Ragged Riches

Hey there! Did you know that I have a disability?

Well, technically, I have several. I have CPTSD and I have issues trying to understand people. It often takes me a long time before I can figure out what I did wrong with others and my communication can seem “off” since I’m on the spectrum. I also have physical issues that make most labor jobs unattainable for me.

Disabled individuals have their odds stacked against them. Many even give up trying to find jobs on their own. However, that doesn’t mean that you are out of options. You just have to get creative with it. These business ideas can be a perfect match for people with disabilities.

As with all things, you have to take your own personal experience and needs into account when selecting a business. Without further ado, let’s get started!

#1: Content Creator

It’s true. Content creation is a great pick for most people with disabilities because there are so many different ways to make content available to you. It also happens to be one of the most flexible careers out there. Don’t believe it? Look at these options below:

• Blind bloggers can use speech-to-text and get the help of an editor to get their stories posted.
• People with mental illnesses can actually make content about how they manage their issues, helping light a way for others.
• People who use wheelchairs won’t have to worry if they choose to become Twitch streamers in the field of gaming.
• Deaf content creators can make amazing visual content, no hearing necessary.

Content creation is one of those fields that can be monetized almost instantly. However, there is a very, very steep earnings curve. If you are not consistently putting out decent quality content, you are not going to make a lot of money.

Choosing this path can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it gives you a lot of freedom, tons of fans, and more. On the other hand, you need to put in a lot of blood, sweat, and tears into any content route you choose. There’s no speedy route for this!

#2: Graphic Designer

I’ll say it once and I’ll say it again: graphic design will always be a good career choice, even during the days of AI. Artificial intelligence can’t give a photo or a picture a “za-za-za” sparkle that a human being can. Besides, the bots can’t draw hands at all!

A good graphic designer is worth their weight in gold. Not only can they snag new freelance clients on Upwork or Fiverr with ease, but they also can gain their own fandoms. If you have good graphics, you can sell your own merch and prints on Amazon, Redbubble, Zazzle and more.

One of the reasons why I love the idea of graphic design is because you can turn this set of skills into a wide range of different careers. You can be a freelancer. You can be an artist with your own fans. You can work in an advertising agency or as an in-house designer. It’s all up to you.

It’s possible to make world-class visuals with free (or dirt cheap) software online. Just sayin’.

#3: Internet Marketer

Everyone and their grandma seems to have a business they want to promote online. If you have a knack for numbers, words, and a lot of patience, you can become an internet marketer that helps connect them with the right customers.

Internet marketing means that you will have to optimize their website and social media accounts to gain followers. You might have to coach them on what to say, keep abreast of internet trends, and also deal with customers who might leave them negative reviews.

Marketing is one of those businesses that never runs out of clients. If you can sell your services on a site like Upwork or Fiverr, you’re going to be in business for years to come.

#4: Motivational Speaker

I don’t have to tell you guys that a lot of disabled people have amazing stories. If you’re one of the many folks who were able to face adversity and keep smiling, that’s incredible. In fact, that’s inspirational. And you can make a business offering those speeches.

Motivational speaking is a pretty heavy-paying industry, especially when it comes to stories of overcoming adversity. Many top motivational speakers, such as Tony Robbins, got their wealth started via their talented speaking and inspirational stories.

Tony Robbins, by the way, is worth a whopping $7 billion. Just saying. There’s gold in those hills.

#5: Artist

I want to point out something: graphic design is a type of art, but it’s not the only type. A lot of artists I know have managed to make a killing online by selling their paintings, jewelry, leather accessories, and fashion designs through sites like Etsy or even their own platform.

I’ve seen some people who couldn’t walk make more money than I do thanks to their unique artistic capabilities. A lot of your ability to succeed in the art world depends on your marketing. Knowing how to advertise and brand yourself makes a huge difference.

With this venue, it’s important to price yourself well and to create a darn good product. It’s rough out there, but a great artist can always come out on top.

#6: Social Media Management

Social media might not be everyone’s favorite thing, but it’s here to stay. If you want to make a decent living, social media management is a good way to do it. Every business needs it. As long as you have Canva, a phone, and a lot of time on your hands, you can find clients.

It’s a good idea to specialize in one or two fields. Some folks go so far as to specialize in specific platforms, such as Instagram or Reddit. You might need to invest in some software, such as Canva and Hootsuite. However, it’s totally worth it.

The issue with social media management is that it is tedious and you might have a lot of work on your hands. Chasing after clients can be hard to do, too.

#7: Merchant Services Processing

Every time you swipe a credit card on a terminal, you’re watching merchant services in action. Merchant services is the term for credit card processing and having credit card payment acceptance. It often comes with other services, like business lines of credit.

Well, someone needs to sell those services. This is often done via call centers as well as aggressive marketing campaigns. You start out with leads (or even walking door to door) and then get clients that way. The commissions are high and once you’re doing well, you can hire others too.

The key here is your need for the gift of gab. Sales is a tough track, so if you want to crack it, you better hack it good.

#8: Website Developer/Designer

Website development is one of those things that’s as important as merchant services. Every normal business needs to accept cards. They also need to have a website so that they can be searchable online. A good designer can name their own price and usually get it.

Developers are the ones who apply templates to WordPress sites, help keep sites safe and maintained, and also make sure they have the right plugins for site success. Most developers work with a certain platform, such as Wix or WordPress.

If you have the technical chops for it, you can make a fortune. Everyone needs a site, so you never have to worry about getting leads. You can usually find new clients on sites like Upwork or even Fiverr.

#9: Reseller

If you have a penchant for thrifting and a keen eye for fashion, this is a great way to make serious money. It’s simple: hit garage sales and thrift stores for items that look incredible. Keep an eye open for designer gear. Then, sell your goods on eBay or Depop.

This is an excellent choice for fashionistas who are hard of hearing or who have social anxiety. You get to enjoy the time trawling through cool thrift bins, but you also get to enjoy making that money back…and maybe keeping a piece or two for yourself.

#10: Tarot Card Reader

People grossly underestimate how much a good tarot card reader can make. Tarot (and really any type of psychic work) is well-paid, with most readers having their own mini-businesses charging $60 an hour or more.

If you’re disabled, doing readings online or through a phone service is a good start. You might be surprised at how lucrative it can be, not to mention how loyal clients can become.