Dona Sarkar, the chief engineer at Microsoft, confesses having issues with reading during her school days; she still prefers images over letters and numbers (Source: Microsoft Features)

David Boes, who the New York Times termed as, ‘the lawyer everyone wants, has made his illustrious career despite having dyslexia. (Source: The Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity)

All these living examples of success indicate that intelligence has nothing to do with reading and writing abilities; some dyslexics have been exceptionally intelligent and did great work. It is completely possible for people with learning difficulties to learn courses of their choice, no matter how complex or difficult those are. Also, they can join mainstream society with the help of their skills and stand on their feet by gaining the eligibility needed for various jobs.

Types of jobs available for people with learning disabilities

Most of the success stories highlight the ways the talented people ‘worked around’ their difficulties and achieved their career goals. Things are becoming a bit easier with the availability of accommodations. Thus, dyslexia or any other learning difficulty never cuts down the possibilities. 

Let’s take a look at some of the job opportunities available for people having learning difficulties.

1. Counseling jobs

People with learning difficulties can have the opportunity to work in counseling positions, such as School counselor, School psychologist, Addiction Counselor,  Psychology Counselor, etc.

These positions can help you take home pay packages in the range of $30,000 to $60,000 annually.

Vacancies for Counseling Jobs

• Counseling Trainee- Alvarado Parkway Institute (API), Main Campus, La Mesa, CA

The job requires candidates to assess addiction and mental health issues in patients. Be the active provider of patient treatment plans and carry out documentation work. 

Application Link

• Military and Family Life Counselor-HS Counselor at Leidos

The job involves counseling family members of military personnel to adjust to life’s challenges. It involves providing confidential counseling to manage stress, relationships, and work challenges to promote overall mental well-being. You can apply for the job at the site.

Application Link

2. Restaurant jobs

People with learning difficulties show exceptional creativity because of the unique way their brains work. This creativity can be utilized for working as a Chef, Line Cook, Fast food specialist, Barista, and so on. 

These jobs may fetch you an annual income anywhere between $16,000 and $55,000

Job opportunities available to apply in the restaurants and eateries sector are as below

• Restaurant Host at Applebees

The restaurant Host job is open to all at Applebees. This employer welcomes people with special needs. The responsibilities include greeting the host and directing them to the seat. The employee also has access to 50% of wages weekly.

Apply Here

3. Healthcare jobs

By adopting different ways of learning to pursue their passion and working with the help of accommodations, dyslexics can get jobs in the healthcare sector, which include Nursing assistants, Physical therapy assistants, Massage therapists, Doctors, etc. 

Salary packages vary from $40,000 to $70,000 approx.

Vacancies available

• Manager Healthcare Quality Project Management at CVS

CVS Health continually appoints individuals with various disabilities to responsible positions. The manager healthcare quality project management post encompasses possibilities like monitoring and analysis of HEDIS, and CAHPS claims, and taking up supervision of the Chronic Conditions Improvement Project being run by the organization, etc. 

Application Link

• Registered Nurse, Pediatric Intensive Care at Atlantic Health System

Perform all nursing duties and evaluate care plans for patients as per the doctor’s recommendations. 

Supervise the work of other nurses too, candidate should have the efficiency to handle emergencies and have knowledge of primary aid.

Application Link

4. Managerial and executive jobs

People while working around their learning difficulties and with the help of accommodations, can apply for the jobs such as Marketing Specialist, Human resource manager, Human resource executive, Sales associate, Marketing manager, etc.

The take-home packages of these jobs fall under the range of $40,000 to $60,000 approx. annually.

Available vacancies

• Executive Assistant, Verizon

The candidate is required to assist the MD. Organizing meetings, coordinating travels, handling documentation works, public dealing, etc. are some of the prime responsibilities of the job. Verizon offers Equal Employment opportunities to all.

Application Link

• Project Engineer at Williams

The job requires technical skills and the ability to supervise all phases of engineering projects. Team management, project evaluation, and people management are the core responsibilities of this job.

Application Link

5. Analyst jobs

If you have the zeal to crunch numbers despite the learning difficulties, you can employ your analytical skills in the following jobs:

• Data analyst
• Financial analyst
• Business analyst
• Statistician

You will be scooping an amazing income in the range of $60,000 to $90,000 approx. annually.

Available vacancies

• Analyst, Apple Inc

Designing a financial strategy for Retail and engineering Solutions, collaborating with engineers for resource analysis, etc. are some of the core responsibilities. Apple Inc. offers equal employment opportunities and provides accommodations during the recruitment process on request.

Application Link

• Business Analyst at Amazon Imaging

Take up analysis tasks to make informed business decisions. Track, monitor, and analyze productivity, defect elimination, etc. through root cause analysis, among other responsibilities define the scope of this job.

Application Link

6. Coding jobs

Dyslexics can learn to code and take up jobs, such as Web designer, Computer programmer, UX/UI developer, etc. 

The coding skills are quite in demand and can help you earn annually in the range of $43,000 to $130,000 approx.

Available Vacancies

• Sr. Software Engineer, Microsoft

Cloud computing-based coding using MS Azure stack to help develop scalable solutions as per client expectations. You got to be a coding nerd and have an eye for detail.

Application Link

• Software Developer, S&P Global

Develop digitized products that are of daily use for the clients assigned. Provide mentorship to other new developers and perform roles as allotted from time to time.

Application Link

7. Office jobs

Using expertise in software use, and computer knowledge with the help of work planners, dyslexics, and other people can apply for office jobs too, such as Office Assistant, Office Coordinator, Receptionist, etc. 

Available vacancies

• Training Coordinator, Government of District of Columbia

Coordinating and providing training for first responder activities. Includes research, program designing, and coordinating with trainees and experts as core activities.

Application Link

• Receptionist, Randstad USA

The first contact point at Randstad. Coordinate incoming calls, perform COVID screening on visitors, and direct them to concerned authorities. Organize planned meetings and send reminders to employees and vendors regarding the same. 

Application Link

8. Creative jobs

The different approaches to learning and the ability to do deeper analysis or make brave choices are common to people with LDs. With the help of drawing skills, they can take up jobs such as:

• Concept artist and animator
• Graphic designer
• Editor
• Web designer
• Portrait expert
• Architecture landscaping expert

All these jobs are available in the best companies and offer freelancing opportunities as well. 

Available vacancies

• Interaction Designer, Google

Design experience and interaction with the global population. From conception to execution, participate in the process and develop designs and experiences that appeal to the audiences. 

Application Link

• Landscape Designer, Thomas & Hutton

Put your visualization abilities to work by joining T&H as a landscape designer. You will be required to plan, design, and execute construction plans and make the design compliant with the safety and habitability norms while retaining the aesthetic quotient. 

Application Link

A quick tip: While searching for job opportunities as a person who needs additional support or accommodations, reach out to the companies that are a part of the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) plan. By declaring being an EEO company, the organization confirms that it provides accommodations during the recruitment process and at work.

Schedule a hiring authority for federal jobs – what is it?

The former president of the US, Barack Obama passed Executive Order 13548 which emphasized applying for office jobs and federal jobs despite learning disabilities. As a result, several reforms in the hiring process have been introduced. 

One such arrangement is the Schedule A hiring process. It is a non-competitive hiring process where people with disabilities are considered for federal jobs but with a probation period. During the probation period, they are expected to work with quality at par with general workers. 

Here is how you can prove eligibility for the Schedule A hiring process.

• Have the requisite qualifications for the job you are applying for. Furnish the documents like a degree or diploma certificate to support your candidature.
• Present ‘proof of disability document as asked so that you can get accommodations at work

When and how to disclose a learning difficulty during the recruitment process?

Disclosure in the recruitment context is a formal declaration of the learning disability to seek accommodations for exams, and interviews, and to carry out a normal day at work. 

If you are going through a recruitment agency, the selective placement program coordinator is the authority to whom you should disclose the accommodations needed. 

The right time to disclose a learning difficulty is while applying for a job or a competitive exam. You can also ask for accommodations while appearing for college exams. It helps the coordinators make the requisite arrangements so that you get an equal opportunity to do your best. Hence, disclosing the disability on failing the exam or on receiving the result is not a recommended approach. Authorities don’t consider the request for re-tests if they follow this path.

To disclose the disability, you attach the relevant document along with the application form. You also tick the appropriate columns in the application form meant for furnishing your difficulty when you seek additional support. Learn more about the disclosure process here.

Wrapping up,

Working opportunities are available for those with learning difficulties. The fact that they have the intelligence and creativity needed to perform various tasks requires recruiters to change their mindset and be sensitive to the additional support needs of such people. With the help of accommodations, people with learning difficulties can become active contributors to the country’s economy and live self-sufficiently too.

Pratiksha Bhatt

I am Pratiksha Bhatt, Bachelor of Life Science, and Masters in Management Studies. I have done certification courses in early education counseling. I am a writer, a mother of a child with spelling difficulties which drove me to alternative resources of education like manipulatives and participatory activities. My areas of expertise are learning difficulties, alternative learning methods, and activity-based learning.

The post Top 8 Job opportunities for people with learning disabilities appeared first on Number Dyslexia.

People with intrapersonal intelligence are reflective in nature and focus on their relationship with the self. Often, they are highly analytical and actively try to identify their flaws and work on them. Another important characteristic is that they are emotionally aware and understand how to respect their feelings and motivate themselves. 

What are the beneficial traits of Intrapersonal Intelligence? 

“Face the facts of being what you are, for that is what changes what you are.”

Soren Kierkegaard 

Intrapersonal intelligence can be highly rewarding to a person’s success. Here’s how – 

• Self-Awareness – People with high intrapersonal intelligence are aware of themselves, their interests, skills, and their aim in life. While pursuing a career, these are very important.  
• Versatility – Due to the fact that they are aware of their own self, which is constantly transforming, they are easy adapt to changes. This makes them versatile in the field of work as well. 
• Attentiveness – Intrapersonal intelligence helps a person to be self-reflective, which means that they perfectly understand what they want from life. Therefore, they are motivated in what they do and remain focused on it.
• Emotional Understanding – A person who is aware of themselves and spends time analyzing themselves naturally have a good grasp of emotions. This enables them to be empathetic towards others and help them in need.  
• Independent Thinking – People with intrapersonal intelligence are capable of working on their own due to the kind of peace and confidence they find within. 
• Ability to deal with failure – Having intrapersonal intelligence can be of immense help during failure. This is because people with this kind of intelligence prefer focusing on remedies rather than fixating on the negative aspects. 
• Discipline – Intrapersonal intelligence makes people disciplined. This is because of the clarity that they have regarding their future. Their impeccable focus and motivation help them maintain a routine.
• Confidence – Intrapersonal intelligence enables one to introspect, reflect and deduce what they want and how they want it. This gives a person confidence in their skills and enhances their performance. 

10 careers for people with good intrapersonal intelligence

1. Entrepreneur 

One of the most successful professional fields of the 21st century, entrepreneurship is a promising field for people who have the ability to know themselves and their surroundings well. This is because creating a business from the base requires patience, confidence, maturity, motivation, discipline, and immense courage.

All of these are the central characteristics of a person with intrapersonal intelligence. To attain success in a new venture, one must also be sure of their selves and be dedicated to the cause even at the lowest of times. 

2. Instructor

When someone is capable of being in charge of their own self, it is a sign that they can also manage others well. High intrapersonal intelligence facilitates one to understand others through themselves and help them in reaching their goal.

They can be wonderful guides to people because they are good at understanding people, their dreams, emotions, and motivation. Some of the career options can include Gym instructor, financial advisor, spiritual guide, yoga instructor, personal shopper, and many more. 

3. Author 

To become a writer, one must be consistent and passionate in their area of interest. Before writing comes observing, understanding, and analyzing. This is the reason why people with intrapersonal intelligence have the potential to attain success in penmanship.

Additionally, writers draw inspiration and insights from their own selves and the world around them. Being self-aware and empathetic helps with that as well. Creative blocks are natural and one needs to be capable to gain back confidence and determination. Fiction writer, journalist, poet, non-fiction author, scriptwriter, content writer, and copyeditor are some of the jobs related to writing.

4. Agriculturalist

The growth of crops depends on several factors that are out of human control. To excel in this field, one must be prepared, confident, and self-reliant. There are seasons with an abundant harvest, and then there are the ones with low yields. 

Farming needs discipline and the zeal to survive all odds. Farming technologies are constantly developing, which demands constant change and adaptation. These are the reasons why people need to have high intrapersonal intelligence to be successful as a farmer.

5. Psychologist 

In recent years, the demand for psychologists has sky-rocketed. With more and more people warming up to the idea of taking care of their mental health, this is a high-yielding profession. However, it is a tough job. To help others understand themselves and evaluate the challenges they are facing, the one facilitating it should be aware of themselves first.

Additionally, they should also be empathetic to understand their clients and help them resolve their issues. A person with intrapersonal intelligence, thus, suits the position best.

6. Planner and Manager

Being a planner is a challenging task because it includes taking care of several components simultaneously. Managing is equally tricky and takes a lot of patience and coordination. More importantly, these tasks are often long-term and require consistency.

People with intrapersonal intelligence who are aware of themselves can fit well into this role due to their attentiveness and versatility. Some of the jobs related to this field include – Event planner, personal manager, travel agent, project manager, and librarian.

7. Lawyer

Law is a wonderful area for people with intrapersonal intelligence. It is also a high-paying profession. Working on a case needs a clear vision and a passion for bringing justice to the client. Along with that, skills such as observation, analytical and intuitive thinking, and emotional understanding are also necessary.

Dealing with the justice system requires patience, and the most important thing is having empathy for the client. There are various fields that one can explore such as criminal law, corporate law, civil law, family law, and many more.

8. Researcher

Be it in the field of science, business, or humanities, research is integral for development. People with high intrapersonal intelligence can be excellent at it. This is because the research includes working in a disciplined way within a structure most of the time. On the other hand, it is also essential to think outside the box, make a discovery, and find something brand new which will be of help to the area of study.

9. Career Counsellor

The job of a career counselor entails a massive amount of responsibility. However, a person with high intrapersonal intelligence is capable of taking on this challenge because of their capability to understand people.

They are empathetic toward other people and can rightfully assess their expectations from the future, club it with their skills and guide them in an efficient way. Their confidence also helps clients to gain self-confidence and helps them to be focused. 

10. Social Worker 

To work with people needs resilience and the passion to bring change. A social worker should be capable of understanding situations involving people and communities. A person with high intrapersonal intelligence is both intellectually and emotionally capable of doing these.

Social work can sometimes become challenging as it involves different social and economic aspects. Empathy and determination are, thus, essential skills that are a must when it comes to this profession. 

Conclusion 

People who have high intrapersonal intelligence can excel in diverse fields. Their innate ability to be aware of themselves, understand their passion, and be motivated to achieve something helps in all stages of life. Empathy and emotional understanding facilitate them to work with people and provide valuable assistance and insights. Choosing a suitable career with these traits can help one achieve great success, both in professional and personal life.

Manpreet Singh

An engineer, Maths expert, Online Tutor and animal rights activist. In more than 5+ years of my online teaching experience, I closely worked with many students struggling with dyscalculia and dyslexia. With the years passing, I learned that not much effort being put into the awareness of this learning disorder. Students with dyscalculia often misunderstood for having  just a simple math fear. This is still an underresearched and understudied subject. I am also the founder of Smartynote -‘The notepad app for dyslexia’, 

The post 10 Career Choices For Individuals With High Intrapersonal Intelligence appeared first on Number Dyslexia.

The good news is that having learning difficulties is not the end of the world. Further, we all have heard about people with extraordinary skills and talent to have suffered from difficulty with reading words and numbers, in their early days. The examples like Picasso, the great painter, or Einstein, the great scientist, show that being intelligent, skilled, and gifted, and being dyscalculic or dyslexic are two different things.

As we know Dyslexia and Dyscalculia are learning disorders that make it difficult for children to exchange information through words or numbers, people with these difficulties can find alternatives to communicate through technological innovations like word processors and using Text-to-speech applications, to achieve their daily objectives. As an adult too, there are several fields where dyslexics or dyscalculics can work and earn themselves a promising career.

Let’s take a look at the career choices suitable for dyslexia and dyscalculia where they can employ their creativity and skills.

Career & job options for people with dyslexia

Let’s take a look at some of the promising career choices that can help dyslexics stand on their own feet and make themselves financially independent.

1. Web designer (Average Salary: $36K to $50K)

Designing is one of the areas where people have to show their visual perception skills. It is found that the creative abilities of dyslexics are quite prominent. Their thinking abilities allow them to visualize shapes, color combinations, etc. in a way superior manner.

That is why; they can make designing-focused jobs as safe career options for themselves. Web designing, where most of the work is focused on building templates and visual designing work, offers the dyslexics a wholesome stream for utilizing and displaying their talent.

2. Space Scientist (Average Salary: $81K)

Love for Physics, instruments, and stars helped overcome Maggie Aderin-Pocock, space scientist and physicist Dyslexia. She completed her education as high as a Ph.D. and then moved on to become a noted space scientist.

This inspiring story is strong enough to show there is no place for learning difficulties when the mind is ready to take on challenges. A dyslexic can work in NASA or other space research agencies of the world and get paid handsomely. A sense of achievement and participation in projects of national interest has no match.

3. Neurologist (Avg Salary: $2,20,000-$3,06,000 annually)

The love for brain science and the nervous system can make a person with Dyslexia work hard as a neurologist. They make use of word processors to complete their education (just in case you are wondering how they attain a degree for such a complex field) and have the support of assistants to enable the written communication required to do with the patients. Thus, despite learning difficulties, they can make a stable career for themselves as a neurologist.

4. Landscape Artist (Average Salary: $38K-$64K)

This artist is in high demand among recruiters who need specialists in home architecture. Those, who want their houses and their external portions to have a character, employ architects who can create engaging landscaping designs for their properties.

Their visualization skills are needed to get this job done in a result-oriented manner. Since there is a lot of planning, visualizing, and creating involved, the dyslexics find these jobs quite satisfying. They become financially independent when they find competition for routine desk jobs to be too overwhelming.

5. Surgeon (Average Salary: $396,767, as per September 2020 records)

A report published in IST Training, South East of Scotland Programme^[1], suggests that about 10% of medical students taking training as surgeons had been diagnosed with dyslexia in their school days. The inclusive model of Scotland University that offered adjustments in educational assessments allowed dyslexic students to have extra time in exams, or have an education support tutor, extra revision time, library loans, etc. Thus, dyslexics evidently can take jobs as a surgeon, if they have found their natural calling in medical science.

Career & job options for people with dyscalculia

If math and numbers sound like insurmountable challenges to you, it does not mean that you will have to depend on others all your life. There are jobs with No Math, which can utilize your talent and skills, and carve a niche with financial independence for yourself.

1. Lawyer or Judge (Average Salary:  $120,910)

A judge in the court or lawyer in any firm is not appointed on the basis of math skills, but on argument skills and on the basis of knowledge of law or work done in this field. Of course, you may choose to share your learning difficulty with colleagues to get help when needed. The passion for law and its enforcement can drive you to make a career in this field even if you have dyscalculia.

2. Photojournalist (Average Salary: $65,878)

Photography is one such field where your visualization and camera knowledge earn you the bucks. How to pick a shot or frame people and things, the rule of nine, and the use of a tripod, lens, aperture, props, etc. are some of the essentialities of becoming a photographer; this profile has no math anywhere to be seen in use. So, opt for a feature photographer or photojournalist in a magazine, or a newspaper, where your contribution will be required and recognized.

3. Life Science Research Scholars (Average Salary: $51K to $72K depending upon the job profile)

The love for life science can be your driving force to help you forget about dyscalculia and do the real work required to become a biologist. If you are still not convinced, you can take inspiration from Charles Darwin, the famous naturalist who hated math and was very slow in it.

The role of a biologist or life science research scholar is instrumental in making new discoveries, which can be helpful in improving the quality of human life. So, dyscalculia is not to be dreaded, only a way around is to be worked out to make a successful career as a research scholar.

4. Professor (Average Salary: $63K)

Your life as a dyscalculic can be your strength and can win you the job of a professor in the stream of your choice. Many people with Dyscalculia have managed to continue with their academic dreams and earned higher degrees, which made them eligible for the post of a professor in a college or university. So, having a zeal to learn and excel in the academic field can be your driving force when the world around is busy branding you as stupid because of your specific learning difficulty.

5. Social Media Manager (Average Salary: $50K)

Social media is the most trusted promotion platform these days. All businesses need to have a social media presence to drive their numbers. Dyscalculia cannot come in your way of becoming a social media manager when you have focused your attention on other strengths required for this post. You may not be good with numbers, but with understanding people’s expectations and marketing models. So, you can leverage these strengths to create a successful career as a social media manager.

To conclude,

Learning difficulties cannot come your way to creating success stories as scientists or holders of high-paying jobs of any other kind. All you need is to search more extensively and with an open mind. Identify your true strengths instead of feeling overwhelmed by difficulties related to learning, and support yourself with a reliable career choice.

References:-

1. The Dyslexic Surgeon, a report published in IST training, East Scotland Program

Manpreet Singh

An engineer, Maths expert, Online Tutor and animal rights activist. In more than 5+ years of my online teaching experience, I closely worked with many students struggling with dyscalculia and dyslexia. With the years passing, I learned that not much effort being put into the awareness of this learning disorder. Students with dyscalculia often misunderstood for having  just a simple math fear. This is still an underresearched and understudied subject. I am also the founder of Smartynote -‘The notepad app for dyslexia’, 

The post Best suited Career Options & Jobs for people with dyslexia & dyscalculia appeared first on Number Dyslexia.