8 Top Tips on Finding a Job When You Have Cerebral Palsy
Finding a job that suits you when you have a disability isn’t always easy. So, in this article, you will learn eight tips on finding a job when you have Cerebral Palsy to help you out…
Cerebral Palsy is a congenital movement, muscle tone, or posture disorder. It causes the decreased function of one or more parts of the brain, including involuntary contraction of one or more muscle groups, seizures, uncontrolled eye movement, and reduced memory.
While most people can work with cerebral palsy to accomplish daily tasks, they are most certainly not immune to the struggles it can bring. This is especially the case if they are not qualified to receive cerebral palsy compensation, which can provide much-needed funds to get by without the need for a full-time job. Because of these struggles, in this article, you will find eight wise tips that can help you land your next job – no matter what level you. Take a look…
8 Tips on Finding a Job with Cerebral Palsy
Evaluate Your Personal Desire for a Job
People with cerebral Palsy are becoming more visible in the media, but there is still a misunderstanding about what exactly Cerebral Palsy is. When searching for a job, people with CP should consider what they are passionate about and whether they might be made into a desirable position.
According to the cerebral palsy guidance’s website, the level of disability caused by cerebral Palsy varies widely by individual. It’s essential to look at the specific title rather than simply entering keywords into your search engine. The more rare the opportunity, the easier it will be for you to find one.
Disclose Your Disability
Job seekers with the disorder may feel embarrassed or at a disadvantage to disclose their disability for fear of being turned away. The reality is that there are employment law safeguards against this.
If you think you may have barriers in your way, make sure to courageously disclose your disabilities. You should always feel free to ask if an employer can help out with any adaptive equipment you may need to perform the tasks on the job too.
Define the Skills You Have
Before you go job-hunting, figure out the skills and abilities you bring. Are you highly skilled in a particular job? Are you a people person who loves to build relationships and is good at listening?
Do a little research in a few career centers, or connect with people who have experience in the field. If you can’t find where you want to work, ask a professional career coach or SAT tutor how to best describe yourself so you can sell yourself to employers.
Know Your Rights
One of the first things to do to find a job when you wake up each morning is to make sure that you understand your legal rights and entitlements. Know that every employer is required to respect your rights. There is never any excuse for an employer not giving a worker a fair chance to prove themself.
This does not mean that you should give rude treatment to your job employer, but it does mean that you do not assume that job discrimination does not arise.
Laws and standards vary for different disabilities, but everyone with a disability has inherent rights. Making sure you know your rights; a document them in written form is the best way to protect yourself and avoid wandering into a trap.
Take Advantage of Government Resources
The government of the United Kingdom provides many services to assist with finding employment. A key example of this is Natural England, which has job listings for clients on its website. It also includes training on the rights and responsibilities of an employed person.
A participating charity, like Scope, makes it easy to search online for tasks you can do. Some government websites provide free publications covering employment rights, including new employment legislation. You are entitled to free legal representation if you think the law is not being followed, and it pays to check out what rights you have, as mentioned previously.
Become an Entrepreneur
As a person with Cerebral Palsy, you could still become an entrepreneur and launch a thriving home-based business. Or, you could try Freelancing. If you have writing skills, you can register as a freelance writer, book writing, Website writer, Graphic designing, and many other jobs that you could do right from home.
You can also create your product or write a book related to anything you have expertise in. This can be applied to any skill, at any level, so don’t miss out on this opportunity, in an online world.
Connect with the Job Accommodation Network
The UK’s Job Accommodation Network provides a range of employment types and opportunities to help disabled people to work. The JAN provides employers with placements for people from 12 different kinds of disabilities, including mental illness, learning disorders, deafness, and Cerebral Palsy.
If you would like to find out more information on how the JAN can help your specific disability, or find support in finding your first job, you can contact them through their website.
Try Job Networks for People with Disabilities
Job networks offer unparalleled opportunities for people with cerebral palsy by connecting employers with people who have the necessary disability skills. These networks also provide support while building a resume and seeking employment opportunities.
As mentioned previously, The Scope is one of the top websites in the UK to get a job quicker, even with the condition. You can also visit the Chamber of Commerce. This agency helps connect job seekers with local employers, helping them to reduce barriers to employment and build a resume.
Below are job networks that could help to fast track getting a job:
- Meetup groups
- Job networking groups
- Alumni associations
- University careers student employment services
- Community cafes
- Community transport projects – bus or outreach teams
Ready to Find Your Dream Job When You Have Cerebral Palsy?
It is not always easy to find a job when you have cerebral palsy. In the UK, there are many online resources and organizations that work hard every day to provide support and advice on how an individual can help change perceptions of those living with disabilities.
We encourage people with CP interested in work to engage with these organizations, learn more about their activities, and support this change plan. After all, knowledge is power.
Please be advised that this article is for general informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for advice from a trained legal professional. Be sure to consult a lawyer/solicitor if you’re seeking advice on employment law. We are not liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information on this site.
