The EWU Career Center supports students and alumni with both visible and non-visible disabilities throughout your career development process. We have complied a list of resources to help you, and although not exhaustive, it will provide you with a lot of good information to get you started. We understand that career planning, professional development and job search can feel a little daunting to any student. To that end, we highly encourage you to make an appointment with a career advisor who can further assist you with career planning questions.
Know Your Employment Rights
It is important to know your legal rights in the workplace. These cover topics like illegal interview questions, discrimination, requests for accommodations, and disclosing your disability. These issues can be challenging to figure out on your own. As always, if something is unclear, we’re happy to discuss and help you understand these resources.
- U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission: Americans with Disabilities Act
- U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
- Workers Rights – Washington State
- Office of Disability Employment Policy – Disclosing a Disability
- Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 Titles I and V
- Washington State Human Rights Commission – File a Complaint
Getting Experience
If you are finding that you lack experience for the opportunities you are interested in, consider building experience in different ways. The following page has some ideas:
Job & Internship Search Resources
In addition to this list, see our Online Search page for general online job boards. Also, see our Professional Networking page to learn about finding opportunities through your relationships.
- AbilityJOBS – 100% of posted jobs are from employers specifically seeking to hire people with disabilities.
- Our Ability – Our Ability, Inc. uses AI technology to create accessible and inclusive technology for the employment of people with disabilities.
- Federal Government Employment for People with Disabilities
- Workforce Recruitment Program – Connects federal and private-sector employers nationwide with highly motivated college students and recent graduates with disabilities.
- Bender Consulting – Bender hosts virtual career fairs for people with disabilities and other employment resources.
- AAPD Career Center
- Top 25 freelance websites to find work in 2019 – There are many people and organizations looking for employees that work on freelance/contract basis, work remotely (work from home), and who need flexibility.
Fellowship, Internship, and Professional Scholar Programs
These programs are funded opportunities that help you gain experience in your future career. They look great on your resume and show your commitment to your field. You can also access important professional networks that will help you with your job search when the fellowship or program is over.
Here are some, but not all, opportunities available for students with disabilities.
- EWU McNair Scholars’ Program
- AAPD Summer Internship Program
- RespectAbility – The National Leadership Program
- American Association for Advancement of the Sciences Entry Point
- Lime Connect Fellowship Program
- Microsoft Internships – Autism Hiring Program and Disability Hiring Program
Educational Articles/Resources
These resources will help you learn how to direct your college experience toward specific goals. They also provide general information about identity and the workplace.
- Neurodiversity & Virtual Hiring Tips for Success
- Five Tips for Job Hunting with a Disability
- Getting Hired with a Disability
- Should You Disclose Your Disability During a Job Search?
- MyPlus Students’ Club – eBooks
- Career Options for the Visually Impaired
Organizations/Associations
Join or research a few professional organizations. You’ll meet other people in your community and field who can share their knowledge and perspective. This will give you a better understanding of your identity in the workplace.
This is not a comprehensive list. We encourage you to search for associations in relation to your field of interest.
- Job Accommodation Network
- Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP)
- American Association of People with Disabilities
- DREAM: Disability Rights, Education, Activism, and Mentoring
- Attention Deficit Disorder Association
- American Foundation for the Blind
- National Institute of Mental Health
Washington Organizations
You can find more resources and assistance in your region. Also, getting involved locally is a good way to build your connections while you are still in school.
- Washington State Department of Health – Local Disability Organizations for Employment
- DVR – Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DSHS)
Other On-Campus Resources
EWU also provides other organizations and resources to help support you. Visit the following connections and make friends. Reach out to a career advisor if you need help.
