Everybody wants to make an extra buck, and even when you have a spinal cord injury, chances are you aren't very different. A part-time job is a great way to make ends meet. But the job search can lead to frustration for wheelchair users. We're limited in our job choices, and with part-time jobs, even more so. A large portion of part-time jobs can be very physical, but not all of them are.
Below you'll find a list of excellent part-time jobs for wheelchair users. Some of the jobs might require finer dexterity than others, but we made sure to include a variety of part-time jobs for people of all injury levels. Who knows...maybe one of them will motivate you to start your second side-hustle.
5. Product Tester
In every large city, there’s usually a big product testing company that works with local businesses. This is a great job for wheelchair users. Not only do you get free samples and an opportunity to be around new people, it can also be totally worked around your schedule which is great. Also, most businesses/facilities around you are accessible because of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), also making it a fantastic job for a wheelchair user. You never have to worry about anything on the job being inaccessible.
4. Work from Home: Medical Transcription
Medical transcription is a huge work from home job that millions of people do around the globe. Very often doctors’ offices outsource the work transcribing doctor's notes into the patients' charts, and this is what a medical transcriptionist does. It can be tedious work, but it can also be done on your own time and at home. Just search "medical transcriptionist" to find websites that will point you in the right direction for training.
3. Work from Home: Freelance Writing
A classic work at home job for someone with a disability is a freelance writer. Whether you're doing creative writing or technical writing, there are several kinds of part-time freelance writing jobs online, and there are dozens of sites that list certified jobs that pay, and pay well. One of the better ones is Writersweekly.com. Experience of course helps, but very often a well-written cover letter and pitch can do the trick.
2. Website Designer
Another great work at home job, that you can do on your own time, is website design. There are always people needing help building websites. This is an easy way to make extra cash on the side. All you need is some basic programming skills, but these skills honestly aren't even required anymore. There are several sites that will walk you through the entire process.
1. ESL Teacher
Most schools are wheelchair accessible in the US, and many public facilities where ESL (English as a Second Language) is taught also are. Very often the students are immigrants and other people who have ended up in the United States. You can also teach ESL over video calls and make this an excellent part-time job from home. You do need a bachelor’s degree, but a teaching degree is not required. There are other teaching & tutoring jobs available that require less education as well. Look in your community to see what’s available.
Find a Job
It's a great time for wheelchair users when it comes to working, and the internet truly shows the variety of part-time jobs that are available that can enhance a person's life. Just remember - make sure your part-time job treats you with respect and pays you on time.
