Unlocking Your Potential: 8 Tips for Job-Seeking for People With Disabilities

Imagine being a bird with wings, soaring high in the sky, feeling the wind beneath your feathers, and seeing the world from a unique perspective. But then, imagine being clipped and grounded, unable to fly as freely as you once did. This is what it's like for many persons with disabilities (PWDs) when it comes to finding employment. Despite their talents, skills, and determination, they often feel grounded, stuck in a world that doesn't quite understand or value their potential.

​But, just like a bird can learn to fly again with the right care and attention, PWDs can also find success in the job market with the right mindset and strategies. In this article, we've compiled a list of tips that can help PWD job seekers overcome common hurdles in the hiring process and unlock their true potential. We'll help them spread their wings, gain momentum, and soar to new heights in their career. So if you're ready to take your career to the next level, keep reading!

Tip #1: Know Your Rights!

When applying for a job, understanding your rights as a PWD jobseeker is essential.

What you can do:

• Research about disability employment laws: Conduct research online or contact a disability organization to know about the laws and regulations in your country that protect the rights of persons with disabilities in the workplace.

- Familiarize yourself with the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities: The Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities is a law that protects the rights and welfare of PWDs. Familiarize yourself with the provisions of this law to know your rights as a PWD jobseeker.

• Identify reasonable accommodations you need for the job: Consider the accommodations you may need to perform your job effectively, such as sign language interpreters or flexible work arrangements.

• Assert your rights during the hiring process: If you encounter discrimination or unfair treatment during a hiring process, assert your rights by reporting it to the appropriate authorities, such as DOLE, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or the National Council on Disability Affairs.

Tip #2: Build Your Skills!

Building your skills can improve your chances of getting hired.

What you can do:

• Identify your strengths and interests: Identify your skills, strengths, and interests to help you find the right job that matches your qualifications and interests.

• Attend training and workshops to help you develop your skills: Take advantage of free or low-cost training programs, workshops, and online courses to help you build your skills in areas in demand.

• Consider volunteering or internships to gain experience: Look for opportunities or internships in your field to gain hands-on experience and build your resume.

​TIP #2.1: Check with the Public Employment Service Office (PESO)

PESO can help PWDs find job openings in their local area.

• Inquire with your local PESO about available job openings: Check with your local PESO to inquire about job openings that match your skills and qualifications. PESO can also provide referral services and job counseling.

• Ask about available training programs or apprenticeships: Ask PESO about training programs or internships to enhance your skills and qualifications.

• Submit your PWD ID and other necessary documents to avail of PESO's support services: Submit your PWD ID and other documents required to your local PESO to avail of support services like job referrals, skills training, and career counseling.

TIP #3: Build a Network

Building a solid network can help you find job opportunities.

• Join PWD-focused organizations or groups: Look for organizations that advocate for the rights and welfare of PWDs, such as the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry's National Council on Disability Affairs (PCCI-NCDA). Joining these organizations can provide networking opportunities and access to support services.

• Connect with people in your field through social media: Use social media platforms like LinkedIn to connect with professionals, join industry groups, and learn about job openings.

TIP #4: Research Companies

Researching companies before applying can help you find the right fit.

• Look for companies that prioritize diversity and inclusion. Research companies that prioritize diversity and inclusion in their hiring practices, workplace culture, and business operations. This can help ensure that you'll work in an environment that values and respects your identity and needs as a person with a disability.

• Check company reviews and ratings. Look up reviews and ratings of companies on websites like Glassdoor to get an idea of the company's culture, work-life balance, and benefits.

• Reach out to current or former employees. If you know someone who works or has worked at the company, contact them to ask about their experience and any tips they may have for job seekers.

TIP #5: Develop A Positive Attitude

Having a positive attitude can make a difference!

• Focus on your strengths and accomplishments: Instead of dwelling on your limitations or challenges, focus on your strengths and achievements to boost your confidence and show employers what you can bring to the table.

• Surround yourself with positive and supportive people: Surround yourself with people who believe in you, support you, and inspire you to be your best self.

• Practice self-care and stress management: Take care of yourself by getting enough rest, eating well, exercising, and practicing stress management techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga.

TIP #6: Explore Entrepreneurship or Self-Employment

Entrepreneurship or self-employment can give PWDs greater control over their work and income.

• Identify business opportunities that match your skills and interests: Identify business opportunities that match your skills and interests. You can start a business that caters to the needs of PWDs or offers products or services you are passionate about.

• Develop a business plan: Develop a business plan that outlines your goals, strategies, and resources needed to start and grow your business.

• Seek support from organizations or government agencies: Seek help from organizations or government agencies that assist aspiring entrepreneurs or self-employed individuals, such as the Department of Trade and Industry's (DTI) Go Negosyo program or the Department of Science and Technology's (DOST) Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP).

TIP #7: Utilize Social Media

Social media can be a powerful tool for connecting with potential employers and showcasing your skills.

• Create a professional social media profile: Create a professional social media profile, such as on LinkedIn or Facebook, to showcase your skills and qualifications to potential employers. Use a professional profile picture, include relevant work experience, and highlight your skills and achievements.

• Connect with potential employers or recruiters.

• Use social media to connect with potential employers or recruiters who may be interested in hiring PWDs. You can also join groups or communities focusing on job opportunities or employment for PWDs.

• Share your work experiences and achievements: Share your work experiences and achievements on your social media profiles to showcase your skills and qualifications to potential employers.

TIP #8: Trust in Your Abilities and Never Give Up

Trusting yourself and your abilities can help you overcome challenges and succeed in your career.

• Reflect on your strengths and accomplishments: Reflect on your strengths and past achievements. Recognize the skills and qualities that make you unique and valuable in the workplace.

• Seek support from family, friends, or disability advocates: Surround yourself with a supportive network of family, friends, or disability advocates who believe in you and your abilities. Seek their encouragement and advice when faced with challenges.

• Stay positive and persistent in your job search or career path: Stay positive and persistent in your job search or career path, even when faced with rejections or setbacks. Keep learning and developing your skills and pursuing your goals and aspirations. Remember that your disability does not define you or limit your potential for success.

Check out these valuable resources and start paving the way to your dream job!

• Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) - https://www.dole.gov.ph/

• Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) - https://www.tesda.gov.ph/

• National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) - https://www.ncda.gov.ph/

• JobStreet Philippines PWD Jobs - https://www.jobstreet.com.ph/en/job-search/pwd-jobs/

• Enable.Me Philippines - https://www.enablemeph.org/

• Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) - https://www.pbsp.org.ph/program/persons-with-disabilities/

• Leonard Cheshire Disability Philippines Foundation - https://www.lcdisability.org.ph/

• Christian Blind Mission (CBM) Philippines - https://www.cbmphilippines.org/

To conclude, persons with disabilities (PWDs) often feel limited in their job search due to discrimination, lack of access to opportunities, and misunderstanding of their potential. However, with the right mindset and strategies, PWDs can successfully navigate the job market and find fulfilling careers. It's time to unlock their true potential and show them what they can achieve. Let's all work together to create a more inclusive and empowering job market where PWDs can thrive and succeed. Remember, just like a bird can learn to fly again with the proper care and attention, PWDs can also find their way to the top and reach their dreams. So let's lift each other, spread our wings, and soar!

References:

Ortiz García, P., & Olaz Capitán, Á. J. (2021, May 31). Entrepreneurship for people with disabilities: From skills to social value. Frontiers. Retrieved April 4, 2023, from https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.699833/full

Republic acts no. 10754: Govph. Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. (2016, March 23). Retrieved April 4, 2023, from https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2016/03/23/republic-act-no-10754/

Schneider, M. J., & Thorpe-Moscon, J. (2019). The Impact of a Positive Attitude on Employment Outcomes for People with Disabilities. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 51(2), 135-142. https://content.iospress.com/articles/journal-of-vocational-rehabilitation/jvr180038

Stephenson, J. H., & Persadie, N. (2022). Disability, Information Technology, assistive devices and employment in the Caribbean. Palgrave Explorations in Workplace Stigma, pp. 93–120. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-19340-8_4

Torres, E. (2022, October 11). 5 important job-hunting tips for pwds. Lead Grow Develop. Retrieved April 4, 2023, from https://leadgrowdevelop.com/5-important-job-hunting-tips-for-pwds/