the setting, a disability may be a benefit.
In a special education classroom, for example, you may need to use sign language to interact with students, and a disabled student may feel more at ease in the lunchroom if you utilize a wheelchair.
Additionally, you can provide moral support to disabled children confronting a similar disability to yours.
A real-life example of Megan Malleto, who suffers from cerebral palsy and works at Heritage High School in Saginaw Township as a foreign language teacher, is truly an inspiration for all.
Courtney Boyll became paraplegic 20 years ago, but that didn’t stop her from becoming a teacher; she teaches third-grade students.
Pet Sitting
Caring for a pet has been linked to reduced feelings of isolation, stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as a source of unconditional affection.
That is why pet sitting can be considered one of the jobs that can be part-time or full-time work with little interaction with other people.
You can walk dogs and pet cats, care for them, feed and stroll them, and interact with them while their owners are busy.
Check out apps like Wag and Rover for easy ways to get started
Food Services Jobs
Disabled job seekers can find various part-time opportunities in the food sector, some of which are included below.
Cashiers
Businesses like grocery stores, banks, and food shops frequently employ cashiers. It is one of the best jobs because it requires little physical activity.
You are responsible for making cash payments, keeping cash records, and accounting for all money in your custody.
Hosts/Greeter
Being a greeter takes little more than a kind face and the ability to answer basic customer questions, making it excellent part-time work for people with disabilities or mental impairments.
The main task involves greeting and seating customers, taking and confirming bookings, and keeping the place lively and inviting.
Food Truck Assistant
You can also work on a mobile food truck by preparing meals, collecting orders, and serving customers.
Cake Decorator
If you’re artistic and looking for work, consider applying to bakeries or high-end pastry shops as a cake designer. Cake decorating is a simple task that still requires high skill and innovation.
A brief online course or experience with a baker may get you up to speed quickly.
A short video shows a bakery in Ukraine that employs disabled people.
Many other jobs, such as cooking assistant, dishwasher, catering assistant, and food delivery person, can be considered part-time. You just need to look at what is best for you, and you can always look up websites such as disabledperson.org to do a job search.
Freelance Photography
If you have photography skills and the right equipment, freelance photography can be great part-time work for a disabled person. You can offer photography services for events, portraits, and product photography.
A real-life example is Achmad Zulkarnain, a photographer in Indonesia.
Jason Lanier is another name worth mentioning who is disabled but still works as a photographer. He was also featured on Ted Talks for how his documentary and photography work inspires others to become better creators.
Local Delivery Services
Delivery service can be the best option for people other than the physically disabled, such as those who are hard of hearing and can enter and exit a truck and move heavy items frequently.
Companies that offer part-time jobs for disabled people as delivery drivers are Amazon, Doordash, Uber Eats, InstaCart, Lyft, and GrubHub.
Before starting, a reliable four-door car, a driver’s license, and insurance are all requirements.
A video documenting a disabled food delivery man in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, has gone viral.
Sales Person
Part-time work in sales might be a good option for those who are disabled and are good at socializing with people.
Since most sales skills are picked up on the job, entry-level jobs can be found at businesses selling electronics and other products that need one-on-one client interaction. However, if you can prove your worth in sales, you might move up on the business ladder even with minimum qualifications.
You can search Lowe’s, Microsoft, Walgreens, Ernst & Young (EY), and Starbucks, to name a few, for part-time jobs as a salesperson, as these companies have unique inclusive criteria for hiring.
Cosmetologist
Working as a cosmetologist might be an excellent option for those who enjoy making others look their best.
It is also a great way to put your creative skills to the test in a professional setting, potentially leading to some savings for yourself.
Nail technicians, hairstylists, and providing manicure and pedicure services are all related jobs in cosmetology that can be pursued part-time.
Online Part-time Working Opportunities
Many online or remote job options exist for disabled people, requiring minimal job training.
Customer Service Representatives
CSR is a field that may be suitable for people with disabilities who have a strong desire to assist others in solving their issues.
It is an entry-level remote job since anyone who can communicate verbally can do the job, and it usually requires a shift to be performed.
Customer service representatives usually answer questions and any other inquiries, answer emails, and require a calm attitude and a reliable internet connection.
Such jobs can be searched online on Indeed, Glassdoor, SimplyHired, and LinkedIn.
Writing
Regardless of one’s condition, writing remains one of the most beneficial part-time jobs for disabled individuals.
All you need is a creative mind, a laptop, and a talent for solid writing abilities to become a skilled writer and make money while working part-time.
Figure out what you’re good at and what you love doing to excel in a field that fits you well.
If you’re looking for motivation, you might like to read about how SmartBlogger.com creator and quadriplegic writer Jon Morrow rose to prominence.
Virtual Assistant
Compared to traditional personal assistant support roles, which can be physically demanding, a virtual assistant support position is one of the most progressive part-time jobs for people with disabilities.
Your responsibilities will be the same, but you can now do them from the comfort of your own home as a virtual assistant (VA): organizing, scheduling, record keeping, emailing, calling, etc.
Compared to traditional personal assistant support roles, which can be physically demanding, a virtual assistant support position is one of the most progressive part-time jobs for people with disabilities.
Your responsibilities will be the same, but you can now do them from the comfort of your own home as a virtual assistant (VA): organizing, scheduling, record keeping, emailing, calling, etc.
Bookkeeping
Remote bookkeepers assist businesses in tracking and maintaining accurate records of their financial documents, such as payment receipts, expense lists, and stock updates.
Due to the large quantities of money involved, working as a bookkeeper requires more than just a high school diploma and exceptional arithmetic and accounting skills.
Voice-Over Artist
Getting paid to talk sounds like a lot of fun, making the voiceover industry cutthroat.
For this reason, doing voiceovers is an excellent option for anyone with disabilities looking for part-time work. In addition, it’s ideal for people with mobility issues because you can set your own schedule and hours as an independent contractor to work remotely for advertising and video production companies.
People, both in the mentally and physically disabled categories, are using social media sites like Instagram and TikTok to raise awareness about their situations and even make money from their followings and videos.
One practical example is @connerdewolfe, who posts comedic and sympathetic videos about his life with ADHD and attracts millions of viewers.
Another famous example is R.J. Mitte, best known for portraying White Jr. in “Breaking Bad.” Despite cerebral palsy, he uses his voice for commercials, video games, and animated films.
You can search for voice-over jobs on VoiceBunny, Mandy, Voice Realm, and Indeed.
Online Tutoring
Sharing your knowledge and experience with others is as easy online as traditional schooling and tutoring.
You may make money part-time by teaching a language and tutoring students in other topics like math, science, vocabulary, spelling, and so on.
Or, you may share your expertise in more specialized fields, such as computer science, accounting, law, IT, nursing, etc.
You may sign up to be a tutor on these sites by creating a profile on Cambly, Skooli, TutorMe, and Tutor Hub.
Graphic Designing
Magazines, logos, brochures, and advertisements all require the skills of a graphic designer.
And due to this fact, specialists in the field of graphic design are not expected to be flexible; it is considered among the top part-time jobs for people with mobility challenges.
Graphic designers can work for firms or independently as freelancers, working remotely and attending meetings using programs such as Zoom and Google Meet.
Job Search for Part-Time Working
It is crucial to be dedicated and well-prepared while searching for employment as a person with a disability. Follow these guidelines for effective job research.
Self Assessment
Identify your abilities, shortcomings, and areas of interest to narrow your search for a career path and find an employer that fits your skills and interests well.
Search for employers
Always keep an eye on job openings at companies or groups that prioritize diversity and inclusion. For example, some companies ensure job leads to disabled people. Research and understand their policies and values, and determine if they match yours.
Update your resume
You should cherry-pick the most relevant qualifications and experiences for your profile that directly apply to the position you’re applying for.
Employers value applicants who can significantly impact the team, so don’t be shy about being honest about your skills.
Do not exclude the time you were out of work due to a handicap from your resume. Instead, put it in a clearly labeled “Illness and Recovery” frame.
Job Application Procedure
Be sure to meet all qualifications listed in the company or job posting before applying, such as your cover letter, resume, and other materials tailored to the position.
Interview
Do your homework, review sample interview questions, and think about how best to present yourself and your qualifications before an interview. For example, showcase your qualifications, problem-solving ability, prowess, and adaptability by describing relevant experiences and talents. Also, mention that you may require special accommodations.
Finding a part-time job that fits your skills and interests might take some time. But maintaining a positive attitude and never giving up during your job search are the keys to success.
Social Security Benefits and Part-Time Working
If you’re getting SSI but working part-time, your benefits won’t be affected at any level.
But if you engage in what the Social Security Administration considers “substantial gainful activity,” your benefits will be terminated.
To be classified “substantially greater than average” (SGA) in 2023, a monthly wage of $1,470 (or $2,460 for people who are blind) is required.
Companies that Hire for Part-time Work
Part-time work for people with disabilities is becoming increasingly common, especially among companies catering to people with mobility impairments.
Now, over 1.6 million jobs in the United States are adapted for people with disabilities. Some famous companies offer jobs, such as,
- Amazon. Remote Consulting Services Manager, Program Manager, Graphic Designer, Marketing Manager, etc., positions are available on Amazon for persons with disabilities, including health, dental, and vision insurance benefits.
- At & Ts. AT&T prioritizes disability inclusion. The firm engages with groups that help disadvantaged persons get skills and jobs and a better work environment. Benefits include health, vision, and dental insurance.
- IBM. Since the early 2000s, autistic people have made up about 2% of IBM’s workforce in marketing positions, sales, and recruitment managers. Health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, and paid vacation time are all benefits.
- American Heart Association. The American Heart Association hires disabled employees and gives them career coaching, remote work choices, and adapted tools to thrive in the work environment. Online Community Manager, Donor Communications Manager, and Policy Analyst are possible positions. The $72,355 salary and benefits package includes discounts, health, dentistry, vision, and life insurance.
Other potential companies include United Healthcare, Microsoft, Meta (Facebook), American Airlines, Boeing, and American Express.
Conclusion
Even though many people prefer sit-down jobs, these jobs can be considered according to your abilities and interests. You can learn more about sit-down jobs for people with disabilities in our dedicated article.
Working part-time, people with disabilities can participate in today’s competitive job market and significantly improve society.
People with disabilities can benefit from flexible part-time work, which can pave the way to full-time positions that better use their skills and interests.
