Myth 1: I Can't Work

My doctor and other important people in my life have told me that I cannot work. They say it is too stressful and may make my condition worse.It is true that your disability may affect the kinds of jobs you can do and the hours you are able to work. However, with the right preparation and support, many people with disabilities are succeeding at jobs that are satisfying and meaningful to them.

It is common to have fears about your ability to work. You may be nervous about leaving your house, getting to and from work, having new work-related expenses, and handling your new work schedule. It is normal to worry about these things, but there are many resources and laws that will help you.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

This law makes it illegal for employers to discriminate against people with disabilities if they are qualified for a job. This includes all areas of employment, such as interviewing, hiring, firing, training, promotions, and benefits. Often, with reasonable accommodations you can be successful at more jobs than you may have thought possible. Employers are required by law to offer reasonable accommodations, so that you can do your job. These accommodations will be different from person to person, depending on each person’s needs and job setting. The Alaska State Commission for Human Rights offers a Disability and Reasonable Accommodation Guide, and the Alaska ADA Compliance Program lists accommodation resources. The U.S. Department of Labor gives an overview of ADA and reasonable accommodations, including links to other resources.

Learn more about the Americans with Disabilities Act in DB101's Job Supports and Accommodations article.

Vocational Rehabilitation

Vocational rehabilitation (VR) services can help you prepare for, find, and keep work. In Alaska, the Alaska Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) offers these services to people who qualify. The services vary depending on each person's needs. DVR works with you to figure out which services you need. You and a DVR counselor develop a plan to help you reach your work goals. If you get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), DVR is also an example of an agency where you can use your Ticket to Work. Find a Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) office near you.

Job Coach

A job coach is a person who offers specialized on-site training to help you with learning and performing your job and adjusting to the work environment. A job coach can help you with work-related concerns, such as how to talk to your boss about questions you have on the job and what accommodations you may need. You might have a job coach through your Ticket to Work Program, Vocational Rehabilitation, or through another agency.

Disability Disclosure

People with disabilities often wonder if they should tell their potential employers about their disability. And, if they decide to do so, should they disclose their disability during the interview, when they get a job offer, or after they have been hired. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the only reason to disclose your disability is if you need to request a reasonable accommodation from your employer to perform an essential function of your job.

There are many reasons you may want, or not want, to disclose your disability. This decision will vary from person to person and from situation to situation.

There are times when you may have no choice about disclosing your disability. For example, you may need to ask if the interview location is accessible or you may need an interpreter for the interview. If that’s the case, you need to carefully write a disclosure statement to the employer. Remember to focus on your abilities, not your disabilities.

For more information about disclosing your disability, read the DB101 article on Job Supports and Accommodations.