As a person with a learning disability (LD), how can you leverage your strengths to find a job that you enjoy or improve the one that you have? Explore this section for tips on conducting an effective job search, being successful in the workplace, and disclosing your LD status to colleagues.
Being dyslexic has affected my entire life, however I was never more aware of the extent of my disability until I entered the work force. After being diagnosed with dyslexia in the third grade, I was lucky enough that my parents transferred me to a school that understood the challenges of... More >
We have developed a new e-book, Getting a Job 101, filled with resources and tools that will help you find the job you love to enjoy. We will also prepare you for challenges that may arise in the workplace as a result of having a learning disability. More >
Taking a closer look at your interests and abilities can help you make better choices whenever you're faced with big decisions regarding the future. Before setting your goals, it's a good idea to think about what you enjoy doing most, what you're good at, and how challenges that lie a... More >
Many of your strengths and abilities are "marketable." This means that they are of value to employers. Your marketable skills can be applied to specific jobs. Employers will want you to have both job-specific skills and the right disposition and interpersonal skills to adapt to the wo... More >
Everyone brings different strengths and talents to their job. However, it is also fair to say that individuals with and without LD will find certain job-related tasks to be difficult and even problematic. The following is a list of some of the specific ways that your learning disabil... More >
Two excellent ways to explore your career interests and learn a specific trade are internships and apprenticeships. Both experiences allow you to observe and assist working people. Most offer valuable training that will help you learn the skills required for a particular job or career... More >
You’ve gotten a job. Congratulations! Here are some suggestions for working around your learning disability so you can become a productive, valued worker.
Telling your boss about your learning disability is called disclosure. Disclosure is entirely up to you, so consider the pros ... More >
Employers use job interviews to get a better sense of whether the applicant is a good fit for the job. The interview is also an opportunity to learn about the specific job responsibilities, the employer, and the work climate. It is an opportunity for you to determine if the position... More >
Congratulations! You’ve gotten the job. Now the question is: Do you disclose your LD or keep it to yourself? There are arguments on both sides. Many adults fear that if they disclose their LD to their supervisor, they will no longer be trusted to take on important projects. Others ... More >
Here are some typical job problems which cause difficulty for people with learning disabilities, such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, or dysgraphia.They are followed by possibilities for reasonable accommodations:Job problem: You have severe difficulty reading.Possible accommodations:
As... More >
Many employers will ask you to complete a job application. Your application gives the employer important information about you, including your contact details (address, telephone number, email address, etc.), education, skills, and job history. Sometimes you’ll fill out the applicat... More >
To identify jobs that use your skills and abilities, try the following:
Check the Occupational Outlook Handbook. This guide allows you to explore information about many different careers.
Read the "Help Wanted" ads in newspapers to find jobs that might tap your strengths and ski... More >
A job interview can be a stressful event. There are, however, ways that you can prepare yourself for the experience.
Use this downloadable worksheet to think about – and to write down – your answers to typical job interview questions. You might also try role-playing with a fa... More >
If you have been called for a job interview, congratulations! Your resume, letter, or phone call has gotten the employer interested in you. Your interview will allow the employer to get a better sense of whether you’re a good fit for the job. The interview is also your opportunity t... More >
Understanding Your Strengths
The ideal job allows you to tap your areas of strength on a regular basis. Knowing what you do best (and how you can circumvent the challenges of LD) can help you to succeed in the workplace.
Your strengths are generally tied to your interests.... More >
Do learning disabilities (LD) affect your life? Whether you are a parent of a child with LD, an adult with LD, an educator, or an LD professional, there’s a place for you in the world of LD advocacy. There are many aspects to advocacy, which you can learn about in this guide, but al... More >
A resumé is a one- or two-page summary of your skills, achievements, education, and work experience. You send a resumé when you are applying for a specific job or when you are inquiring about openings at a company.Most people — whether or not they have a learning disability — s... More >
Looking for more information? Check out our “Adults with LD” section on LD.org, in addition to videos and podcasts on all aspects of learning disabilities. Here are some more resources to help find – and find success in – a job you love. The 411 on Disability Disclosure: Publi... More >
It used to be that job seekers would simply open their local newspaper, search for openings in the Help Wanted section, and mail out a slew of resumés and cover letters to potential employers. But that approach is rarely effective these days. The vast majority of job listings can now... More >
Whether you’re responding to a specific job opening or simply writing to express interest in working at a company, you should send a cover letter along with your resumé. The main purpose of your cover letter is to direct the reader to your resumé, but it is also a sales pitch in i... More >