Telecommuting Work for those with Disabilities
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.
Jen Says:
I TRULY believe in this company and its mission. Glad to have received this email and THANK YOU for providing me with manageable, flexible employment. And for supporting my disability when so many employers do not:
Hello Jen,
Recently saw your MS Strength online article about telecommuting that included NTI. We appreciate your positive feedback about us!
Sincerely,
Lynda Gardner, PHR
Director of Human Resources
National Telecommuting Institute, Inc.
11 Arlington Street
Boston, MA 02116
http://www.nticentral.org
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer M/F/V/D
Posted on June 10th, 2009 at 4:08 pm
Cathy Says:
Thanks for posting that info. I have already forwarded it to a few people I thought might be interested in it. I was impressed to see National Telecommuting Institue post a response.
It’s hard to find an ethical company to team up with and it looks like you did
Posted on June 10th, 2009 at 5:38 pm
Jen Says:
I passed along this info to some chatters at Joan’s chat room a while back. Seems like many people who are home (whether on disability or not) are looking for manageable telecommuting work. Also got responses from a couple of people on FB. So there’s definitely a need.
You’re always welcome!
Posted on June 11th, 2009 at 4:17 am
Wellescent Health Forums Says:
Another option for some is working in the high tech industry if you can program software, test software, provide technical assistance or write technical documentation. My employer has enabled telecommuting for a decade now and it is a great benefit for both managing the work life balance and avoiding the need to commute.
Posted on June 16th, 2009 at 9:20 pm
Dave Says:
I recently signed up with NTI and was accepted through my ticket to work. I am on ssdi but my self esteem is incredible low due to having had menegitis and HIV. I see promise in this company, I see alot of bashing but I think these may be people who are unaware the challeges disabled people face. I have faith I will enjoy working for NTI and will give it my best shot. I worked for 28 years then everything stopped after my diagnoses. SSDI has been a godsend and I am truly thankful for it. I am fortunate to live in a country where if you pay taxes and become ill there is insurance. I no longer feel the strength and fortitude I once had but I have become humbled by my illness and thankfull for all I have left.
Posted on April 10th, 2010 at 8:17 pm
Jen Says:
I’m glad, Dave. I’ve had a couple of good experiences myself with NTI and will continue to do contract work with them when I find something that fits my abilities. I agree with so much you have posted above and I admire your new outlook, which is humbled but still strong.
Posted on April 15th, 2010 at 1:19 pm