Career Resources for Students with Disabilities
Get help answering questions about disclosure, accommodations and your legal rights. We also provide some places to search for jobs or internships.
University Career Services is dedicated to ensuring equitable access for all our students. We stand firmly against all types of racism, inequality, and discrimination. Our team stands together as one that believes inclusivity and belonging are especially critical in the work we do with the diverse student population that we serve.
The curated list of resources below is intended to support our students’ ability to bring their whole self to work through an appreciation that embracing what makes us diverse promotes innovation, understanding, and overall success in the workplace. This list, while extensive, is not complete. We invite our students and alumni to contact us to provide any resources you believe are missing or would like to see featured.
A Note About Disclosure:
Preparation is essential for disclosing your disability. Effective disclosure requires that you discuss your needs, and that you provide practical suggestions for reasonable job accommodations, if they are needed. One way to become comfortable with discussing your disability is to find someone you trust and practice the disclosure discussion with that person. The two of you can put together a disclosure script. It should contain relevant disability information and weave in your strengths. Always keep it positive!
There is no required information to share about your disability. In fact, it will be different for everyone. For example, if you have an apparent disability it is often beneficial to address how you plan to accomplish tasks required by the job. This can affirm to the employer that you are suited for the position. Additionally, by demonstrating your own ease and comfort with the job requirements, you can relay to employers other traits that are desirable in an applicant. A person with a hidden disability, on the other hand, will first need to decide whether to disclose the disability, and subsequently determine what information to share about the disability.
Learn more about disclosing your disability to an employer through the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy.
U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy. (n.d.). Youth, disclosure, and the workplace: Why, when, what, and how.
- Viscardi Center
- The Viscardi Center is a hub for leading edge approaches to education and employment for children and adults. Our multidisciplinary team prepares thousands of individuals with disabilities to achieve their goals as active members of the community.
- Interview Tips for Applicants on the Autism Spectrum
- This article is intended to assist job applicants on the autism spectrum in positively representing themselves and their abilities, and to help employers understand the kinds of accommodations that can be made during the job interview process so that these applicants can do their best to represent themselves and their skills.
- Career Circle
- CareerCircle bridges the gap between skilled talent and businesses poised for growth. By tapping into the hidden potential of all communities, including veterans and individuals with disabilities, we bring to the forefront individuals equipped with both the credentials and drive to succeed.
- Disability Equality Index
- The Disability Equality Index (DEI) is the most comprehensive benchmarking tool for disability workplace inclusion.
- NYC Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities
- This section contains resources for people with disabilities living in New York City including advocacy groups, disability-specific resources, voting resources, housing resources, transportation resources and more.
