Finding Career Ground: Real Talk Guide for Young Adults with Disabilities

Guest blogger: Lillian Brooks

You don’t need anyone’s permission to pursue work that feels real to you. The system isn’t built for that — not yet. But that doesn’t mean you wait. It means you move. Young adults with disabilities face a weird mix of praise and pressure when entering the business world. People either underestimate your goals or overestimate your support. The truth? You don’t need to “prove” your worth. You just need a clear shot at building what’s already there.

Your Perspective Is Not a Liability

There’s a myth that if you need accommodations, you’re asking for an exception. That idea needs to go. The ability to adapt, communicate across barriers, and spot broken systems early — those are business skills. And yes, you’ve probably had to develop them faster than most. Some companies are finally catching on. There’s serious value in fostering diverse talent with disabilities — not because it’s charitable, but because it’s smart. You’re not a checkbox. You’re a commodity that most businesses haven’t figured out how to tap yet.

Small Tools Can Remove Big Barriers

Workflow matters more than most people admit. When you’re filling out a job application, onboarding remotely, or running a small business — waiting on a printer or struggling with scanned forms shouldn’t slow you down. That’s why the impact of a PDF filler on productivity isn’t just about convenience. It’s about keeping momentum, making moves independently, and reducing reliance on someone else to complete simple tasks. Every unnecessary delay adds friction. Cut it where you can.

Ask About Accommodations — And Watch How They Answer

Photo of a woman with glasses and short hair in a wheelchair against a gray backdrop.

Here’s the thing: asking about accommodations in an interview doesn’t make you difficult. It makes you smart. Companies that build with accessibility in mind already have answers ready. And the best ones don’t just hand you a policy PDF — they ask you what you need. Teams that take inclusion seriously have systems for enabling flexible benefits for disabled employees, and they treat it like part of how good workplaces function — not like a special request.

If You Want to Level Up, You Don’t Have to Go Back to School

You don’t have to sit through four years of classrooms to learn how to lead. If your goals include starting a business, managing a team, or leveling up within a company, earning an online business degree can be one way to move forward without putting your life on hold. The benefit here isn’t just flexibility. It’s focus. These programs are often built for people with jobs, families, or health needs that make rigid schedules impossible.

Education Opens Doors — Not All of Them Are Obvious

Degrees can help, but they’re not the only way forward. Some people thrive in formal programs. Others build skills through freelance projects, local programs, or online platforms. The key is to find learning models that respect your time, your energy, and the way you process information. High-quality education supports youth employment best when it’s paired with flexible delivery and strong outcomes. Don’t chase credentials. Invest in skills that give you leverage.

The Interview Tells You More Than the Job Description

Some red flags are easy to spot once you’ve seen them a few times. The way someone talks about accessibility. The vagueness around flexibility. The nervous shift when you ask how they support neurodivergent or disabled employees. Companies that know what they’re doing don’t dodge the conversation. They’re already creating truly inclusive hiring environments — and it shows in their process, not just their messaging. Pay attention to what feels off. You’re not imagining it.

Look for Programs That Meet You Where You Are

There’s no one route to employment. Some of the best support out there isn’t flashy. It’s local job centers, nonprofit training programs, or government-funded career services that actually understand disability — not as a PR issue, but as a planning detail. You can start with broader tools offering international training and employment services, but dig deeper where you live. You’ll find people who’ve been working this way before it was trendy.

You don’t have to be fully “ready.” You don’t need everything figured out. What you do need is traction — a place to start, something to move toward. That might be a one-off job that gives you confidence, a class that sparks new interest, or a conversation with someone who sees your potential without squinting. Build from that. Most systems weren’t designed with you in mind. That doesn’t mean you won’t change them once you’re inside.

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For years, Lillian Brooks worked as a special education teacher with a focus on teaching children with learning disabilities. She created the website, Learning Disabilities, to offer information and understanding to parents of children with learning disabilities, as well as adults who are in need of continued support in order to succeed.