12 Jobs For People With Intellectual Disabilities + Surviving

Disability is one thing, but intellectual disability leads to a whole different level of challenges in life. Jobs for people with intellectual disabilities are not some mythical thing that doesn’t exist.

Intellectual disabilities can make it difficult to find and maintain employment. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Here we discuss some jobs for intellectually disabled adults.

12 Jobs For People With Intellectual Disabilities

People with intellectual disabilities can work in several different fields. Here are some examples:

1. Food Industry:

The food industry offers plenty of opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities. Many entry-level positions don’t require much experience or education.

For instance, they can work in fast food restaurants, delis, and cafeterias. They can also work in food manufacturing and food preparation.

Their duties might include packaging food, cleaning, and stocking shelves.

Moreover, the food industry is great for socializing and making friends. They don’t have to worry about being judged or discriminated against because of their disability.

Food chains like McDonald‘s and Subway have special programs. They help people with intellectual disabilities find employment.

Also, KFC is one of the best places to work for disabled people.

2. Retail Industry:

Retail jobs are another great option for people with intellectual disabilities. Like the food industry, there are many entry-level positions available in retail.

People with intellectual disabilities can work as sales associates, cashiers, or stock clerks. Their duties might include helping customers, ringing up purchases, and stocking shelves.

Many retail stores have special programs. They help people with intellectual disabilities find employment. For instance, there is a program called “The AbilityOne Program.”

It helps people with intellectual disabilities find jobs in US. Retail does not need many educational requirements.

Bagging groceries is also a common entry-level job. People with intellectual disabilities can work in grocery stores or supermarkets.

3. Janitorial And Maintenance:

Janitorial and maintenance jobs include a wide range of responsibilities. People with intellectual disabilities can work as janitors, cleaners, or maintenance workers.

Their duties might include sweeping floors, cleaning bathrooms, or fixing things.

Also, many janitorial and maintenance jobs don’t need a lot of experience or education. So, they’re a great option for people with intellectual disabilities.

Their work is important because it helps keep buildings clean and safe. And when they do a good job, it can make people’s lives better.

Also, it is not a challenging job. So people with intellectual disabilities can do it without much problem.

4. Administrative And Clerical:

Administrative and clerical jobs have a lot of responsibility. But people with intellectual disabilities can handle them if given a chance.

People with intellectual disabilities can work as administrative assistants or office clerks. Their duties might include answering phones, filing paperwork, or data entry.

These jobs can be challenging. However, the main hurdle in these kinds of employment is training.

As most of these jobs require the use of computers and other machines. People with intellectual disabilities might need special training to use them.

5. Manufacturing:

Manufacturing jobs do not need many educational requirements. People with intellectual disabilities can work in factories or assembly lines.

Their duties might include putting things together, painting, or packaging products.

These jobs can be repetitive and boring. But they’re a great option for people with intellectual disabilities.

People with intellectual disabilities might need some on-the-job training to do these jobs. But once they’re trained, they can do them well.

Also, they need assistance from the managers and other employees. However, they should not go near any dangerous machines so that they don’t hurt themselves.

Constant supervision is necessary for these kinds of jobs.

6. Landscaping And Horticulture:

Landscaping and horticulture have many entry-level positions. For example, people with intellectual disabilities can work as gardeners or landscapers.

Their duties might include planting, watering, or trimming plants. These jobs can be challenging because of the physical labor.

But they’re a great option for people with intellectual disabilities. The work is important because it helps make our world more beautiful.

Nature can be calming and therapeutic. So, these jobs can be good for people with intellectual disabilities.

They need, however, to be careful of the poisonous plants and bugs. And they need to remember the information about seeds, plants, and watering schedules.

7. Assembly And Packaging:

Assembly and packaging jobs are available in many industries. For example, people with intellectual disabilities can work in factories or warehouses.

Their duties might include putting things together, painting, or packaging products.

Manufacturing companies often have entry-level positions in assembly and packaging. So, they’re a great option for people with intellectual disabilities.

But other companies, too, have these kinds of entry-level positions. For example, electronic companies, toy companies, and food companies.

People with intellectual disabilities might need to get training accordingly. But they can do so with some assistance and support.

8. Greeting Card And Gift Wrapping:

Greeting cards and gift wrapping jobs are usually seasonal. But they’re a great option for people with intellectual disabilities.

They can work in stores or companies making greeting cards or gifts.

Their duties might include wrapping gifts, making cards, or decorating items.

These jobs can be fun and creative. And they’re a great way to make extra money during the holidays.

People with intellectual disabilities might need some help to do these jobs. But they can usually learn with some guidance.

9. Dining Services:

Dining services jobs are available in many places. For example, they can work in restaurants, cafes, or catering companies.

Their duties might include serving food, cleaning tables, or washing dishes.

Dining services jobs can be challenging. Apart from physical labor and demanding customers, there is risk of getting injured.

People with intellectual disabilities need to be careful while working these jobs. They should get proper training and guidance.

10. Dry Cleaning:

Dry cleaning is a service needed by many people. People with intellectual disabilities can work in dry cleaning businesses.

Their duties might include cleaning clothes, pressing clothes, or delivering dresses.

Dry cleaners have a lot of machines that can be dangerous. So, people with intellectual disabilities must be careful while working in these businesses.

They should get proper training and guidance before working with the machines.

And once they’re trained, they can do a great job in dry cleaning.

11. Caring For Animals:

Animal shelters, kennels, and pet stores always need people to take care of the animals. People with intellectual disabilities can work in these places.

Their duties might include feeding animals, walking dogs, or cleaning cages. Caring for animals can be a really rewarding job.

And it’s a great option for people with intellectual disabilities. However, they need to be careful while working with the animals. And they should get proper training before they start working.

Once they build a rapport with the animals, they can do a great job in caring for them.

12. Sorting And Delivering Mail:

The postal service always needs people to sort and deliver mail. Their duties might include sorting mail, delivering mail, or selling stamps.

People with intellectual disabilities can work in the postal service. They need to be able to follow simple instructions.

A postal service is a great option for people with intellectual disabilities. It’s a secure job with good benefits. It’s a job that can help people with intellectual disabilities be more independent.

So these are some of the best jobs for people with intellectual disabilities.

How To Survive Everyday With Intellectual Disabilities

Intellectual disabilities can make everyday life challenging. But there are ways to make it easier. Here are some tips:

1. Get Organized:

One of the best ways to survive every day with intellectual disabilities is to get organized. Make a schedule and stick to it. This will help you stay on track and make the most of your day.

You might not be reading this article if you had an intellectual disability. However, for someone in your life who has it, getting organized is an important key to success.

2. Use A Planner:

Another way to stay organized is to use a planner. This can help you keep track of your appointments, deadlines, and tasks. A planner can also help you stay on track with your goals.

For instance, if you’re working on a goal of getting a job, you can use your planner to track your progress. This can help you stay motivated and on track.

3. Set Priorities:

It’s important to set priorities when you have intellectual disabilities. You must figure out what’s most important to you and focus on that.

For instance, if your goal is to get a job. Your priority should be to find a job that’s a good fit for you.

You can use your planner to help you set priorities. This can help you stay on track and focus on what’s most important to you.

4. Take Your Time:

One of the best things you can do is to take your time. Intellectual disabilities can make it difficult to move fast. So, it’s important to take your time and not rush things.

This can help you avoid mistakes and stay on track. It’s important to take breaks throughout the day. This will help you stay focused and avoid getting overwhelmed.

Just make sure you get back on track when you’re ready.

5. Find A Support Group:

Finding a support group for people with intellectual disabilities can be helpful. This can provide you with valuable resources and support.

It can also be helpful to talk to other people with intellectual disabilities. They can understand what you’re going through and offer practical advice.

Conclusion:

Jobs for people with intellectual disabilities are important. They provide people with disabilities an opportunity to lead a more independent life.

There are many different types of jobs for people with intellectual disabilities. The best position for such people depends on their skills, interests, etc.

People with intellectual disabilities can work in a variety of industries.

Last Updated on 5 months by