Tech-ing Charge of Your Career with AT | Where It's AT. The Ability Tools Blog.

Starting or returning to work can be a big leap. For people with disabilities, it often comes with unique challenges. But with the right assistive technology (AT) and support from Ability Tools, that leap can lead to lasting success.

Woman wearing headphones using Braille keyboard on computer. She is smiling. Besides text reads: “Where It’s AT – The Ability Tools Blog.” “Tech-ing Charge of Your Career with AT” with “AbilityTools.org” below.

Check out our recent webinar, Campus to Career: Tools to Thrive in the Workplace, where we explore how assistive technology (AT) can support job seekers and employees with disabilities. Below, you’ll find examples of how AT can empower individuals every step of the way from job search to workplace success!

Searching & Applying for Jobs

Finding the right job starts with the right tools. These accessible platforms connect job seekers with inclusive opportunities and support along the way.

Ability Jobs, Getting Hired, and Inclusively Logos

Accessible Job Boards:

Accessible job boards and platforms help connect job seekers with disabilities to inclusive employers, internships, and federal opportunities. Many also include built-in accessibility features and ways to request accommodations.

Ability JOBS – Specifically designed for job seekers with disabilities. Employers posting here are actively seeking to hire people with disabilities.
Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP) – A federal initiative that connects college students and recent grads with disabilities to internships and jobs.
Inclusively & Career-Circle Powered By Getting Hired – These platforms include accessibility features and allow job seekers to disclose accommodation needs directly.
LinkedIn Jobs – Has made progress with screen reader compatibility and captioned videos, plus it’s a powerful networking tool.
USA Jobs – The federal government’s job portal, now includes accessibility tips and features.

Resume & Application Tools

These tools support different ways to complete applications and create resumes, whether you use speech-to-text, alternative input devices, or screen readers.

Application menu displaying logos of text-to-speech applications mentioned in the section.

Speech-to-Text Tools:

Speech-to-text tools let you use your voice to type emails, documents, or messages without needing a keyboard.

Dragon NaturallySpeaking – A highly accurate and powerful speech recognition software.
Otter.ai – Useful for recording conversations or meetings and producing real-time or post-recorded transcriptions
Google Docs Voice Typing – A free, built-in tool in Google Docs.
Gboard (Android) – Google’s free keyboard app includes built-in voice typing, emoji search, multilingual typing, and glide typing features.
Apple Dictation & Microsoft Word & Windows Speech Recognition: Both Apple and Microsoft offer built-in speech recognition.

Person using a keyboard angled on a stand, operating keys by pressing them with a long pointer stick held in their mouth.

Keyboard & Mouse Alternatives:

Keyboard and mouse alternatives offer different ways to control a computer, making it possible for people with various physical needs to type, click, and navigate more comfortably and effectively.

Adaptive keyboards – Keyboards designed with different layouts or features to better fit a person’s physical or cognitive needs.
Keyguards – Plastic covers that help you hit the right keys and avoid accidental presses.
Switches – Buttons that can be used instead of a keyboard or mouse for typing, clicking, or navigating.
Trackballs – A mouse alternative where you roll a ball to move the pointer, requiring less arm movement than a mouse.
Joysticks – A hands-free or low-movement way to control the mouse or navigate around the screen.
Head or Eye Tracking Systems – Lets users move the cursor or make selections using head movements or eye gaze.

Screen Readers & Magnifiers:

Screen readers and magnifiers make computers and mobile devices accessible for people with vision disabilities by reading text aloud or enlarging on-screen content.

JAWS (Job Access with Speech) – One of the most widely used screen readers, especially in workplace settings.
NVDA (Windows) (Non-Visual Desktop Access) – A free, open-source screen reader for Windows.
VoiceOver (Mac/iOS) – Built into all Apple devices like Macs, iPhones, and iPads.
ChromeVox – A screen reader designed for the Chrome browser and Chromebooks.

Want to see JAWS in action? Check out the short video below to learn how this powerful screen reader works and how it can support you in a job search or workplace setting.

Acing the Interview

These tools can help you communicate clearly and build confidence so you’re ready to shine in any interview.

Proloquo2Go application displayed n a iPad, Mac book, iPhone and Apple Watch

Communication Tools:

These tools support clear communication during interviews and on the job, allowing candidates with hearing or speech differences to connect and be understood.

CaptionCall by Sorenson & Google Live Transcribe – Provide real-time captions of spoken words. These tools are especially helpful in phone or video interviews.
AAC Apps like CoughDrop & Proloquo2Go: Support individuals with speech or communication challenges by offering customizable symbols, text-to-speech, and vocabulary sets to express needs, thoughts, and ideas.

Screenshot of the Google Interview Warm-Up website homepage showing practice interview question.

Interview Practice Tools:

These platforms allow job seekers to rehearse responses to common interview questions. These platforms simulate a real interview environment.

Google Interview Warm-Up – A practice tool that helps you get ready for job interviews with sample questions and feedback.
Big Interview – An online platform offering video interview practice and expert tips to boost your confidence.
MyInterviewPractice – A website where you can record and review your interview answers to improve your skills.

Building Skills & Staying Productive

These tools and platforms can help you grow your skills and stay organized as you prepare for your next steps.

Two women working on the computer together.

Accessible Online Learning:

These accessible online learning platforms offer a variety of courses and resources designed to support people with disabilities in building skills for independence, communication, and career success.

LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, Google Digital Garage – Online learning platforms that are focusing on becoming more accessible.
Perkins eLearning – Offers online courses and resources for individuals who are blind or visually impaired, as well as for educators and professionals. Topics support skill-building for independence, communication, and career readiness.

Focus & Organization Apps:

Focus and organization apps support task management and time skills, helping users stay organized and productive.

Timers, reminders, and visual schedules support time management and executive functioning.

Stay tuned for our upcoming blog post, where we’ll dive deeper into resources from the Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) program, the California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR), and the Job Accommodation Network (JAN), all focused on how to access and fund assistive technology for employment success.

Let’s tech your skills and take your career to the next level!