Top 10 Job Opportunities for PWDs
Based on the 2010 Census of Population and Housing, there are around 1.4 million persons with disability (PWD) in the Philippines. According to the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons which took effect in 1992, PWDs are defined as “those suffering from restriction of different abilities, as a result of a mental, physical or sensory impairment, to perform an activity in the manner or within the range considered normal for a human being.”
Having a disability may be challenging, but it does not equate to unproductivity. In fact, the person with disability act protects the PWDs’ right to work, ensuring they have equal employment opportunities through government-initiated workshops, apprenticeships, vocational rehabilitation and training programs. In addition, government agencies, offices, or corporations are required to reserve at least 1% of their positions for PWDs.
Job Hunting for PWDs
According to a 2018 study on Bangkok’s workplace facilities and practices to increase PWDs’ efficiency, a multi-stakeholder approach is needed to improve the quality of life of the disabled. The government, private sector, and individuals should be involved in providing support tools to make space for PWDs in a productive society. Discrimination must be stopped, while giving PWDs equal access to technology, information and the opportunity to manage their disabilities. An inclusive work environment should include “safe work areas, signs for the hearing impaired, and convenient transportations as well as training to educate people with disabilities and their colleagues.” Like persons without disabilities, meaningful societal roles and personal empowerment lead to improved physical and mental health.
If you are a PWD candidate seeking work, inquire at the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) office in your region to avail of their latest programs. It is also to your advantage that more and more companies are open to home-based positions due to the pandemic. According to Jobstreet’s COVID-19 Job Report, 56% of surveyed employees are now required to work from home. With 80% of employers planning to hire this year, you have a good chance to land any of these 10 job opportunities with most of them currently in-demand.
1. Accounting Specialist
Every company needs a solid accounting arm to put its financial affairs in order, which is why it is no surprise that based on the job report, accounting is the most sought-after role by employers. You can be a bookkeeper, who documents and organizes the company’s daily financial transactions. If you have a degree in accounting, you can apply for an accountant position and be responsible for maintaining financial accounts and giving reports on your employer’s financial outlook and performance.
2. Call Center Agent
Roles in customer service, sales, and business development are also in-demand during this time. If you are an extrovert and talking to people energizes you, try working as a call center agent””a position that can now be done from home. Depending on your nature of work, you may need any of these simple things before you start working: basic training, a landline, a computer, internet connection, and a headset.
3. IT Professional
There has never been a better time to conduct business operations online. Nowadays, companies employ technology to stay competitive. Information Technology (IT) is here to stay, so an IT-related career promises job security. Work-from-home IT professionals include computer programmers, IT technicians, technical sales representatives, web developers and many others.
4. Virtual Assistant
Administrative and human resource (HR) roles stay relevant despite the constant changes in various industries. Many foreign companies are open to remote virtual assistants, who primarily perform administrative work such as responding to emails, setting up meetings, organizing online records, and handling schedules.
5. Counselor
Your experiences as a PWD are valuable, not only to you, but also to others. By being a counselor, you can use your first-hand knowledge of navigating life’s many challenges in comforting those undergoing similar struggles. You may even specifically cater to PWD clients, advising them on relationships, employment and day-to-day living. The Professional Regulation Commission requires guidance counselors to hold a Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling.
6. Visual Artist
Because individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) tend to have a keen eye for detail and have a preference for local-processing tasks, some have harnessed these strengths in creating art. A recent study indicates that around 70% of children and adults with ASD have a “special isolated skill in memory,” which may explain why some of them excel in memory-related fields such as math, music, and art.
7. Musician
People who are blind or have low vision rely heavily on their sense of hearing to process information. This leads to their highly developed auditory skills. According to a study done by the Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research in Germany, blind people can comprehend speech sped up to 25 syllables per second, compared to the sighted people’s 10 syllables per second. Stevie Wonder and Andrea Bocelli are living proof of how music can be a successful career for the visually impaired.
8. Restaurant Staff
Restaurants that employ deaf people have increased in recent years””and for good reason. Once the communication barrier has been surpassed, restaurant work is highly compatible with deaf people. With their easy mobility, and heightened senses of sight and touch, they are more than capable of working in the kitchen or serving customers. To ease workflow, there should be safety measures for PWD workers, while providing sign language training for the speaking staff.
9. Graphic Designer
Mental health issues such as depression and anxiety are recognized as disabilities. A satisfying job that promotes self-sufficiency can be a big step in helping people with psychosocial disorders recover. Graphic design fosters independent work and self-expression, but also requires collaboration with clients or the design team. It can be an ideal setup for those who want the freedom of doing the bulk of the work in solitude.
10. Entrepreneur
If you would rather be your own boss, then starting a business may be your path. Determine your interests, and match these with your potential market’s needs. A successful business involves not only its marketability, but also your passion. All your soft skills will be at play here””leadership, creativity, and problem solving. With your own business, you may be able to pay it forward, providing employment opportunities for other PWDs.
A robust career awaits you if you are willing to take a leap. Map out your goals, seek assistance, and know where to find opportunities. Disability is just one of the many things that is part of you; your grit and determination will take you much farther than you have ever dreamed possible.
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