Having multiple sclerosis and also having been sparsely employed for the past five years, I understand the frustrations of finding decent, manageable work. Living with a disability can make staying out in the workforce, whether full-time or part-time, a very difficult task. I am now on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), but I am still able to work part-time on top of this benefit.
For two winters I found myself employed (seasonally) by a telecommuting company that specifically hires those with disabilities: The National Telecommuting Institute. This agency is located in Boston, MA and it works with clients’ vocational rehabilitation counselors to train them in online customer service work. NTI also gives refunds to staff for out-of-pocket expenses— internet connection, phone services, equipment purchases, and so on— and it helps staff maintain work while continuing their disability benefits. If clients are not receiving disability insurance, they also have some opportunities to work full-time (in the comfort of their own homes.)
Another telecommuting company, located in Colorado, is Alpine Access, which employs customer service staff for businesses such as credit card companies, retail stores, direct marketing companies, and airline corporations. There are generally more employment opportunities with Alpine Access, although NTI tends to work more supportively with its staff.
NTI is currently recruiting for its seasonal Internal Revenue Service program. This is the project that I worked on for two winters (November through April), and it is a great launching pad for future customer service work with NTI, Alpine Access, or other telecommuting agencies.
