By Camille Johnson
Are you ready to take your career to the next level? If you have a disability, technology can help you advance your skills, network in your field, search for open positions, and even produce promotion-worthy results at work. Whether you thrive in social office environments or you’d rather work from the comfort of your own home, the right digital tools and adaptive equipment will make your life a whole lot easier.
So check out the following tips from the Port Jervis Newsroom to learn how you can use technology to advance your career.
Create a Profile on LinkedIn
Networking is essential to the growth of your career. Top Resume explains that networking will help you stay on top of the latest trends in your industry, improve your skill set, connect with potential mentors, and access resources that will facilitate the growth of your career.
If your disability makes it difficult to attend networking events, look for online networking opportunities. LinkedIn is great for this purpose! Create a profile on the professional networking platform and start reaching out to other professionals in your industry. Try to think of your LinkedIn page as your resume.
Make sure your page reflects what you want potential employers to know about your expertise. Once your page is set up, consider purchasing the premium version so you can see who’s viewed your profile and message people directly.
Spruce Up Your CV
While your LinkedIn page will serve as a kind of digital resume for people you connect with online, it’s still important to provide potential employers with an actual CV. Read through your existing list of credentials and qualifications and see if you can make any improvements or adjustments.
Make sure your CV reflects your latest skills, achievements, and experience. If your resume exists in PDF form, you can use a template for a CV and edit it to make your changes, then download the new file for easy sharing.
Use Adaptive Technology to Improve Your Work
Are you eyeing a promotion at work? Take advantage of adaptive technology that will help you work faster and produce better results! Accessible Tech suggests using adaptive tools like ergonomic keyboards, screen readers, screen magnifiers, voice recognition software, and microphone headsets.
Adaptive tech can also be used in non-office settings. For example, outdoor wheelchairs designed for rugged terrain are essential for people who use wheelchairs and work in agriculture. If you travel around a lot for work, consider making modifications to your vehicle to help you get into and out of your car or truck more easily.
Keep in mind that employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities, and you can make this request at any point during your employment. It’s a good idea to make your request in writing. This will establish a clear record of your request and ensure your employer knows it should be taken seriously.
Continue Your Education Online
Continuing your education is a great way to facilitate career growth. By going back to school and earning advanced credentials, you can boost your income, open up new job opportunities, and develop new professional interests. If you’re interested in Information Technology, this deserves a look. Online school may be more accessible to people with disabilities compared to in-person learning.
Enrolling in an online course will give you the flexibility to learn on your own time and in your preferred learning style. You will be able to use any adaptive tech you need, and you won’t have to face stigma and stereotyping in the classroom. Plus, you can keep your day job while pursuing an education on the side!
Pursue Your Dream Career
Modern technology has made career growth more accessible to people with disabilities. Use online platforms like LinkedIn to network remotely, take advantage of digital tools to update your CV, and look for online learning options to advance your education. By taking advantage of the technology that’s available to you, you can take your career to new heights!
Are you looking for a reliable source of information regarding the events in Port Jervis? Then add the Port Jervis Newsroom to your weekly e-reading!