Do you know what cerebral palsy is? And how difficult is it for people suffering from cerebral palsy to find a good job?
They can’t even maintain their work-life balance.
If you have a friend or coworker with such a disability, you should reach out and help them find a good job.
If you’re a person with this condition yourself, it’s the best place to know how to find a job.
Let’s unveil the answers before moving toward the list of jobs for people with cerebral palsy.
What Is Cerebral Palsy, And What Job Can You Do?
Cerebral palsy or CP is a cluster of disorders affecting the ability to move and maintain balance. So that’s why they need support.
This disability starts at a young age; most people have suffered from it since childhood.
The meaning of cerebral palsy is “the paralysis of the brain.” As a result, people with CP find it hard to do daily tasks such as walking and even talking.
With such difficulties, doing a mainstream job isn’t a choice for these people. Instead, they must find a job that best suits their “abilities.”
Let’s take a quick look at some of the best suitable jobs for people with this condition. Here are some of the best jobs for someone with cerebral palsy.
1. Freelance Writing Or Blogging
This job doesn’t need much physical activity, which is good for people with CP.
You can start your blog or website and write about topics that interest you.
Once you’ve built an audience, you can start making money. The earnings will be from ad revenue, affiliate marketing, or paid consultations.
Freelance writing or blogging can be a good fit as you can take breaks whenever you want and rest as you wish!
2. Online Entrepreneur – Jobs For People With Cerebral Palsy
It is another good job for people with CP as you can work from the comfort of your home.
You can start an online business in a niche that excites you and build a customer base through social media. Search engine optimization can also help.
Once you’ve established your business, start making money by selling products online.
You can also offer online consultations or services and make money that way.
So start thinking or hunting about a product or service you want to sell and begin working. This is really one of the best jobs for someone with cerebral palsy.
3. Be A Librarian
Are you a bookworm? You like reading or referring books to your friends, guess what? You can earn money from it.
You can be a librarian and guide people in searching for the books they’re looking for.
You can also help with shelving and organizing the books.
Being a librarian, you can work in a very comfortable environment, surrounded by books. You’ll be just seated in your place, reading a book; that’s how your day will pass.
So start searching for a job at your nearby libraries and put your reading skill to use!
4. Work At A Grocery Store
There are so many jobs for cerebral palsy people, and working at a grocery store is one of them.
So you must think about how a CP person can work in a retail setting.
You can do that easily; you must help customers locate the items they’re looking for.
Keeping track of the items and cleaning the store; only these duties are included.
You can also work as a cashier or bagger and help customers check out their purchases.
So if you’re interested in working at a grocery store, start applying now.
5. IT Support – One Of The Best Jobs For People With Cerebral Palsy
That’s another good job for people with CP as it doesn’t need much physical activity.
You can provide IT support to businesses or individuals remotely.
This job includes troubleshooting computer problems and setting up new hardware or software. You can also provide training to users.
You can also work as a web developer or designer. And build websites or create graphics for businesses.
If you’re interested in working in the IT field, begin with your search today!
6. Engage In Culinary Arts
Are you passionate about cooking? Do you like trying new recipes? If yes, working in the culinary arts can be a good fit.
You can work as a chef, cook, or food critic and earn money from your passion.
You can also start your own catering business or food truck and make money.
You can also start your YouTube cooking channel. Put your innovative recipes to gain views and earn a livelihood.
So start making finger-licking good food and earn money from what you love.
7. Online Teaching
If you have a knack for teaching a subject, you should go for online teaching.
You can teach online courses or provide tutoring services to students.
You can also become an online coach and help people achieve their goals. You can charge hourly or monthly fees for your services.
If you’re interested in teaching, start searching for online teaching jobs today!
There are so many jobs for people with cerebral palsy, and these are only a few.
So don’t let your disability stop you from achieving your dreams. And start searching for a job that suits you best.
How To Find A Job With Cerebral Palsy
A CP condition won’t allow you to drop your resume at many other places. So the best way to search for a job is by using the internet.
1. Online Search
Many job portals can help you find a job according to your skills and abilities.
In addition, you can search for jobs on social media platforms like LinkedIn or Facebook.
Many groups on these platforms provide job opportunities to people with disabilities. Try setting up an email alert on these job portals, so you get notified every time a job is posted.
2. Networking
You can also ask your friends or family to help you find a job. They might know someone looking for someone with your skills and abilities.
You can also join disabled people’s groups and connect with people who can help you find a job.
So start spreading the word that you’re looking for a job. And you’ll be surprised to know what opportunities might pop up.
3. Reach Out To Companies
You can also research companies that are disability-friendly and reach out to them.
Many companies have programs for people with disabilities. You might be eligible for one of those programs.
You can look for such companies online or ask your friends or family if they know any.
Once you find a few companies, you can send them your resume or apply online.
4. Disability Employment Programs
Many government programs provide employment opportunities to people with disabilities.
You can find such programs online or ask your state’s rehabilitation agency. Many states have their programs too.
So if you’re having trouble finding a job, you can try one of these programs and get the help you need.
8 Tips To Manage Work With Cerebral Palsy
Managing the daily routine and work can be more challenging when you have chronic pain.
Although you might sometimes feel tired or give up thoughts, it’s natural, so you don’t have to worry.
Also, you don’t have to manage workplace stress alone. Because your coworkers or employer are responsible for taking care of you!
So even if you’re working in a setting with less or no support, you can survive independently.
Working with cerebral palsy can be difficult, but it’s not impossible. Here are a few tips to help you manage your work:
- Talk to your employer about your CP and what accommodations you need for your job duties. Request them to accommodate you in every possible way.
- Create a daily routine and stick to it as much as possible. That will help you in managing your energy levels and pain. Getting things done on time will make you feel relaxed.
- Try working from home a few days a week, if possible, to avoid the commute and have a relaxed day.
- Take frequent breaks, especially if you’re feeling tired or in pain. You can also ask your employer to provide you with a sit-stand desk or ergonomic chair to reduce the pain.
- Don’t try to do everything independently; delegate some of your tasks to others. That will help you in managing your workload and avoid burnout.
- Find a support group or join an online community for people with CP. It will help you in sharing your experiences and getting advice from others.
- Take short breaks during your work hours to rest and rejuvenate. It can help you in managing your chronic pain or stress level.
- Talk to your doctor about your work situation and ask for advice on managing it.
What Should Employers Do
If you’re an employer, provide a safe workplace for employees with cerebral palsy.
Employers play a very important role in accommodating specially abled employees.
Thus, they should provide the necessary support to help employees perform their duties. Here are some things employers should do for their CP employees.
- Employers should create a safe and healthy work environment for all employees. It includes providing ergonomic furniture and sufficient space to maneuver.
- They should also offer flexible job hours and working-from-home options whenever possible. It can help the employee in managing their daily routine and pain.
- Employers should provide on-site or nearby parking options for employees with CP. It will help the employee in avoiding the pain of walking long distances.
- They should also offer reimbursement for necessary equipment. For instance, adaptive technology or physical therapy.
- Employers should educate employees about CP and how to best support their coworkers.
- Employers should ensure wheelchair availability for employees who can’t walk.
What Jobs To Avoid When You’ve Cerebral Palsy
Some jobs that people with CP should avoid can be very difficult to do.
These include jobs that need physical labor, like construction work or landscaping. People with CP should also avoid jobs requiring them to stand for long periods.
Here’s what you should avoid if you have a cerebral palsy condition.
1. Construction Jobs
First, people with CP should avoid construction work as it involves a lot of physical labor. Because it can be very difficult for people with CP.
Construction jobs like roofing and sheetrock installation can be difficult. You might have to carry heavy equipment.
It can be detrimental to your health, and there is a risk of injury if the person falls from a height.
2. Driver Or Delivery Jobs
People with CP should avoid driver or delivery jobs as they require a lot of sitting, which can be very painful.
It can also be difficult to drive a car if you have CP, as you might not have the full range of motion in your arms.
Also, delivery jobs need you to sit behind the wheel for a very long time; you won’t be able to stretch.
So it’s better to avoid a job where you can’t stand or stretch after some time.
3. Health Care Jobs
You must feel empathetic to work in a health care setting, but it isn’t easy.
Health care jobs are stressful and involve a lot of standing, walking, and lifting.
Also, you’ll be working around the patients, bending or helping them stand up. And that’s not ideal for a person with CP.
It cannot be easy to do all these things if you have CP, as you’ll have to be active most of the day.
Also, there is a risk of infection if you work in a healthcare setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can’t you do with cerebral palsy?
People with cerebral palsy cannot control the movements of their hands or feet. Sometimes the motion is too slow, and at times, it’s jerky and shaky.
So people with CP might not understand things or process information as fast as others.
Can people function with cerebral palsy?
Yes, people with cerebral palsy can function. There are different CP levels, so some people might be more affected than others.
Some people with CP might need to use a wheelchair, while others might be able to walk without help.
Does CP worsen with age?
Cerebral palsy does not usually worsen with age. Yet, some people with CP might develop new problems as they age.
For example, they might develop arthritis or issues with their vision. But in general, CP does not get worse over time.
Does cerebral palsy affect memory?
Cerebral palsy does not usually affect memory. Yet, some people with CP might have problems with attention and focus.
As a result, it can make it difficult to remember things. But generally, CP does not affect memory.
Conclusion
It can be hard to work when you have cerebral palsy, but you can nail your job in the right conditions!
To ensure productivity, employers and coworkers should contribute to helping persons with CP.
Many jobs are available for people with CP, so don’t get discouraged. You have to take care of yourself and avoid strenuous jobs which require lots of physical work.
With the right support in place, you can find a job that’s a good fit for you!
That was all about jobs for people with cerebral palsy. You can share your experience or thoughts in the comment section below. Do you have CP? What job are you doing? Let us know!
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