Stay-at-Home Jobs for People With Disabilities

by Rebecca Gilbert

Disabled doesn't have to mean unemployed. While not all disabilities make it possible to get to on-site employment, there are other options available. Working from home has become increasingly popular with many people who need the flexibility or find getting to work difficult. With so many viable and legitimate stay-at-home jobs, be it piece work or virtual assistant, someone with a disability can find employment in the comfort of his home. Even a hobby can become a way to make money from home.

Assembly or Piece Work

For someone who is able to work with their hands and put things together, piece work may be ideal. Often there is a quota that has to be completed by a deadline, but others in the household can help if speed is an issue. Assembly work includes things like putting candy or toys in plastic bubbles for bulk vending machines and putting pins on the backs of promotional buttons. Legitimate companies don't require a fee upfront and pay in a timely manner based on the work completed.

Customer Service

If you can talk on the phone and use a computer, customer service positions are available. These may be phone or chat-based positions where you help customers find a solution to their problem, or place orders online for them. This type of stay-at-home job is becoming more prevalent as companies cut costs. There's commonly a training period that may last from a few days to a few weeks. Check for on-site training in the job description if you're unable to travel or work on-site.

Freelance Writer or Editor

Those with a strong knowledge of grammar, spelling and typing can make it as a freelance editor or writer with practice. Writers are told, "Write what you know." Writing about your disability can help others, while you get paid per article. If catching spelling errors or poor grammar is like nails on a chalkboard, try editing other people's written work. Websites like Elance or CloudCrowd provide those with minimal experience a chance to add this work onto their resume.

Hobbies, Crafts and Services

If you have a specific hobby, craft or service that you enjoy, put a price on it. Let your friends know you're selling your latest creation. If you can explain things such as how to use computer applications or how to connect a DVD player to a cable box, offer your services to others for a fee. For things like knitting or making jewelry, build an online store at a site like to sell your handmade items online. Another site to sell things online is eBay. Post a detailed description and photographs of the item to sell. Get creative.

Avoiding Scams

Keeping your information safe and avoiding scams for jobs where you work from home are of the utmost importance. If it sounds too good to be true, such as being paid large sums for mailing or receiving packages, or cashing checks for another person, it's likely a scam. There's a difference between paying for a background check or supplies than paying for information on how to make money at home. Research your potential job on forums like or to get other people's opinions and experiences.

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