Career Guide for Students with Disabilities

Strategies for Career Success for Students with Disabilities

Overview

To be successful in your job and internship search, you must have a strategy. We recognize that students with disabilities (visible and non-apparent) might face different challenges in the job search process that other students don’t encounter. Some common challenges include: if and when to disclose a disability, knowing if and when a job accommodation is necessary, requesting accommodations for an initial interview, how to address questions regarding disability in an interview, and asking for workplace accommodations - just to name a few.

Just as the Office of Accessible Education (OAE) supports Santa Clara University students with disabilities in successfully achieving their academic goals, the Career Center is here to support all students and recent alumni in reaching their career goals. With that objective in mind, the Career Center has created this guide to help you be prepared to navigate your job search as a student with a visible or non-apparent disability. Follow the recommendations and use the resources provided to build your confidence and achieve your career goals!

NOTE: Throughout this guide, we also highlight resources for veterans who may have become disabled while serving in the military.

A Note About Disability Disclosure

Disclosing your disability is an individual and personal choice. There is no obligation to disclose disability-related information to an employer unless you need a pre-employment accommodation or an accommodation once you’ve secured the position.
If, when, how, and to whom to disclose your disability can depend on many factors.
The Job Accommodation Network (JAN), the Office of Disability Employment Policy and CareerOneStop provide helpful information and tips regarding disability disclosure.

Overall Recommendations

Use this guide in conjunction with our other career guides so that you follow the same useful preparation and job search strategies that apply to all students regardless of disability.
Also, check out our Career Resources Directory for Diverse Populations by visiting the sections for Neurodiverse Persons / Persons with Disabilities and Veterans.
The Career Center has a commitment to keep your information confidential. You are not required to disclose your disability to the Career Center. Staff cannot inquire about student disability or accommodation status, unless that information is shared by the student first. OAE is also not able to share this information with Career Center staff. If you choose to meet with one of our career coaches, it may be beneficial to disclose that you have a disability for some the following reasons:
- Some students may need an accommodation to attend a meeting with a member of our staff. Examples might include: a student needing low lighting, someone with an allergy to fragrance, or maybe making eye contact is challenging for a student. Our office takes these and other accommodation requests seriously, so please reach out in advance of an appointment so we can ensure you have a great experience while visiting our office, working with our staff or attending our programs.
- Your disclosure allows us to assist you most effectively during appointments by addressing concerns you may have and pointing out resources you may not have considered.

Educate Yourself and Know the Law

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is civil rights legislation that was passed in 1990. It prohibits the discrimination of people with disabilities in many areas of public life and includes five sections or titles. Title I - Employment addresses the laws surrounding the employment of people with disabilities.
States can have different requirements related to the ADA. These requirements often provide broader protection against discrimination for individuals with disabilities. For example, the federal requirements of Title I - Employment generally apply to employers with 15 or more employees. In California, the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) lowers that number to five. So, you can see the importance of knowing the laws that govern the state where you will be working.
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is the agency that provides oversight on compliance with Title I - Employment of the ADA and offers guidance on knowing your employment rights: “Your Employment Rights as an Individual with a Disability”.

Accommodations in the Workplace

Just as academic accommodations remove barriers so people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else in the classroom, workplace accommodations do the same for employees at work.
You may need accommodations as part of the application process as well as on the job. Employers who fall under the requirements of the ADA are required to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities so they can participate in the application process and perform their job.
The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) provides free, expert and confidential advice and resources regarding workplace accommodations for employers and individuals with visible and non-apparent disabilities. Check out the extensive resources provided on the JAN website.

Job Boards

AbilityJOBS — One of the largest job sites for people with disabilities.
AbilityLinks — A leading web-based community for job seekers with disabilities, Veterans, and inclusive employers.
CareerOneStop — An integrated suite of national websites helping job seekers, students, employers and career professionals find employment and career resources.
Disability:IN — An organization offering internship programs for students with disabilities, including the LEAD Internship Program and the Disability:INtern Fellowship.
DisabledPerson — A non-profit organization that operates a national job board for individuals with disabilities and veterans.
DisabilityJobs.net — A job board of employment opportunities at the technology company Mitratech - part of the company’s broader commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce.
EntryPoint — An organization connecting students with disabilities to internships in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields.
Lime Connect — A leading resource for top talent in the disability space, offering a variety of internship opportunities for students with disabilities.
Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP) — A partnership between the U.S. Department of Labor and the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) that helps college students with disabilities find internships and jobs.

Name of Job Board	Description of Job Board
AbilityJOBS	One of the largest job sites for people with disabilities.
AbilityLinks	A leading web-based community for job seekers with disabilities, Veterans, and inclusive employers.
CareerOneStop	An integrated suite of national websites helping job seekers, students, employers and career professionals find employment and career resources.
Disability:IN	An organization offering internship programs for students with disabilities, including the LEAD Internship Program and the Disability:INtern Fellowship.
DisabledPerson	A non-profit organization that operates a national job board for individuals with disabilities and veterans.
DisabilityJobs.net	A job board of employment opportunities at the technology company Mitratech - part of the company’s broader commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce.
EntryPoint	An organization connecting students with disabilities to internships in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields.
Lime Connect	A leading resource for top talent in the disability space, offering a variety of internship opportunities for students with disabilities.
Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP)	A partnership between the U.S. Department of Labor and the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) that helps college students with disabilities find internships and jobs.

Select Employer Programs

Below are some examples of programs that are specific to candidates with disabilities:

Publications

Resources for Veterans

Job Boards for Veterans:

Publications for Veterans:

Additional Campus Resources

Disabled Student Union (DSU) — The DSU is a student-led organization at SCU focused on building community for students with disabilities and chronic conditions, promoting disability awareness and advocacy on campus and supporting neurodiversity and accessibility initiatives. Follow DSU on Instagram at @dsu_scu to discover more information.

Disability and Chronic Illness Network (DCIN) — The DCIN is an employee resource group for SCU faculty and staff to support and celebrate people with disabilities. The network meets one to two times per quarter to empower members, provide a space for mentoring/co-mentoring and support, and foster a more accessible and inclusive SCU community. For more information, please contact Noel Kreidler (skreidler@scu.edu) from the Career Center.

Explore the Santa Clara Network

Bronco Exchange is an exclusive and easy-to-use platform that connects Santa Clara University students, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends in a global, virtual community. Whatever your student's goals, there’s a Bronco in their corner ready to help.

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Students with Disabilities