Entry level job for people with physical disabilities? (employment, applying, application)
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I'm nineteen and have never had a job before, but most of the entry-level jobs I come across require a lot of standing up (retail cashier, fast food, etc.). I have an unidentified and undocumented physical condition so I'm concerned about needing to "prove" my disability, but in the past I have been taken to the emergency room for it and had multiple blood tests done. Basically, I faint all the time. An hour standing in cool conditions will make me faint, and half an hour in warm conditions will do the same. I get dizzy just showering, and things like long lines at stores and concerts where I'm squished between people are my worst nightmares. I took a painting class last semester in college, and I dreaded it every day because it was four hours straight of standing at an easel. The professor let me sit down once it became clear that I was ill, though.
It's been years since I full-on collapsed since I can usually feel it coming on, but the last time it happened I hit my head on the hard floor and had a mild concussion so it's a quite serious issue. That was the emergency room visit. My unsupportive parent keeps telling me to just "get over it" if I want a job, but it's not like I can collapse at the register while helping a customer. I applied for a local entry-level front desk job, but I didn't get it. I can't drive and my area has poor public transportation so I'm limited to what I can walk to. I've found applications for all the nearby establishments that are hiring entry-levels, but they all mention in the application that "prolonged standing" is required and I'm starting to panic about the situation.
I've been reading up on the rights of disabled people in seeking employment, and one government document I read mentioned that it's not required for the disabled person to reveal their disability before they've been offered the job or hired. I'm wondering if I could get hired and then ask if I could have a stool or chair, but a lot of these places have work that I don't think can be done while sitting down. So are there places hiring people with ZERO experience where sitting is an option?
It's just really made me think about how difficult something as basic as applying to a mall store or McDonald's is for disabled people, especially those with far worse disabilities than mine. Mine doesn't even affect my everyday life since I can choose to sit if I get dizzy, but that would change if I was working a shift. I do hoop dancing which is my main form of exercise, but it requires so much moving around and bending that it gets my blood circulating better and I rarely feel dizzy doing it.
Thanks for the response. It's a good idea--I just have trouble finding an office job in walking distance. I live in an area that is right by a mall and a lot of chain stores.
Think of places that require a receptionist and contact them asking to speak to the manager. Tell him or her you're looking for a job as a receptionist and wonder if they have any openings. If they say no, just explain you're looking for an entry level office job and wonder if they know anyone in the area who might be hiring. Never discuss your health issues because they may not hire you.
What places have receptionists? Doctor's, dentists, hair cutting places, veterinarians, labs. I'm sure there are many I'm not thinking of, but I would start there.
Look in the phone book and contact your state's Dept of Rehabilitation, sometimes called Vocational Rehabilitation. Open a case with them and you will be assigned a counselor who will discuss with you what you need to become employed. Don't try to do it on your own. People with disabilities have special needs and you need to work with people who are trained to help you. Best of luck.
Look in the phone book and contact your state's Dept of Rehabilitation, sometimes called Vocational Rehabilitation. Open a case with them and you will be assigned a counselor who will discuss with you what you need to become employed. Don't try to do it on your own. People with disabilities have special needs and you need to work with people who are trained to help you. Best of luck.
Wouldn't the OP have to be actually diagnosed with a disability and have documentation thereof before going there? The OP says she has no documentation, nor proof of disability.
One can't just say they are disabled....
Would your parents be able to drive you or is there any local transportation such as a bus? Since you lack experience have you looked into volunteering? This could help you get a job in the future.
You stated you went to the ER but what about other specialists and testing to figure out what is going on?
You might learn to buy and sell on Ebay or crags list ,these you could do from your own home and at your own pace.
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