Telecommuting Jobs For Those With Disabilities By Melissa Brewer At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

Even with the price of gasoline dropping recently, employers and employees are increasingly interested in the benefits of telecommuting. This a great opportunity for those of us who are tired of the nine to five schedule and hate the exhausting commutes back and forth to work.

Why does the new American workforce dig telecommuting so much? Employees love telecommuting because it creates flexibility to balance work and personal life, saves money, protects the environment, and reduces commuting time.

Bosses dig telecommuting because it can help them to expand their office hours, reduce absenteeism, expand their labor pool and workforce without having to buy new buildings, and reduce their need for other additional supplies and space.

However, if you’re one of the millions of Americans that is searching for reasonable accommodations due to a disability, telecommuting probably has more meaning to you than just saving time and money. It also has an air of freedom and dignity – you’ll be able to start a new career, with part or full-time hours, as well as benefits. Telecommuting jobs can provide a person with reasonable accommodations and the skills to have a lifelong career working from home, off of much more than an SSDI or SSI check, with potential for full benefits.

There are many different types of work from home opportunities available via new technology. Some common work at home positions may include:

• Customer Service/Call Center
• Sales and Marketing
• Virtual Assistant / Administrative Assistant
• Online Teaching /Tutoring

Of course, as with any position, it is expected that you will have the skills necessary to complete the job’s tasks successfully, so you may need some formal job training before performing a job search and applying, otherwise, you may be sorely disappointed.

Before applying for any telecommuting job online, keep the following questions in mind:

• Do you have an up to date computer that can handle software required to work from home?
• Do you have a reliable, high-speed internet connection?
• Do you have a phone line that can be dedicated exclusively to your work?
• Do you have a quiet and organized space in your home to designate as your home office?
• Do you have the organizational and computer skills required to work from your home?
• Are you a self-starter?
• Are you able to stay on task and not get easily distracted?

If you’ve answered no to any of these questions, then you may need to spend a little more time in preparation, and you may want to get some assistance from some of the following resources:

Your State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Office
Your local VR office can help you secure a job that is in line with your abilities and skills and can help identify job skills training programs.

National Telecommuting Institute (NTI)
One program your VR counselor should look into is the National Telecommuting Institute (NTI). They work with vocational rehabilitation agencies to enable individuals with disabilities to train for and work online. For more information, visit NTI online at http://www.nticentral.org.

Your Local Center for Independent Living (CIL)
CIL offers a range of services to people with disabilities. Most CILs offer employment counseling can refer you to employment programs in your area.

Your State Telework Financial Loan Program
The Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) oversees grant programs that help individuals with physical or mental disabilities obtain employment. One program funded by the RSA is the Telework Financial Loan Program, which assists individuals with disabilities purchase computers and other equipment needed to work from home. To identify the organization that administers the program in your state, contact the RSA office via phone at (202) 245-7468

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