For many people, holding down a job is quite fulfilling. Having a routine, making friends with coworkers, and simply getting out of the house can do wonders for your physical and mental health.
The purpose of California’s Self-Determination Program (SDP) is to help those with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDDs) access support to achieve their goals. For many, finding a fulfilling career is an important personal goal. SDP participants may be able to access career counseling and similar services covered by their individual budget.
[H2] 6 Careers for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities
Before deciding on a career, it’s worth pondering a few things. Knowing what you want to do—and, just as importantly, what you don’t want to do—can help you land a fulfilling job.
However, locating inclusive workplaces can be tricky. While workplaces may be legally required to accommodate people with disabilities, they might not always be a fun place to go to.
Don’t feel like you have to limit yourself to specific types of jobs to be accepted. With the right accommodations, adults with intellectual disabilities can achieve goals in all kinds of jobs.
Here are some of our favorite careers for adults with intellectual disabilities that can help you start working without a hassle.
1. Animator, Graphic Designer, or Digital Artist
Do you love to draw? How about painting or designing? Have you ever wanted to be behind the scenes of an animated movie?
If you have a flair for the creative, working as a graphic designer, artist, or animator might be for you. Many adults with intellectual disabilities who enjoy graphic design can pursue a career in this field, whether they work for themselves or a business.
Daily tasks might include creating logos or graphics, designing or animating certain projects, or meeting with clients to talk about your creative choices.
2. Pet Daycare Worker
One of the most popular jobs for adults with intellectual disabilities is working with animals. Although the work might require getting your hands dirty, being around adorable animals can make it all worthwhile!
Many pet facilities also offer flexible hours, which may be good if you are only looking for part-time hours. Consider animals’ positive effects on mood a bonus benefit!
3. Peer Support Specialist
If you want to advocate for others in the disability community, meet new people, and use your skills to do good, becoming a peer support specialist is a great career move.
This might mean working in a healthcare facility like a hospital, or it might mean working with community service providers or nonprofit organizations.
No matter where you offer your support, though, you can make a difference by listening to and uplifting others. Having lived experience as a person with a disability means that you can offer support to your peers in a way no one else can.
4. Stocker or Warehouse Assistant
Wanting something easy and low-stress? You might enjoy a job that’s consistent each day, like working in a warehouse to stock shelves and help businesses ship orders to customers. Plus, you can develop friendships by working with a large group of co-workers.
5. Entrepreneur or Business Owner
Who said you have to work for someone else to have a job? Creating your own business or working for yourself are both viable career options for adults with intellectual disabilities. As a bonus, you may be able to find financial support to get your business off the ground from your SDP budget.
6. Library Aide
For many people, there’s nothing quite like the fresh paper-and-book smell of the library. If the thought of spending your days surrounded by books sounds good to you, becoming a library aide or worker could be for you.
Working in a library is about a lot more than organizing bookshelves, too. You may help plan and host events for the community, assist in keeping the library clean, and help visitors check out books, just to name a few examples.
Find More Self-Determination Insights with NeuroNav
The careers we’ve mentioned in this article are just four of many, many jobs for people with intellectual disabilities. IDDs and disabilities cover a wide spectrum of conditions, and there may be countless jobs you would be great at. Be sure to take stock of various independent life skills for adults with disabilities, and don’t be afraid to dream big!
Careers for adults with intellectual disabilities are often just one aspect of a well-rounded, fulfilling life for Californians in the SDP. Independent facilitation services can unlock a new world of services and activities that conform to person-centered planning. If you’d like to chat more about ways NeuroNav can help you or a loved one, sign up for a free consultation today.
