Each October, the Career Center offers programming that centers on disabled community members and their professional development as well as their rights in the workforce
Check out our National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) Meet-ups Series!
This course is a dedicated resource designed to support students, alumni, professionals with disabilities and employers as they pursue and advance in their careers! It provides guidance on topics such as navigating workplace accommodations, building professional networks, and advocating for inclusive practices in the workplace.
Whether you are a student preparing to enter the workforce, a recent graduate, or an employer aiming to create an inclusive environment, this Canvas page will offer a range of materials.
Check it out and enroll here:
https://instructure.charlotte.edu/enroll/44TDE4
Make an appointment with a career coach to discuss how your disability identity intersects with your career journey!
Initiated by a grant from the Chancellor’s Diversity Fund, a partnership between DisabilityIN NC, Office of Disability Services, and the Career Center was established that will increase resources, mentorship, and student services to help our students with disabilities better prepare and connect to the workforce. The goal of CommunAbility:DI-NC is to create an inclusive and productive community by expanding economic opportunity and financial literacy for students with disabilities through meaningful relationships with business mentors.
If you are a student or UNC Charlotte Alumni with a disability interested in becoming a mentee for the CommunAbility:DI-NC for the 2024-2025 school year, email Caroline Rogers at croger91@charlotte.edu or fill out this form.
If you are an employer interested in becoming a mentor for the CommunAbility:DI-NC for the 2025-2026 school year, email Caroline Rogers at croger91@charlotte.edu
This presentation shares the value of having a career mentor to guide students in starting a career within their chosen industry. Students will then learn how the program, CommunAbility, can assist them in finding the right mentor and building a path to their ideal career.
Beth Butler Fadel, Executive Director of Disability:IN North Carolina has over 24 years of experience providing subject matter expertise to Fortune 50 companies in ADA Accommodations process and disability inclusion strategies. As a Disability Inclusion Consultant and Executive Director of DI-NC, Beth brings extensive experience in the private sector, including specialized expertise in balancing risk mitigation while promoting full accessibility to support the inclusion of people with disabilities in the workforce, marketplace and supply chain.
Every spring, the Career Center offers programming that centers on disabled community members and their professional development as well as their rights in the workforce. To watch past sessions, visit our YouTube Channel.
For Spring 2025, The Disability @ Work meetup series in March 2025 will focus on the important topic of universal design in the workplace. This series invites students, professionals, and advocates to explore how workplaces can be made more inclusive and accessible for all individuals, including those with disabilities. Attendees will learn about strategies to create environments that accommodate diverse needs, ensuring that everyone can contribute to their fullest potential. The discussions will cover topics such as adaptive technologies, accessible office layouts, and inclusive policies that support all employees. It’s a great opportunity for students to engage with industry leaders and contribute to the future of inclusive workplaces.
Disability @ Work Newsletter
The Disability @ Work Monthly Newsletter has been created for students with disabilities, allies, and faculty here at UNC Charlotte. Through this newsletter, subscribers will have easy access to disability focused events that can help in career exploration and readiness. We will share upcoming events and programs at the Career Center and across campus.
If you would like to receive these newsletters, subscribe today!
Our career center is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible environment for all students. We believe that a disability should not be a barrier to gaining valuable professional experience through internships. This section is dedicated to providing resources and support to help students with disabilities navigate their internship search, application process, and on-the-job experience.
I. Finding Accessible Internships
A. Targeted Job Boards and Networks:
- Lime Connect: A global non-profit organization that prepares and connects high-potential university students and professionals with disabilities for careers with the world's leading corporations.
- Workplace Possibilities: A career portal that helps people with disabilities find jobs and internships with companies committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Disability:IN: A non-profit resource for business disability inclusion. Their website has a job board and information on companies that are committed to hiring individuals with disabilities.
- More Resources are down below in the Accordian
B. Using Standard Job Boards Effectively:
- Search Keywords: Use keywords like "disability," "accessibility," "accommodations," "diversity and inclusion," and "neurodiversity" in your searches on platforms like Handshake, LinkedIn, and Indeed.
- Company Diversity Pages: Look for a company's "Diversity & Inclusion" or "Corporate Social Responsibility" page on their website. These pages often highlight their commitment to hiring people with disabilities and may even list specific internship opportunities.
II. The Application Process
A. Deciding When to Disclose a Disability:
- Your Choice: The decision to disclose a disability is a personal one. You are not legally required to disclose a disability on an application or in an interview.
- Potential Benefits of Early Disclosure: Some students choose to disclose early in the process to request reasonable accommodations for the interview (e.g., extended time for a skills test, a sign language interpreter).
- Potential Benefits of Later Disclosure: Other students prefer to wait until they have received a job offer to discuss accommodations. This can ensure the focus remains on their qualifications and skills.
- Need for Accommodation: If you need an accommodation for the application or interview process, you must disclose your disability to the employer.
B. Crafting Your Resume and Cover Letter:
- Focus on Strengths: Your resume and cover letter should highlight your skills, achievements, and experiences. Focus on how your unique abilities and perspectives will add value to the organization.
- Experience with Accommodations: If you have successfully used accommodations in past academic or work settings, you can briefly mention your ability to adapt and work effectively with support.
III. Interviewing and Requesting Accommodations
A. Interview Tips:
- Practice: Utilize the Career Center's mock interview services to practice answering common questions and discussing your qualifications with confidence.
- Prepare to Discuss Accommodations (if needed): If you need an accommodation for the interview, you can contact the recruiter or hiring manager to make the request. Be specific about what you need and why.
B. Reasonable Accommodations in the Workplace:
- The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): The ADA requires employers to provide "reasonable accommodations" to qualified employees with disabilities, unless doing so would cause an "undue hardship" to the employer.
- Types of Accommodations: Accommodations can include, but are not limited to, flexible work schedules, ergonomic equipment, assistive technology, or a modified workspace.
- The Interactive Process: Once you accept an internship offer, you can work with your supervisor and/or Human Resources department to engage in an "interactive process" to determine what accommodations are needed and can be provided.
IV. Our Career Center is Here to Help
- Individualized Counseling: Schedule a one-on-one appointment with a career counselor to discuss your specific needs and create a personalized internship search strategy.
- Resume and Cover Letter Review: Our counselors can help you craft compelling application materials that showcase your strengths.
- Networking Events: Attend our career fairs and networking events to connect with employers who are actively seeking to build diverse and inclusive teams.
Start your internship journey today. Your career is within reach!
- Autism Goes to College
- Provides resources for students, including articles, podcasts, and video clips.
- Best Buddies
- A nonprofit fostering a global volunteer movement to create friendships, employment, and inclusive living opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, while also supporting their leadership and families.
- Need to get connected quickly? Contact Kelsey Warlick here!
- Careers and the DisABLED Magazine
- The nation's first career-guidance and recruitment magazine for people with disabilities who are at undergraduate, graduate, or professional levels.
- Disability IN (National)
- Inclusion benchmarking for thousands of companies to create lists of the “Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion”, mentorship, resource library.
- Disability Scoop
- Disability Scoop is the nation’s largest news organization devoted to covering developmental disabilities.
- Diverseability
- social enterprise to elevate disability pride through disability community, visibility, and engaged allyship.
- Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion
- A list of resources with particular sub sections of resources for disabled students and disabled veterans.
- IAAP: International Association of Accessibility Professionals
- Defines, promotes and improves the accessibility profession globally through networking, education and certification in order to enable the creation of accessible products, content and services.
- JAN: Job Accommodation Network
- The leading source of free, expert, and confidential guidance on job accommodations and disability employment issues.
- Lime Connect
- A global 501(c)(3) not for profit that's "rebranding" disability through achievement. Through their private online community, they connect high-achieving students and professionals with disabilities - members of our Lime Network - to their broader network of corporate and university partners.
- LiNC-IT
- Recruits autistic talent for work experience with its employer partners. The work experience can be an internship, on the job training, or a direct hire
- National Organization on Disability
- Works with employers, policy makers, and disability service providers to innovate disability employment solutions. NOD has helped many of the world’s most recognized brands successfully hire individuals with disabilities.
- Neurodiversity in Business
- NiB is a business-led forum functioning as an industry group for organizations to share industry good practice on ND recruitment, retention and empowerment.
- Neurodiversity in the Workplace
- Neurodiversity in the Workplace™ (NITW) is dedicated to making neurodiversity a fundamental component of talent acquisition by eliminating barriers faced by neurodivergent job seekers.
- New Deal for Neurodiversity
- Our mission is to level the playing field for Neurodivergent individuals, empowering them to fulfil their potential in the workplace. We believe in a world where everyone, regardless of their neurotype, can thrive.
- AllAbility Solutions
- A disability solutions firm offering comprehensive services that include training, consulting, recruiting, and speaking engagements. Leave No Ability Behind™
- DisabilityIN North Carolina
- Mentoring for students with disabilities and consulting for business aiming to make their workplace more accessible and inclusive.
- Disability Right North Carolina
- The employment section of the site includes information on employment rights of person with disabilities amongst other resources.
- NC Health and Human Services
- The North Carolina division of disability services assists people with disabilities in finding employment.
- We Connect Now
- Dedicated to uniting people interested in rights and issues affecting people with disabilities, with particular emphasis on college students and access to higher education and employment issues.
- Ability Jobs
- The only employment site where 100% of posted jobs are from employers specifically seeking to hire people with disabilities
- Ability Links
- Job board for people with disabilities and resources on accessible inclusive workplaces for employers.
- American Council of the Blind - Job Connection
- Job board site which seeks to increase the independence, security, equality of opportunity, and quality of life for all blind and visually impaired people.
- Chronically Capable
- Dedicated to hiring, supporting, and elevating those living with chronic illnesses and disabilities.
- disABLEDperson
- disABLEDperson, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to reduce the high unemployment rate of individuals with disabilities.
- Disability Solutions
- Consults to attract, hire and engage top talent for your workforce. Take their survey on seeking to understand the experience of people with disabilities participating in clinical trials.
- Jobs Ability
- Empower employers to understand and leverage the increasingly valuable employment population of people with disabilities
- Mentra
- A data-driven tool that maximizes career success for neurodivergent individuals
- LimeConnect
- Lime Connect is a global non-profit organization that helps people with disabilities find rewarding professional opportunities. They focus on connecting high-achieving students and professionals, including veterans, with scholarships, leadership programs, and internship and job opportunities through their network of corporate partners.
- SourceAbled
- This program facilitates the coordination and management of diverse hiring programs and brings them to life through subject matter expertise, guidance, and training on how to attract, onboard, support, and retain the qualified talent of diverse abilities.
- recruitABILITY
- Features approximately 350,000 jobs across the country from employers that are proactive in recruiting job seekers with disabilities. Job postings can be searched by field of interest.
- Project Search
- Project SEARCH provides an opportunity and an atmosphere of high expectations. People with disabilities have the right to choose a path toward education and employment. They strongly believe and expect that each intern can achieve the goal of competitive employment.
- AUCD Emerging Leaders Program
- The Emerging Leaders Community shares a passion to serve, research, and educate to make positive changes with and for people with disabilities and their families.
- DXC Dandelion Program
- DXC Dandelion Program embraces, supports and expands the skills of neurodiverse people to help them secure long-term, fulfilling IT careers.
- Entry Point Internships
- Identifies and recruits students with apparent and non-apparent disabilities studying in science, engineering, mathematics, computer science, and some fields of business for internship and co-op opportunities.
- Neurodiversity@BofA
- Bank of America believes that providing jobs for neurodivergent individuals – those with autism, ADHD and other neurological differences – helps Bank of America better serve our teammates, clients and communities. This program is an important part of our commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Neurodiversity@Deloitte
- Neurodiversity@Deloitte is a strategic initiative that aims to attract, host and hire candidates from an untapped talent pool into a variety of positions that provide opportunities to leverage their individual strengths.
- Microsoft Neurodiversity Program
- The Neurodiversity Hiring program seeks to attract talented neurodivergent candidates and provide the training and support needed for career growth and success.
- SAP Autism at Work Program
- The Autism at Work program provides hiring and workplace support, and leverages the unique abilities and perspectives of colleagues on the autism spectrum.
- Workforce Recruitment Program
- WRP is a recruitment and referral program that connects federal and private-sector employers nationwide with highly motivated college students and recent graduates with disabilities who are eager to demonstrate their abilities in the workplace through summer or permanent jobs
- Wells Fargo Neurodiversity Program
- The Wells Fargo Neurodiversity Program facilitates a more considerate, accommodating, skills-based hiring model that is accessible by design.
- Office of Disability Services
- Works to ensure that students with disabilities have access to education and campus life at the University. Through collaboration with the institution’s diverse community, Disability Services facilitates accommodations, discourse, and engagement to promote a universally accessible learning environment for all.
- University Center for Academic Excellence
- They provide academic support services and resources that increase learning effectiveness, enhance student success, and promote academic excellence. The UCAE offers the program SHIELD. SHIELD (Students Honoring Individual Experiences and Learning Differences) is a program that includes a FIT course, two courses during the fall, and additional activities designed to support neurodiverse students with ADHD, ADHD-like experiences, and/or executive functioning skills challenges.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Persons with a Disability: Labor Force Characteristics Summary
- U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission - Job Applicants and the ADA
- U.S. Office of Disability Employment Policy (Accommodations)
- Resume and Employment Guide for People With Disabilities
- Trade School Guide for Students with Disabilities
- The disability inclusion imperative
- 40 Study Tips For Neurodiverse Students
- Job Assistance Guide for People with Disabilities
- Intersectional Justice Alliance at UNC Charlotte
- The Intersectional Justice Alliance aims to:
- Raise Awareness: Understand and educate the student body on UNCC and Charlotte systems and policies that impact students and marginalized groups.
- Advocate for Change: Develop, support, and act on initiatives that address injustice and promote comprehensive social change.
- Empower Members: Equip members with the knowledge, skills, tools, and acts to effectively advocate for intersectional justice.
- The Intersectional Justice Alliance aims to:
- The Greater Good of UNC Charlotte
- The Greater Good is an existing non-profit organization that was created on the values of unity, leadership and service. Chartering The Greater Good on UNC Charlottes campus provides a space for students to give back to the under marginalized groups all around the queen city. This includes the homeless, minorities, youth, disabled and any other communities in need. We support these groups through acts of service such as drives, care and just simple conversation in times of need. The Greater Good would love to have you be apart of the UNC Charlotte chapter to truly do better for the greater good.
- Best Buddies
- Best Buddies is a student organization that works to pair UNC Charlotte students up with people in the community who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. The goal of our organization is to try to put an end to isolation for those with IDD. Our mission focuses on helping people with and without IDD create long lasting friendships. College Buddies are paired up with individuals in the community with IDD. These buddies communicate once a week and hang out twice a month. Associate members also play a huge role in our club. Although not paired with a buddy, these students attend large group events with others in the club as well as those in the community with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Best Buddies is always looking for new members to join!
- Charlotte Puppy Raisers
- We are a club on campus who train service dogs. In this club you are able to foster service dogs in training while they are waiting to go into their formal training. Below is the link for the application to fill out to be a raiser. If you have any questions please reach out to atraver2@uncc.edu.
- DSA of Greater Charlotte at UNC Charlotte
- In partnership with DSAGC, DSAGC at UNC Charlotte non profit student organization whose purpose is to empower people with Down Syndrome to realize their full potential in our society. We see a world of true inclusion where people with D’s can live normal lives full of possibilities and opportunities, pursue their dreams, and be accepted and valued members of their community. We plan to host events and fundraisers that correlate to the mission and goal of DSAGC. For example, for some of our events, we plan to host fundraisers to support and donate too individuals and families with down syndrome. This organization can also help many students at UNC Charlotte who are looking to gain volunteering hours, leadership experience, and many more opportunities!
- The Diabetes Link at UNC Charlotte
- The Diabetes Link is the go-to for peer support, resources, and leadership opportunities designed specifically for young adults. When you’re part of The Diabetes Link, you don’t just live with diabetes, you thrive with diabetes. We understand the extra challenges that diabetes adds to your life and we can help make it easier. As you embark on adulthood and all the excitement and drama that comes with that, you deserve a place where diabetes is understood and doesn’t need to be explained. A place where you can feel heard, without judgment, and find encouragement and inspiration. We will be an ally that connects you to the people, programs, and practical information that can help make your life easier and more enjoyable now and into the future.
- Our chapter focuses on leadership, cultivating a safe space, getting close, and talking about the real parts of life like stress, dating, college life, and more while showcasing the power of advocacy and opening the doors to many chances of opportunity.
- National Alliance on Mental Illnesses at UNC Charlotte
- An organization that works to end the stigma that makes it difficult for students to talk about mental health and get the help they need. We work to educate and provide a safe space for UNCC students along with helping those outside of the UNC Charlotte community.
Check out art submissions and contest winners from past NDEAM and Disability @ Work art contests here!