Abled Workers Unite
DoD Celebrates Employees with Disabilities
• The Department of Defense (DoD) honored 14 civilian employees with disabilities at the 26th Annual DoD Disability Awards.
• The event, hosted by David S. C. Chu, highlighted the DoD's commitment to assisting disabled individuals in achieving their full potential.
• The DoD employs over 5,000 people with severe disabilities, representing almost 1% of its civilian workforce.
• The article references the theme for National Disability Employment Awareness Month, "Americans with Disabilities: Ready for the Global Workforce."
• The DoD also supports programs for wounded service members and provides resources to help them succeed.
https://www.dvidshub.net/news/540752/dod-civilians-prove-disability-no-handicap
May 2025 Job Report
May Summary:
Job postings at 2.94 million declined 9.2% in May from April and declined 13.5% from May 2024
Technology postings increased 3% in May compared to April and were up 16% vs. May 2024
Fill days were 49.3 days - up from 45 days last month
Mid-posted compensation slightly increased .5% in May from last month to $67,000
Transportation comp increased 3.3% in May
Industry sectors experiencing an unmet demand trend include: Professional Services, Construction and Financial Services. #AWU #disability #jobs
"Resume Information "
AI Bias in Resume Screening Disadvantages Disabled Applicants
• A 2024 study revealed that ChatGPT-4 exhibits bias against resumes highlighting disability-related achievements, penalizing applicants who mention them.
• The AI model often disadvantages "enhanced" resumes, showing both direct ableism through explicit negative language and indirect ableism by drawing irrelevant disability conclusions.
• GPT-4 minimizes leadership credentials, frames advocacy as detracting from technical skills, and biases narrative structure, portraying disability-related research as "narrow."
• This bias stems from stereotypes in its training data, demonstrating that without correction, AI can perpetuate systemic ableism in resume filters, potentially justifying bias under the guise of objectivity.
https://www.ere.net/articles/thumbs-down-for-disability-ai-bias-in-resume-screening
"Resume Tip"
Don't let AI gatekeepers keep you from your dream job!
Here are the best practices to get your resume past artificial intelligence screening software:
Keywords are King: Analyze the job description and incorporate exact keywords from the listing into your resume, especially in your summary, skills, and experience sections. Think hard skills, soft skills, and industry buzzwords.
Keep it Simple & Clean: AI prefers straightforward formatting.
No fancy stuff: Avoid graphics, images, tables, text boxes, headers, or footers.
Standard Fonts: Stick to professional, readable fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
Common Section Headings: Use clear, traditional headings like "Work Experience," "Education," and "Skills."
Bullet Points: Use concise, action-oriented bullet points to describe achievements.
Tailor Each Application: This is CRITICAL. Every job description is unique, and your resume should reflect that. Customize your resume to match the specific requirements of each role you apply for.
Spell it Out: If you use acronyms (e.g., SEO, CRM), write out the full term first, then follow with the acronym in parentheses (e.g., Search Engine Optimization (SEO)).
Quantify Your Achievements: Numbers speak volumes! Instead of just listing duties, quantify your impact with metrics (e.g., "Increased sales by 20%," "Managed a budget of $500K").
Choose the Right File Type: While PDFs are becoming more readable, a .docx (Microsoft Word) file is often the safest bet for ATS compatibility.
Proofread Meticulously: Typos and grammatical errors can confuse AI and immediately flag your resume.
By following these tips, you'll significantly increase your chances of your resume landing in the hands of a human recruiter! #AWU #disability #ResumeTips #AIScreening #JobSearch
Disabled Amazon Workers Allege Systemic Discrimination
• Disabled corporate workers at Amazon are accusing the company of systemic discrimination, including denying accommodation requests and suppressing organizing efforts.
• Workers claim Amazon uses AI in an automated or semi-automated way to deny accommodation requests, potentially violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• A letter from over 200 disabled workers to Amazon executives cited issues with return-to-office mandates, accommodation procedures, and accessibility.
• Employees allege that their attempts to organize on Slack were suppressed, with messages and a petition removed by the company.
• Amazon disputes the allegations, stating it respects employees' rights to organize and that its disability and leave services team ensures access to accommodations, denying the use of AI in the process.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/30/disabled-amazon-workers-discrimination
Top 5 Jobs for People with a Mobility Disability in 2025
Customer Support Specialist
Remote, flexible, and communication-driven—perfect for empathetic problem-solvers. Skills: Communication, patience, tech-savviness.Content Creator / Writer
From blogs to technical docs, writing offers independence and creativity. Skills: Writing, research, storytelling.Software Developer / Web Designer
Code from anywhere. Accessible tools and remote teams make this a top choice. Skills: Programming, UX/UI, problem-solving.Data Analyst
Turn numbers into insights—all from a screen. High demand, high impact. Skills: Excel, SQL, critical thinking.Administrative Assistant (Remote)
Organize, schedule, and support—all without commuting. Skills: Organization, communication, time management.
These roles thrive in remote-first environments, with assistive tech and inclusive employers leading the way.
#AWU DisabilityInclusion #AccessibleCareers #RemoteWork #MobilityDisability #Career2025 #InclusiveWorkplace
"Job Search Tip"
Giving Up Too Easily
Ultimately, it's important to remember that job hunting isn't as easy or simple as it looks. Most people lose motivation when they don't get a callback from the companies they applied to; it's a very natural, albeit tough part of finding the right role. Take your time, polish your skills, expand your job title search, and remember that it has been said by many that "it is a full time job to get a full time job". Above all, don't lose hope. You only need One yes! #AWU #disability #jobs
"Job Descriptions"
Buzz Words Caution! "We are like Family"
While this phrase is meant to suggest a collaborative, supportive work environment, it can also be a warning sign that the company expects employees to go above and beyond without additional pay or clear boundaries. This phrase is a red flag for all kinds of blurred boundaries, including an "unspoken pressure to prioritize the company over yourself." #AWU #disability #jobs
"Job Search Tip"
Are you Overly Selective in your Job Search? Job seekers who limit themselves to specific titles or industries may struggle to secure opportunities. Employers value adaptability, and overlooking roles that provide transferable skills can prolong the job search.
Expanding job criteria, considering remote or contract work, and balancing aspirations with practicality can improve prospects. By remaining flexible and open-minded, candidates can increase their chances of finding meaningful work while advancing toward their long-term goals.
You should apply even if you meet only about 50% of the listed requirements, especially if the role excites you and aligns with your long-term goals.
Here’s why:
The “Standard” Is More Flexible Than You Think Job descriptions are wish lists, not checklists. Employers often describe their ideal candidate, knowing that few applicants will meet every bullet point.
According to the Harvard Business Review, men typically apply when they meet just 60% of the qualifications, while women often wait until they meet 100%. That gap isn’t about ability—it’s about perception.
Some experts, like those cited in Forbs suggest that meeting even 40% of the requirements can be enough if you bring enthusiasm, adaptability, and a willingness to learn.
What to Focus On Instead Highlight transferable skills: Communication, problem-solving, leadership—these often matter more than niche tools or systems.
Tailor your resume: Mirror the language of the job posting to show alignment, even if your experience comes from a different context.
Show growth mindset: Mention certifications you're pursuing (like your Excel exam!) or projects that demonstrate initiative. #AWU #disability #jobsearchtip
"Resume Tip"
How to Address Career Gaps on Your Resume
• Many job seekers feel the need to hide career gaps, but experts warn this strategy can backfire, as nearly half of American workers have taken a break from work.
• The stigma around career gaps persists, stemming from a time when long-term employment at one company was the norm.
• Hiding a career gap is often more damaging than addressing it honestly, and employers prefer transparency, even with issues like criminal history.
• Candidates should own the narrative of their career gap by focusing on what they learned or accomplished during the time away, and be future-oriented.
• Proactively addressing the gap on a resume and in interviews, with a brief and confident explanation, is crucial for a positive impression.
https://www.fastcompany.com/91356919/dont-hide-that-career-gap-on-your-resume-own-it
#AWU #disability #jobs ##resumetips