Myth 1: I Can't Work

My doctor and other important people in my life have told me that I cannot work. They say it is too stressful and may make my condition worse.

It is true that your disability may affect the kinds of jobs you can do and the hours you are able to work. However, with the right preparation and support, many people with disabilities are succeeding at jobs that are satisfying and meaningful to them.

It is common to have fears about your ability to work. You may be nervous about leaving your house, getting to and from work, having new work-related expenses, and handling your new work schedule. It is normal to worry about these things, but there are many resources and laws that will help you.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a civil rights law that makes it illegal for employers to discriminate against people with disabilities if they are qualified for a job. This includes all areas of employment, such as interviewing, hiring, firing, training, promotions, and benefits. Often, with reasonable accommodations you can be successful at more jobs than you may have thought possible. The ADA says that employers must offer reasonable accommodations, so that you can do your job. These accommodations vary from person to person, depending on each person’s needs and job setting. The State of Georgia ADA Coordinator's Office explains the history and spirit of the ADA and answers frequently asked questions about the ADA.

Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency

The Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency can help you prepare for, find, and keep work. The services vary, depending on each person’s needs. GVRA works with you to figure out which services you need. You and a GVRA counselor develop a plan to help you reach your work goals. If you get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), GVRA is also an example of an agency where you can use your Ticket to Work. To apply for services, contact your local Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA).

Job Counselor

A job counselor or coach is a person who offers on-site training that lets you learn and do your job, helping you to adjust to the work environment. A job counselor can help you with work-related problems, like how to talk to your boss about questions you have on the job and what accommodations you may need. You might have a job counselor through your Ticket to Work program, the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA), or through another agency.

Disability Disclosure

People with disabilities often wonder if they should tell potential employers about their disability. And, if they do, should they talk about their disability during the interview, when they get a job offer, or after they have been hired? According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the only time you have to disclose your disability is if you need to request a reasonable accommodation from your employer to perform an essential function of your job. However, there are other reasons you may want, or not want, to disclose your disability. These vary from person to person and from situation to situation.

There are times when you may have no choice about disclosing your disability. For example, you may need to ask if the interview location is accessible or you may need an interpreter for the interview. If that’s the case, you need to carefully write a disclosure statement to the employer. Remember to focus on your abilities, not your disabilities.

For more information, you can contact the Job Accommodation Network (JAN). JAN offers information and one-on-one consultations about workplace accommodations. Learn more about JAN.