Career Center

Career Resources for Students with Disabilities

According to the CDC more than 25% of Americans live with a disability. It is important to consider an employer’s ability to accommodate and support a person with a disability as part of the job search process. As an employee or applicant with a disability, there are laws and initiatives in place to help you get the accommodations you need to excel in the workplace. Here are some resources to help you understand employees with disabilities’ legal rights, and determine if, when, why, and how to disclose a disability to an employer.

In collaboration with the Office of Accessibility Resources, the Career Center works with students with disabilities to find opportunities that align with their passions and professional needs.

When to Disclose a Disability 

There is no law that states when or if an employee must disclose a disability to an employer. Disclosing a disability allows the employee to receive reasonable accommodations and benefit from the ADA and Rehabilitation Act. It is illegal for employers to ask non-voluntary questions pertaining to disability during the job application process. Disclosing a disability to an employer can be done at any point in the application process or after being hired. Each individual will have unique circumstances and needs.

If you are trying to decide if or how to disclose a disability to an employer, this guide can help you develop a strategy to do so. This article can also help you decide when and how to disclose.

Legal Considerations 

When applying for a job it is important to know the legal protections for people with a disability. The ADA National Network explains the laws and legal protections provided by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, helping to inform applicants and employees of their legal rights and protections in the workplace. Another useful resource is the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s guide for people with disabilities seeking employment. This site provides further information on ADA legal protections, as well as how to request accommodations from an employer. Finally, the Job Accommodation Network has a list of common disabilities and specific accommodations available for each disability. 

Resources

DisabilityIN A non-profit organization working with several companies to help them foster a more welcoming workplace for employees with disabilities. This is an excellent resource to find employers excelling at accommodating disabilities their employees may have. 

The American Association of People with Disabilities provides resources and opportunities to help students with a disability find an internship offering professional development and connection to the disability community. 

This career guide for students with a disability is an excellent resource for understanding how the career development process may differ for a student with a disability and barriers for employees with a disability in the workplace. Additionally, it provides numerous helpful links for specific disabilities an employee may have. 

If you are interested in a career in government, consider exploring the Workforce Recruitment Program managed by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy and the U.S. Department of Defense. The Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP) connects federal and select private-sector employers nationwide with college students, graduate students and recent graduates with disabilities who are eager to demonstrate their abilities in the workplace through internships or permanent jobs. The program is administered through Colorado College and usually has an application window in the Fall. To learn more, contact the Accessibility Resource Office at Colorado College.