Top 7 Jobs for People with Intellectual Disabilities 🌟

Employment should be accessible to everyone — and many workplaces are discovering that individuals with intellectual disabilities bring reliability, attention to detail, and unique strengths that enrich teams.

Here are 7 jobs where people with intellectual disabilities often thrive:

1️⃣ Food Service & Hospitality – Roles such as host/hostess, kitchen assistant, or café worker encourage social interaction and teamwork. 2️⃣ Retail & Customer Support – Stocking shelves, greeting customers, and cashier positions provide structure and routine. 3️⃣ Office & Administrative Support – Filing, data entry, and mailroom tasks create opportunities in professional environments. 4️⃣ Janitorial & Maintenance – Cleaning, organizing, and upkeep tasks build independence and consistency. 5️⃣ Warehouse & Inventory – Sorting, packing, and labeling allow for clear task-based work. 6️⃣ Landscaping & Groundskeeping – Outdoor roles that emphasize routine, focus, and physical activity. 7️⃣ Animal Care & Pet Services – Kennel assistant or pet care roles foster responsibility and compassion.

💡 With the right accommodations, training, and inclusive leadership, individuals with intellectual disabilities can excel in these careers and beyond.

👉 Let’s keep building workplaces where ability is valued over labels.

#Inclusion #DisabilityEmployment #DiversityEquityInclusion #WorkforceDevelopment

Abled Workers Unite is a group for people with disabilities. Come and join us at jobcase.com/groups

Top 7 Jobs for People with Intellectual Disabilities 🌟

Employment should be accessible to everyone — and many workplaces are discovering that individuals with intellectual disabilities bring reliability, attention to detail, and unique strengths that enrich teams.

Here are 7 jobs where people with intellectual disabilities often thrive:

1️⃣ Food Service & Hospitality – Roles such as host/hostess, kitchen assistant, or café worker encourage social interaction and teamwork. 2️⃣ Retail & Customer Support – Stocking shelves, greeting customers, and cashier positions provide structure and routine. 3️⃣ Office & Administrative Support – Filing, data entry, and mailroom tasks create opportunities in professional environments. 4️⃣ Janitorial & Maintenance – Cleaning, organizing, and upkeep tasks build independence and consistency. 5️⃣ Warehouse & Inventory – Sorting, packing, and labeling allow for clear task-based work. 6️⃣ Landscaping & Groundskeeping – Outdoor roles that emphasize routine, focus, and physical activity. 7️⃣ Animal Care & Pet Services – Kennel assistant or pet care roles foster responsibility and compassion.

💡 With the right accommodations, training, and inclusive leadership, individuals with intellectual disabilities can excel in these careers and beyond.

👉 Let’s keep building workplaces where ability is valued over labels.

#AWU #Inclusion #DisabilityEmployment #DiversityEquityInclusion #WorkforceDevelopment

Our research shows it takes STARs more than 30 years of work experience to earn what a college graduate earns on day 1 of their career. These challenges arise because of a variety of barriers that STARs face, including unnecessary bachelor's degree screens, outdated hiring technology, and lack of professional networks.

Learn from STARs (workers skilled through alternative routes) like you: https://www.opportunityatwork.org/stars

#SkillsFirst #HireSTARS #WorkforceDevelopment #CareerDevelopment #InclusiveHiring #FutureOfWork #SocialImpact

We envision a future where employers hire people based on their skills rather than just their academic pedigree. Skills-first hiring levels the playing field for all workers, allowing STARs to achieve upward economic mobility while providing companies access to more workers they need to fill open jobs.

It’s time for employers to look to STARs and see what they’re missing.

Who are STARs? Find out here: https://www.opportunityatwork.org/stars

#SkillsFirst #HireSTARS #WorkforceDevelopment #CareerDevelopment #InclusiveHiring #FutureOfWork #SocialImpact

We’ve arrived at the final episode of our pilot season of Paperless Pathways! To close things out, we’re focusing on one of the most game-changing tools for STARs (Skilled Through Alternative Routes): building authentic connections and a personal brand that opens real opportunities.

Host LaShana Lewis, Chair of the STARs Advisory Council, is joined by Marsay McKinney, Lateria Brown, and Kelly Powers for an energizing and insightful conversation. Together, they explore how STARs can:

• Communicate their value with confidence
• Grow visibility without a traditional degree
• Build relationships that lead to meaningful work

Whether you’re a STAR plotting your next career step or a workforce leader aiming to support untapped talent, this finale delivers practical advice and inspiring perspectives.

Tune in here:: https://pages.opportunityatwork.org/paperless-pathways/?utm_campaign=paperlesspathways_ep5&utm_source=description&utm_medium=youtube&utm_content=&utm_term=

#PaperlessPathways #STARs #FutureOfWork #WorkforceDevelopment

For Black History Month, we'd love to feature some Black STARs (workers Skilled Through Alternative Routes rather than a bachelor's degree) from our team who inspire us.

Dau'ne Baraka is a project associate at Opportunity@Work and executes diverse administrative and coordination tasks, encompassing the creation, oversight, and finalization of project management maintenance across multiple projects.

See more STARs who inspire us with their story: https://opportunityatwork.org/our-solutions/stars-insights/stars-stories/

#HireSTARs #Career #workforcedevelopment

Five Ways to Have a Stress-Free First Day of Work

~Do tasks to prepare for the first day. This can include picking out your clothes, packing your lunch the night before, or packing your bag of choice.

~Figure out your route duration and mode of transportation. Whether that be taking the train or getting an Uber, learn how long your commute is from home to work. Also, taking that commute as a trial before the first day will help manage your time efficiently.

~Ask about the onboarding process. Be sure to ask about any paperwork, trainings, or orientation meetings you have to attend.

~Create a list of questions. These questions can be for your boss, manager, or other employees about the work environment and expectations.

~Curate an elevator pitch. You never know who you may meet and where they may take you. Always have an elevator pitch ready to introduce the best version of yourself.

#interview #jobsearch #ChicagoUrbanLeague #WorkforceDevelopment @ChicagoUrbanLeague