Flexible Jobs & Internships Support Career Growth For Disabled Workers

Forbes

3 days ago

Part-time positions, internships and temporary roles offer an accessible entry points. These ... More flexible opportunities provide structure, income and hands-on experience while allowing individuals to manage their health needs. With the support of federal programs like Ticket to Work (TTW), individuals with disabilities have resources that help them re-enter the workforce on their terms.
Returning to work after a medical condition or long-term absence can be a complex decision. For individuals receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), the process often involves more than just finding a job; it can also involve rebuilding confidence, testing capabilities and identifying the right work environment.
Part-time positions, internships and temporary roles offer an accessible entry points. These flexible opportunities provide structure, income and hands-on experience while allowing individuals to manage their health needs. With the support of federal programs like Ticket to Work (TTW), individuals with disabilities have resources that help them re-enter the workforce on their terms.
Short-term and flexible roles—such as internships, part-time jobs or project-based contracts—can serve as practical stepping stones. These positions often allow individuals to re-familiarize themselves with workplace routines, re-engage with peers and explore potential career interests.
Internships are a proven strategy for expanding access to employment. The Employer Assistance and Resource Network (EARN) emphasizes the value of structured programs that offer skill development, workplace exposure and meaningful experience. EARN also offers tools to help employers create internships that are accessible and impactful for both job seekers and organizations.
For individuals with disabilities looking to enter or re-enter the workforce, flexible roles offer more than short-term employment—they provide essential exposure to workplace culture, skill-building opportunities and an important first step toward career advancement and financial independence.
Flexible work arrangements—such as reduced hours, remote options or modified tasks—are often essential for individuals managing ongoing health considerations. These accommodations can ease the transition back to work and help reduce the risk of setbacks.
Organizations such as the Job Accommodation Network (JAN) offer guidance on how flexible work structures can support accessibility in the workplace. In conjunction with employment supports like those found through the Ticket to Work Program, individuals can explore options while receiving benefits counseling and employment coaching.
Internships and temporary roles also offer a low-pressure opportunity to update or develop skills in a changing job market. These may include technical proficiencies—such as software or equipment training—or interpersonal competencies like communication and problem-solving.
Programs such as Project SEARCH have demonstrated success in helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities gain meaningful employment following hands-on internships in healthcare, government and education sectors.
Even part-time roles that appear entry-level can provide exposure to workplace systems, teamwork and time management—all of which support future growth.
Flexible employment can eventually lead to permanent opportunities. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, nearly 60% of interns in structured programs are offered jobs, a trend that increasingly includes workers with disabilities when customizable strategies are applied.
For those eligible for SSDI, the Ticket to Work Program offers work incentives that support a gradual return to employment:
These critical supports help reduce financial uncertainty and make the path back to work more manageable.
Employment Networks (ENs) can also play a key role in this process. These organizations partner with the Social Security Administration to provide free support services through the Ticket to Work Program. ENs assist with setting career goals, finding job opportunities and maintaining employment, all while offering guidance on how working may affect benefits. By working with an EN, individuals receive personalized support that helps make the transition back to work more manageable.
The rise of remote and hybrid work models has opened new opportunities for individuals with disabilities by reducing transportation barriers, enabling customized work environments, and offering greater flexibility in managing health-related needs. For many, the option to work from home has made it possible to participate in the workforce when traditional settings may have posed challenges.
Organizations such as the Job Accommodation Network (JAN) provide guidance for implementing effective remote work policies. These include clearly defined communication protocols, access to assistive technology and flexible scheduling practices—all of which support productivity and employee well-being. Platforms like FlexJobs also help connect job seekers with remote and flexible opportunities by partnering with employers committed to offering legitimate, accessible work-from-home roles across a range of industries. When thoughtfully designed, remote and hybrid roles can be a practical solution that benefits both employers and workers.
Hiring individuals with disabilities brings valuable skills, perspectives and problem-solving approaches that can enhance workplace productivity and innovation. Many individuals have developed strong adaptability, persistence and attention to detail—qualities that contribute meaningfully to team performance. Employers also report improved collaboration and morale when broadening recruitment to include workers with disabilities, leading to tangible business results.
As flexible work becomes more common across industries, the barriers between disability employment and the broader workforce are beginning to blur. Shifts toward remote roles, results-based performance and workforce sustainability align well with the needs of many individuals managing health conditions or seeking gradual re-entry. For employers, this evolution offers a chance to build stronger teams by opening opportunities to those historically overlooked—not as a matter of compliance, but as a forward-looking business strategy.