In this guide, you’ll find information about working with spina bifida, job types that are accessible, workplace adjustments and where to get support if you need it.
Spina bifida is a condition affecting a person’s spine. It is usually apparent at birth and can affect different areas of the spine. Symptoms vary from person to person, the severity depending on what part of the spine is affected and whether the spinal cord and nerves are affected.
Living with spina bifida is different for everyone. Some people may have mild symptoms that have minimal impact on their day to day life. Others may experience more severe symptoms such as limited mobility, weakness, osteoporosis and sleep apnoea.
Can you work with spina bifida?
Many people with spina bifida face challenges when looking for work. Employer assumptions and lack of accessibility can make it difficult to find suitable jobs. However, with the right support many people with spina bifida thrive in the workplace.
Workplace adjustments can enable a person with spina bifida to complete job tasks and perform well in their role. Adjustments could include:
- Redesigning the role and removing lifting duties
- Scheduled rest breaks
- Adjustable workstation
- Moving the workstation closer to the toilet facilities
- Ergonomic chair and computer equipment
- Working from home
- Speech recognition software if keyboard tasks are difficult
- Personal assistant service
- Making facilities wheelchair accessible
- Providing written over verbal instructions
Is spina bifida considered a disability?
If you are living with spina bifida, you may qualify for disability benefits. Spina bifida is one of APM’s supported conditions. We support people living with spina bifida to find a job and succeed in the workplace.
When you register for Disability Employment Services with APM, one of our Employment Consultants will work closely with you to find job opportunities that suit your unique interests, skills and abilities.
We can also help you with writing job applications, preparing for interviews and accessing workplace modifications to help you succeed in your new job. For more information, get in touch or register with APM today.
Spina bifida job ideas
People with spina bifida work in a wide range of fields and job roles. Below are some examples of jobs for people with spina bifida. If you’re not sure what types of jobs might be right for you, you might find it helpful to speak with an Employment Consultant at APM.
Retail assistant
If you are interested in working in retail, there are many roles from a sales assistant in a clothing store to a cashier in a supermarket. Simple adjustments such as using a cart to transport products or installing stair climbing hand trucks can make routine tasks easier to perform.
Copywriter/editor
If you have good writing skills, there are many flexible and accessible writing jobs including copywriting, editing, grant writing, translating and transcribing. These jobs are often done from home at a self-paced schedule, meaning you can control the amount of work you take on and take breaks as needed.
Administrator/receptionist
Office based jobs such as administration and accounting can usually be adjusted to be more accessible. Ergonomic workstations may help with managing fatigue and muscle pain. Job tasks can be redesigned to avoid any heavy lifting and speech recognition software can be used if extensive keyboard tasks are difficult.
Photographer/photo editor
If you are a creative person, you might enjoy working in the arts field as a photographer, graphic designer, illustrator or video editor. These roles tend to be more flexible and can often be done on a part time or freelance basis.
Are you living with spina bifida and want to work? APM can help.
If you’re living with spina bifida, job searching can be challenging. Support is available. At APM, we help thousands of job seekers every week find meaningful job opportunities and feel confident in their new role.
We’ve seen first-hand how having a job can help people feel fulfilled, connected and confident. If you’re ready to experience the life changing benefits of work, we’re ready to help you get there.
Get in touch today to see how we can help.