Jobs for people with dyslexia
If you're living with dyslexia and looking for a job, the process can be challenging. That's
why helping you find a fulfilling job, in a workplace that supports your long-term
mental wellbeing is our mission.
Find a job that works for you
If you're living with dyslexia and looking for work, you aren't alone.
The Australian Dyslexia Association estimates that dyslexia also affects 10% of people living in Australia, as well as many successful people you might be familiar with such as Jamie Oliver, Muhammed Ali, Tommy Hilfiger, and Jennifer Anniston.
Searching for fulfilling work while managing your mental health and dyslexia symptoms can be tricky, and it's our mission to support you to not only find meaningful work, but also thrive in your workplace.
Finding meaningful work while living with dyslexia is worthwhile as it can:
- Give you a sense of structure and purpose
- Build your confidence
- Expand your social circle
- Allow you to have financial independence
Below, you’ll find advice on understanding how to identify your strengths, learn what you really need from a job and get ideas of job roles that may fit your needs when living with dyslexia.
Your journey and situation are your own, and discovering what will work for you is an essential part of that journey.
Keep reading for tips on finding a job while living with dyslexia.
Register for APM Disability Employment Services
What to look for in a job when you have dyslexia
People living with dyslexia are capable of finding fulfilling work in a range of different job roles and workplaces.
Symptoms, skills and interests vary from person to person. In your job search, focus on finding a job that enhances your individual strengths and helps you manage your mental health.
While everyone’s experience living with dyslexia is different, you may like to consider the following features:
Do you need structure or flexibility?
If your dyslexia symptoms make it difficult to stick to long working hours or a structured work environment, you might prefer a flexible role.
A growing number of jobs can be done from home with a flexible schedule and workload.
What are you passionate about?
Having a sense of purpose in your day-to-day work can help you stay focused and inspired.
When you feel passionate about what you’re doing, it can give you the motivation and drive you need to excel at your job.
What are your strengths?
Are you a strong visual thinker? Are you good with problem-solving or have strong communication skills? Or maybe you have a knack for spatial awareness?
Think about how your skills and strengths make you a valuable addition to different types of workplaces.
Job ideas for people living with dyslexia
Everyone experiences dyslexia differently, which means there is no one-size-fits-all list of best jobs for you.
However, here are some ideas to get you thinking about what might work for you.
When looking for the best options for work, you should consider your individual strengths, skills, needs and capabilities.
It’s important to remember that the kind of job that is right for one person may not be right for everyone.
If you would like more support, speaking to an employment consultant at APM can also help you discover other opportunities you may not have considered before, or that may be more suitable specifically for you.
Jobs with flexibility
- Graphic designer
- Photographer
- Information technology (IT) worker
- Landscaper
- Personal trainer
- Illustration artist
- Florist
- Makeup artist
- Dog walker
Jobs with a sense of purpose and passion
- Social worker
- Sports coach
- Physical education teacher or assistant
- Sports umpire
- Yoga instructor
- Caretaker
- Nursing staff or care worker
- Work for a charity/not-for-profit organisation
Jobs that require unique strengths
- Chef
- Video game developer
- Urban planning
- Landscape architect
- Graphic designer
- Art director
- Fashion design
- Painter
- Electrician
- Musician
* Please note: these job and career suggestions may not be suitable for everyone with dyslexia. These suggestions may suit some people depending on their circumstances including, but not limited to, their current experience with dyslexia.
What employment support can I access?
If you're living with disability, injury, or health condition, there is support available to help you reach your goals.
If you are eligible for Inclusive Employment Australia, APM can provide support to assist you in finding work.
Inclusive Employment Australia is a government-funded program designed to help you find and keep work and is provided at no cost to participants.
We can help with:
- Career advice
- Finding suitable job opportunities
- Meeting local employers
- Writing resumes and job applications
- Preparing for job interviews
- Accessing training
- Accessing mental health support
- Ongoing workplace support
- Accessing funding for things like uniforms and transport
- Accessing workplace modifications to help you succeed at work
- Workplace assessments to help identify what support is right for you
Ready to get started?
Register now to see if you’re eligible for our, Inclusive Employment Australia program and start your employment journey.
Success stories from people who achieved their goals through Inclusive Employment Australia
Get a personal job plan
APM can help you find fulfilling work by building you a job plan that’s tailored to your needs.
Identify your strengths:
- Many strengths can come from your life experience (rather than just your work history). It’s important to identify these as they can be valuable in the workforce.
- Your strengths could include things like attention to detail, logical thinking and fast learning that can be valuable in many roles.
- Identifying your strengths on your own can be hard. If you need a hand, our team at APM would love to help. Our goal is to help you find a job that suits your strengths, skills and interests, and we are committed to supporting you throughout the entire process.
Building a job program around you:
- Explore realistic job options where you can succeed
- Develop a personal strategy that includes job searches, resumes and interviews
- Discuss your support needs with your employer
- Look at any requirements for equipment or workplace modifications to help you perform a specific job
- Consider what support you might need when you start working
Get started in three easy steps
Step two
If you're eligible, you'll meet your APM employment consultant and tell them your interests, goals and challenges.
Step one
Register with us, and we'll be in touch in the next few days to discuss your eligibility and how to join Inclusive Employment Australia with APM.
Step three
You get to work with your employment consultant and start your plan for new skills, training or a job that’s right for you.
Our support doesn't stop when you start working
We also want to make sure you and your employer have everything you need to be a success together.
Depending on your level of support and the job you start, we work together to make sure you’re able to work safely and effectively.
This can include helping you access training, job coaching, performance monitoring, and understanding the workplace culture and what is expected from you.
We also support workplaces with proactive education to be aware of any impacts your disability may have so we can help avoid any misunderstandings and create a culture of support and inclusion.
If you need ongoing support for long periods of time we will also discuss this with you and establish a support structure.
Our goal is to see you enjoy rewarding and long-term employment and ensure you have the right level of support to succeed.
Get in touch with our teams to find out more.
Other advice and resources that may help you find a job
How to craft the perfect resume for people living with a disability
In this guide to resume writing for people with disability, you will find information about what to put in your resume, how to structure it and ways to make it stand out.
How to find your dream job
Explore various strategies to find your dream job. From internet searches to networking and cold calling, discover effective job-hunting techniques.
Tips for a successful job interview
Get tips for a successful job interview. Learn how to prepare, answer common questions, and make a positive impression on your potential employer.
About this article
APM supports people with disability, injury, or a health condition through various programs and services across its businesses, including Inclusive Employment Australia in Australia.
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.
When discussing disability, APM’s copy style is to use person-first language and the social model of disability in the first instance. Some articles may use identity-first language or refer to the medical model of disability for clarity or to better suit a specific audience.
If you have any questions or feedback about the content of this article, visit our Feedback page to get in touch or email support@apm.net.au