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Posted by ub46473788
ub46473788
8,782 Points

Web Development as a PWD (Person with a Disability) -- Anyone in a similar boat? Useful suggestions/advice?

Hi everybody, I was just wondering if anyone around here is in a similar situation to me. So, here's a little bit about that: I'm in my early 30s, have a physical disability and suffer chronic pain, and just finished grad school. Because of my disability and the chronic pain, grad school took a bit longer than it should have (three years longer). During that time, I think I had what might have been my last significant stretch of time during which I'd be able to work for several hours a day without having to take significant breaks to alleviate pain and discomfort. Basically, now, after about two or three hours (tops), I have to get up from whatever I'm working on, walk (or more accurately, hop) around a bit, lay down for a while, stretch, and take pain-killers (which then make it really hard to get back to work). Having finished grad school (I did a PhD in philosophy), I was anticipating getting a job in academia, where I'd have a really flexible schedule that I could tailor to the needs of my disability and chronic pain. Unfortunately, the job I've landed isn't quite affording me that flexibility, nor does it pay enough for me to continue in the job for very much longer, unless things change rather dramatically. So, some time ago, I looked into getting into web development, since it seems like something I could feasibly do given my condition. So, I guess my question is, is anyone else in a similar position? Can anyone offer advice about how to go about continuing to learn and getting a job given pretty serious limitations on the kinds of things I can do, when I can do them, and where I can do them? And finally, does anyone know of any online communities of developers with disabilities?

Thanks very much for your time.

1 Answer

Kristopher Van Sant
PLUS
Kristopher Van Sant
Courses Plus Student 18,830 Points
Kristopher Van Sant
Kristopher Van Sant
Courses Plus Student 18,830 Points

Hi Rich! I think it is wonderful that your bringing this topic to the Community's attention. And I appreciate you being so open about your condition. My guess is that there are many other developers out there with disabilities and similar struggles. But maybe not everyone is comfortable talking about it yet. I tried to search for an online community of developers with disabilities but was unable to find one. If you don't find one maybe you could start your own!

In regards to needing a flexible schedule, I think web development can definitely help you in that regard. While I don't personally have a disability and don't have to deal with everything that you do, I do need a pretty flexible schedule. I'm not always able to spend large chunks of time working due to other obligations, and sometimes I only have a few hours a day free to work. Because of this I've been doing freelance web design and development. This allows me to work when I can and when I want to. Have you considered getting into freelance web development? It can be hard to get into but I think it could provide you with the level of flexibility you need.

There are also many many tech companies out there that offer remote work. And there's definitely been a shift happening in the industry with regards to people's needs. More and more companies are starting to be more flexible with their work schedules and putting more attention on their employees needs. If the employee is happy, the customer will be happy. So with that in mind, I think the right company will be more than happy to work with you and your disability.

In regards to how to go about continuing to learn I think you will be fine. Sometimes when learning to code you really don't want to sit for hours on end staring at computer screen. It helps to take breaks and let things sink in. And when you aren't able to sit and need to walk around you could listen to some industry related podcasts! I've learned so much from just listening to podcasts on web development and design. And they're great for keeping your motivation and desire to learn going.

One last thing! :) With your disability, I'm not sure if it's the sitting for long periods of time can make the pain worse or not, but since you mentioned stretching and moving help have you checked out standing desks? Or adjustable ones? There are desks out there that you can adjust and move up and down, so that if you need to stand for a little bit you can move it up, or if you need to sit, you can move it down. Just a thought.

Well I hope that some of the above will help! Keep up the awesome work Rich!! And thanks again for bringing this topic to our attention.

ub46473788
ub46473788
8,782 Points

Thanks very much for your kind and thoughtful words. I appreciate it. Yeah, I wasn't able to find any clearly defined communities for folks with disabilities either. And thanks for the tip on the adjustable standing desk. That's definitely something I'll check out.