8 Career Options For Students With Learning Disabilities

You may have come across some incredibly talented celebrities like Tom Cruise, Whoopi Goldberg, Agatha Christie, Benjamin Franklin and many more who suffered from learning disabilities. While they struggled in school, they progressed to make great careers in varied spheres of life. Learning disabilities means one may have trouble with reading, writing, mathematical calculations etc., however, one is likely to be gifted or talented in other areas.

Does having a learning disability challenge a student's capacity to learn and live as respectable life as an adult? What are the career options for individuals with learning disabilities? This article highlights some of the possible avenues and courses that students with learning disabilities can pursue.

Career Options To Consider

As the level and severity of learning disabilities could vary, it is important to identify your areas of talent and focus on developing and refining those skills. Students can use the following insights and practical advice to help gain a perspective and improve their skills in their respective areas.

Design And Art Based Careers

Do you have a keen eye for design and a great aesthetic sense? Do you take to the brush or paints or even love using digital design software? Perhaps a course in graphic design, book illustration, UI/UX design is the right choice for you.

As a graphic designer, you will find employment opportunities in advertising and social media agencies, edtech organisations etc. You may start as a full-time employee and move into freelance work if you can effectively build a client database.

Educational Requirements | To pursue a career in art you could choose undergraduate programmes in art and design, or even diploma courses that teach specific digital art skills. Some institutions offering courses in art include University of Delhi, Srishti School of Design, MIT Pune, Shankar’s Academy of Art, etc.

Quality Assurance And IT Roles

If you enjoy computers and technology, you may choose a career in coding, testing, quality assurance etc., after pursuing degree or diploma level courses in computer sciences. These roles usually require high attention to detail, and it is important for you to assess your skills and aptitude in the area before you choose this career. Some of you may also be exceptionally good at hacking or cyber safety related roles.

Educational Requirements | An engineering degree in computer science requires science with maths in Classes 11 and 12. However, if you do not enjoy science subjects, you can take any stream and appear for the BCA (Bachelor’s in Computer Applications) exam. You could also opt for diploma courses from organisations like NIIT, DOEACC etc., where you may get more flexibility over time. This may be helpful to accommodate specific learning needs.

Also Read | Identifying Signs Of Learning Disability And Getting A Diagnosis

Hospitality And Culinary Skill- Based Jobs

If you enjoy baking, cooking or spending hours creating culinary delights, you could take a course in hospitality and hotel management after school. This is a rigorous course that prepares students for all aspects of hotel administration and management. You could choose culinary sciences as your specialisation. Other areas include marketing, housekeeping, customer service etc. Roles or jobs in the hotel industry require long hours and effort, it can also be very rewarding if pleasing customers gives you joy.

Educational Requirements | The Indian Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) has many campuses across India where you can study to pursue a career in this sector. You can also opt for diploma courses in baking and cooking and set up your own home-kitchen if that is your preference.

Roles In The Hotel Industry Require Long Hours And Effort

Language-Based Careers

Did you know that Agatha Christie, the mystery series writer, suffered from learning disabilities and struggled at school? However, her creative and writing streak was her genius. If language is your skill, you can pursue an undergraduate degree in English, journalism, media and communication, or any language of your choice. You can then pursue a career as a proof-reader, editor, journalist, content writer, translator etc.

Pet-Grooming Services

The current demand for pet care and pet grooming services is high and likely to increase in the coming years. If you love animals, have grown up with a pet and have a calming and loving effect on them, you could consider doing a certification in the pet grooming business. You would need a starting capital for setting up your centre and need additional administrative help to take customer calls.

Mental Health And Education

If you have suffered from learning disabilities, and understand the challenges students and children go through, you may find your niche in parent coaching and special needs education. To undertake a career in this field, you need to be patient, comfortable working with people and willing to read, study and learn continuously. To pursue a career in this field, you may do an undergraduate degree in psychology, pursue a specialised diploma in special needs education from a recognised institution. Diploma courses are also available after Class 12 in special needs education.

Diploma Courses From NIOS

The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) has many certificate and diploma courses that are job oriented. Their curriculum caters well to the needs and interests of students who find the structure and curriculum of mainstream education unsuitable. A variety of courses are available ranging from data sciences, naturopathy, agriculture, yoga, secretarial practice, business communication, community health, care for the elderly, entrepreneurship, library sciences etc. The hospitality courses are in collaboration with ITDC (Indian Tourism Development Corporation). For more details of these courses, you can visit the official website of NIOS.

Also Read | Your Stream Need Not Limit Your Career Options: Check Out Some Real-Life Stories

How To Build Confidence And Skills

As a student with a learning disability, you might encounter difficulties with the conventional methods of education. As you grow and develop, the differences between you and your peers will start to decrease. Additionally, you may find that you excel in areas that others struggle with. Here are some tips to help you build your skills, confidence, and expertise in your chosen field:

• Find the areas where you like to immerse yourself and focus on building your skills and experience in the same.
• Accept that the current method and process of education may not be the best for you, however you are not limited by the same in life and careers.
• Keep working on your self-confidence, esteem, emotional resilience and understand what helps you perform or work better.
• Be realistic about your achievements and ambitions and strive to improve every day.
• Focus on finding constructive and supportive schools and workspaces.
• Persevere, learn, grow, and seek inspiration from all the successful professionals who were found to have a learning disability early in life.
• Practice gratitude every day and make continuous learning a key priority.
• Stay connected with your therapist, special educator, mental wellness consultant etc.

Also Read | What Is The Right Time To Begin Career Planning For Students

Srividya is a Career and Life Coach who works with teens, adults and returning professionals to help them find joy and alignment in their careers and lives. After working for over two decades, she founded LifeVidya in 2019 and has worked with hundreds of students, professionals, and women.