{"id":5838,"date":"2025-08-12T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-08-12T18:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/?p=5838"},"modified":"2025-09-19T11:16:03","modified_gmt":"2025-09-19T19:16:03","slug":"adulting-with-at-tools-for-your-first-job-beyond","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/adulting-with-at-tools-for-your-first-job-beyond\/","title":{"rendered":"Adulting with AT: Tools for Your First Job &#038; Beyond"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Welcome to the final post in \u201cAdulting with AT,\u201d our blog series following the<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=cLLd7TOcjnc\"> <em>Your Future, Your Tools<\/em> webinar<\/a>!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So far, we\u2019ve covered how AT supports learning and independent living. Now, we\u2019re heading into the workplace, because adulting includes jobs, internships, and launching your career. Whether you\u2019re applying for your first job, starting a new position, or figuring out how to request accommodations, AT can help you thrive on the job. We\u2019ll also introduce you to the <strong>Job Accommodation Network (JAN)<\/strong>, an incredible free resource that helps workers and employers find solutions that actually work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/AT-for-Employment-1.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/AT-for-Employment-1-1024x576.png\" alt=\"A smiling wheelchair user with vibrant purple and pink hair works on a laptop on her lap. Besides text reads: \u201cWhere It\u2019s AT \u2013 The Ability Tools Blog.\u201d  \u201cAdulting with AT: Tools for Your First Job &amp; Beyond\u201d with \u201cAbilityTools.org\u201d below.\" class=\"wp-image-5864\" srcset=\"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/AT-for-Employment-1-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/AT-for-Employment-1-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/AT-for-Employment-1-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/AT-for-Employment-1-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/AT-for-Employment-1-460x260.png 460w, https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/AT-for-Employment-1.png 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">AT That Supports You at Work<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether it\u2019s organizing your tasks, communicating with your team, or staying focused, there\u2019s an AT tool that can help you do your job more comfortably and confidently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot_18-7-2025_145633_www.canva_.com_.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"564\" height=\"371\" src=\"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot_18-7-2025_145633_www.canva_.com_.jpeg\" alt=\"Three colleagues, including a wheelchair user, gathered around a table in a modern office setting.\" class=\"wp-image-5862\" srcset=\"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot_18-7-2025_145633_www.canva_.com_.jpeg 564w, https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot_18-7-2025_145633_www.canva_.com_-300x197.jpeg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 564px) 100vw, 564px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Organization &amp; Productivity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Work can get hectic: emails, meetings, deadlines, and all the little things in between. AT tools can help you stay organized, manage your time, and keep track of what needs to get done without feeling overwhelmed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot_18-7-2025_144633_www.amazon.com_.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"290\" height=\"282\" src=\"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot_18-7-2025_144633_www.amazon.com_.jpeg\" alt=\"Black fidget toy that clicks open and spins.\" class=\"wp-image-5857\" srcset=\"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot_18-7-2025_144633_www.amazon.com_.jpeg 290w, https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot_18-7-2025_144633_www.amazon.com_-50x50.jpeg 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 290px) 100vw, 290px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.etsy.com\/market\/digital_planner\">Digital planners<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/picks\/the-best-task-management-apps\">task management apps<\/a><\/strong> help you stay on top of assignments, projects, or rotating shifts.<\/li><li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/zapier.com\/blog\/best-text-dictation-software\/\">Speech-to-text software<\/a><\/strong> makes it easier to send emails or take notes if typing is tiring or difficult.<\/li><li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.afb.org\/blindness-and-low-vision\/using-technology\/assistive-technology-products\/screen-readers\">Screen readers<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lowvisionsupply.com\/products\/smartlux-digital?variant=44502796271908&amp;country=US&amp;currency=USD&amp;utm_medium=product_sync&amp;utm_source=google&amp;utm_content=sag_organic&amp;utm_campaign=sag_organic&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=21874991642&amp;gbraid=0AAAAApzkNjOg2NEFLAaOaC-OhsyQhITFG&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwvajDBhCNARIsAEE29Wof3nXKte_JFqgvq8KU7urMd5GInIYzKSyUNhSjXWcFwDrXuXDCdZMaAvpBEALw_wcB\">magnifiers<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.freedomscientific.com\/products\/software\/jaws\/\">voice navigation tools<\/a><\/strong> support access to computer systems or websites.<\/li><li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bestbuy.com\/site\/headphones\/noise-cancelling-headphones\/pcmcat1506545802590.c?id=pcmcat1506545802590\">Noise-canceling headphones<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/a.co\/d\/053E5fx\">timers,<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getspeks.com\/collections\/fidget-toys?srsltid=AfmBOopmeA2wbNeUQ9qH8vM7ezrrCl3KMkh3YvJzGWBN73cS3z8DVJJs\">fidget tools<\/a><\/strong> can help manage focus in busy office or open work environments.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Many of these tools can be used discreetly, and most can be set up on your own phone, tablet, or computer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ergonomic Devices<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Comfort and posture matter, especially if you&#8217;re working long hours at a desk, on a computer, or doing repetitive tasks. Ergonomic tools can reduce strain, improve focus, and help prevent pain or injury over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot_18-7-2025_14495_www.canva_.com_.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot_18-7-2025_14495_www.canva_.com_.jpeg\" alt=\"Side-by-side comparison of good and bad sitting posture at a computer desk.\" class=\"wp-image-5859\" width=\"795\" height=\"377\" srcset=\"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot_18-7-2025_14495_www.canva_.com_.jpeg 950w, https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot_18-7-2025_14495_www.canva_.com_-300x143.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot_18-7-2025_14495_www.canva_.com_-768x365.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 795px) 100vw, 795px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are a few <strong>workplace-friendly ergonomic supports<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.logitech.com\/en-us\/ergo\/ergo-products.html\">Ergonomic keyboards and mice<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 Designed to reduce wrist and hand strain, especially helpful for repetitive typing tasks.<\/li><li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wired.com\/gallery\/best-office-chairs\/\">Adjustable chairs<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/relaxtheback.com\/collections\/lumbar-pillows-seat-supports\">lumbar cushions<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 Provide better back support and encourage healthy sitting posture.<\/li><li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/standing-desk\/s?k=standing+desk\">Standing desks<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/deskriser.com\/?srsltid=AfmBOooMdcv24-9fzysK-xkoMt0WB8lqxX3ekO6b4gXon5kbRJ8xy3Ly\">desk risers<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 Offer flexibility to alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day.<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Office-Footrests\/b?ie=UTF8&amp;node=1069198\"><strong>Footrests<\/strong> <\/a>\u2013 Support proper leg alignment and reduce lower back tension when seated.<\/li><li><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/askergoworks.com\/products\/docurite-multi-position-document-holder-writing-slope?srsltid=AfmBOopn6g_WIbZHlMyfPrP31EJ0RUXkI_3ZN035sUp78s9SRSptfAG0U28&amp;gQT=1\">Document holders or slant boards<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 Bring paperwork up to eye level to reduce neck strain while reading or referencing materials.<\/li><li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Wrist-Rests\/b?ie=UTF8&amp;node=705324011\">Keyboard wrist supports<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 Help maintain a neutral wrist position to prevent fatigue or pain.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These tools aren\u2019t just about comfort, they can help you stay more focused, alert, and productive on the job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Getting Accommodations at Work<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You don\u2019t need to figure everything out on your own. That\u2019s where <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/askjan.org\/index.cfm\">JAN<\/a><\/strong> comes in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot_18-7-2025_145029_askjan.org_.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"344\" height=\"135\" src=\"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot_18-7-2025_145029_askjan.org_.jpeg\" alt=\"Job Accommodation Network Logo\" class=\"wp-image-5860\" srcset=\"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot_18-7-2025_145029_askjan.org_.jpeg 344w, https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot_18-7-2025_145029_askjan.org_-300x118.jpeg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 344px) 100vw, 344px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Meet the <a href=\"https:\/\/askjan.org\/index.cfm\">Job Accommodation Network (JAN)<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>JAN is a <strong>free national resource<\/strong> that helps people with disabilities and employers find <strong>workplace accommodations<\/strong> that really work. Whether you&#8217;re unsure what to ask for or your boss has questions about what\u2019s reasonable, <strong>JAN can help.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They offer a range of <strong>free services<\/strong> including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/askjan.org\/contact-us.cfm\">1:1 consultations<\/a><\/strong> where you can speak directly with a specialist about specific workplace needs or scenarios.<\/li><li>They provide clear, up-to-date information on the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.adapacific.org\/\">ADA and related laws<\/a><\/strong>, helping people understand what\u2019s required and what\u2019s possible.<\/li><li>They also do <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/askjan.org\/events\/Training.cfm\">training and outreach<\/a><\/strong>, including webinars and customized presentations for employers and professionals.<\/li><li>JAN\u2019s website is also packed with <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/askjan.org\/resources\/index.cfm\">extensive resources<\/a><\/strong>, including their <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/askjan.org\/sitsol\/index.cfm\">Situations &amp; Solutions Finder<\/a> <\/strong>which gives real examples of accommodations for different disabilities and job roles.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Best part? You don\u2019t have to disclose your disability to them, they\u2019ll help you brainstorm before you talk to your employer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Contact JAN:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Website: <a href=\"https:\/\/askjan.org\/index.cfm\">AskJAN.org<\/a><\/li><li>Voice: 1-800-526-7234<\/li><li>TTY: 1-877-781-9403<\/li><li>Email: <a href=\"mailto:jan@AskJAN.org\">jan@AskJAN.org<\/a> <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Want More Work Tools?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Check out our webinar, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/7cVfe7U9zfo?si=Elw4iGlznk0WMstB\">From Campus to Career: Tools to Thrive in the Workplace<\/a><\/strong>, where we highlight real-world AT examples and workplace scenarios. You can also dive deeper with our follow-up blogs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/tech-ing-charge-of-your-career-with-at\/\">Tech-ing Charge of Your Career with AT<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 Tools for exploring and obtaining employment<\/li><li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/step-into-work-with-the-right-at-support\/\">Step into Work with the Right AT Support<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 Covers funding, training, and self-advocacy resources<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot_18-7-2025_145215_www.canva_.com_.jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot_18-7-2025_145215_www.canva_.com_-1024x573.jpeg\" alt=\"Text reads &quot;Campus to Career: Tools to Thrive in the Workplace&quot; featuring a man using a power wheelchair with adaptive technology, alongside logos for Ability Tools, CFILC, DOR, Ticket to Work, and Advocacy.\" class=\"wp-image-5861\" width=\"822\" height=\"460\" srcset=\"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot_18-7-2025_145215_www.canva_.com_-1024x573.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot_18-7-2025_145215_www.canva_.com_-300x168.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot_18-7-2025_145215_www.canva_.com_-768x430.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Screenshot_18-7-2025_145215_www.canva_.com_.jpeg 1036w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 822px) 100vw, 822px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>These are packed with tips to help you feel more prepared as you transition into the workforce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Starting work is exciting and sometimes overwhelming. <\/strong>That\u2019s totally normal. Whether you\u2019re working in retail, a nonprofit, a tech job, or something else entirely, AT can help reduce barriers and boost your independence. <strong>You\u2019ve got this, and your tools have your back!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Welcome to the final post in \u201cAdulting with AT,\u201d our blog series following the Your Future, Your Tools webinar! So far, we\u2019ve covered how AT supports learning and independent living. Now, we\u2019re heading into the workplace, because adulting includes jobs, internships, and launching your career. Whether you\u2019re applying for your first job, starting a new&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":5864,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[20],"tags":[9,116,97,235],"class_list":["post-5838","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-employment","tag-advocacy","tag-at-resources","tag-employment","tag-support"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5838","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/14"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5838"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5838\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5962,"href":"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5838\/revisions\/5962"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5864"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5838"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5838"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/abilitytools.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5838"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}