Looking for work as a disabled person? Recognize your strengths and find an accessible workplace

Finding a job is challenging enough without having to contend with stereotypes about disability.

Yet ableist assumptions — including the association of disability with “ economic inactivity ” — can shape how employers perceive you and your abilities.

What employers often overlook is how much skill it takes to navigate an inaccessible world.

While that labour contributes to the hidden costs of living with disabilities , it can also develop abilities that are useful at work.

Recognizing those skills can help you communicate what you bring to a job.

Understanding your rights and assessing an employer’s commitment to accessibility can help you find a supportive workplace.

No one’s 20s and 30s look the same.

You might be saving for a mortgage or just struggling to pay rent.

You could be swiping dating apps, or trying to understand childcare.

No matter your current challenges, our Quarter Life series has articles to share in the group chat, or just to remind you that you’re not alone.

Read more from Quarter Life: The ‘dream job’ myth: Why a fulfilling career does not have to define your life Getting outside despite your 9‑to‑5 job can improve your mental health – here’s how to spend time in nature during and around working hours What everyone gets wrong about the modern job search — and what actually works The skills you are already using For many people whose bodies and minds defy social norms, time is a precious resource .

When you fit therapy sessions and specialist appointments around work, school or other commitments, you are constantly practising organization, scheduling and time management.

If you use paratransit, you may need to book rides days in advance.

When something goes wrong — an out-of-service elevator or a rideshare driver who refuses to accommodate your service animal — you need to know how to find an alternative quickly.