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Have a Disability? Advance Your Career With Technology

Technology plays an increasingly important role in today’s job market, with more and more businesses relying on digital tools to manage their operations. As a result, people with disabilities may be at a disadvantage when it comes to competing for jobs. However, thanks to the availability of various technologies, people with disabilities can now advance their careers just as easily as anyone else. From Ask The Advocate, here are six ways that technology can help people with disabilities move forward in their professional lives.

Look Into Assistive Technology

One of the most important steps for people with disabilities is to make sure that they use the right accessible software programs. These programs meet the needs of users who have limited mobility due to physical impairments or those who have difficulty reading due to visual impairments. By taking advantage of assistive programs like screen readers and voice recognition systems, individuals gain access to specialized software and use them just as well as anyone else.

In addition to software, there is also a wide range of assistive technology available that specifically caters to individuals with disabilities and their specific needs. Depending on their particular disability, users could benefit from wheelchair ramps, hearing aids, and even speech-to-text software, which can help them communicate more effectively.

Get a Degree Online

Thanks to advances in technology, many universities are now offering online courses and degree programs that individuals with disabilities can take advantage of from the comfort of their homes. This allows them to learn new skills or advance their current qualifications from wherever they are located – something that would have been impossible before the advent of modern technology.

Consider Voice Command Systems

Voice command systems can be incredibly helpful for individuals with physical impairments who might not be able to effectively utilize a mouse or keyboard. For example, devices such as Amazon Alexa and Google Home allow users to issue voice commands that will then be executed by the device itself. This allows them to control certain aspects of their environment without having to physically press buttons or type out commands.

Update Your LinkedIn Profile

Networking is an essential part of any career journey. However, it's not always easy for people with physical limitations or language barriers to do. Fortunately, LinkedIn is an invaluable platform where individuals can showcase their skills through comprehensive profiles, which let potential employers know exactly what they bring to the table. Make sure your profile is updated frequently, so you don't miss out on any networking opportunities. 

Have Your Resume Ready

Finally, once you've got all your qualifications ready, it's time for the application process. Making quick changes, such as updating your resume based on individual job requirements, isn't always easy. There is a range of PDF editors available that help you make quick changes without compromising formatting – something that could prove incredibly useful during this process. PDF editors are a great tool to help you keep your resume up-to-date and perfectly tailored for each job application. By using this modern technology, career success is only a few keystrokes away.

Individuals with disabilities must never feel discouraged when looking for employment opportunities, thanks to modern advancements in technology offered today. By following each one of the steps above, people with disabilities can use technology just like everyone else and advance themselves professionally, resulting in better career outcomes overall.

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Ask The Advocate, Maureen Brown

Special Education Advocate Massachusetts