Business
Freelance Writing with a Disability: Struggles and Triumphs
How Difficult Can Freelance Writing with a Disability Really Be?
Freelance writing can be hard on a non-disabled person, let alone freelance writing with a disability. Some disabled people who freelance may view it as the only way to have a real career due to their inability to drive, I am one of those people. I have Cerebral Palsy, and I get around using a wheelchair.
My name is Miranda, and I have been freelance writing since 2012. It started as a way to earn some “street cred” in the field while still earning my Bachelor’s degree in Literature and Language. I slowed down in 2013 after starting my Master’s in Professional Writing. Once that journey ended in 2015, I started looking for full-time remote writing work.
They don’t tell writers about trying to get a traditional full-time job with a company, only remote, that the rates are pretty laughable to survive on. At least, this was my experience. After years of rejections, acceptances, and ultimately, not making enough to live off of with the number of hours I was putting in, in 2018, I went my own way. I haven’t looked back since.
Honestly, I was never really keen on being my own boss. The idea made me nervous. My grandmother, the biggest cheerleader in my pursuit of the written word, always suggested it. Running my own business just looked too stressful, and I am a total worrywart. My opinion would change after helping a friend with her resume.
She was my best friend since Pre-Kindergarten, so, naturally, I was going to help. She grew up with me and knew me as the nerdy writer, so it didn’t surprise me when she asked. What surprised me was when she asked me to do her husband’s resume, and they both wanted to pay me. I denied it at first. The couple knew I didn’t have any work coming in and insisted. After completing their documents, I asked her, “Do you think I should try doing this full-time?’ Her response? “Absolutely.” Miranda the Freelancer was born.
© Pixabay
The Struggles
For the longest time, my bread and butter were resumes. I also offered other writing services, but everyone knew me for my resumes. It wasn’t until recently that I started turning the focus away from resumes.
The thing about resumes is everyone should have one, but not everyone needs someone to write them a resume. The resume business is a hot and cold one. Besides, one tends to get bored with writing resumes and cover letters constantly. I started searching for regular clients who could use me for my content writing abilities. Regular clients would also land me frequent work, which meant no living from resume to resume. It seemed like a win-win.
However, it’s not an easy task to find regular clients. I recommend that freelance writers look for leads every day. Some may turn into regular clients, but some may only be one-off projects. You can keep those clients on your clientele list; they may ask you for other services later. Once that project is completed, you will always need something to fill that gap. The downside is that daily lead searches can be pretty tiring, especially for those that have disabilities and may live with chronic pain.
I still have my first regular client to this day, but I have a reoccurring problem with them; communication. They still don’t respond to emails promptly, and payment schedules are very fuzzy. Communication is critical on both sides of the coin. Unfortunately, it is prevalent for freelance writers to have to chase payments.
My regular clientele list has been growing since I started lead searching daily. Even with the problems of receiving payments on time and lacklustre communication, I can earn multiple fees weekly, which has helped me tremendously. Working through exhaustion is something I have learned to live with, and breaks in between tasks can help remedy the situation.
© Pixabay
The Triumphs
A few weeks ago, I received an email from a small power washing company in New Jersey. They had been referred to me by someone who works with my website’s hosting domain. Referrals are a freelance writer’s best friend, and they got me my biggest project and payout to date. I did 15 landing pages for the company’s website and earned over $500.
The project and payout are still small potatoes compared to some of my peers, but in the words of my wise grandmother, “You’re doing so much better than when you first started!” I’m evolving at a good pace. I believe that if I can keep this up, I can build my business to be something special. I am incredibly thankful to that company for giving me the opportunity, and I would write for them again in the future.
Due to my partner working full-time and studying to be an electrician, I will never be able to get to a traditional job. I’ve made my peace with that and I’ve accomplished more than I ever thought possible since I started Miranda the Freelancer in 2018. I’m confident in my abilities to keep it growing, and my disability can never stop me. That’s something to be proud of.
In our modern, interconnected world, inclusivity has moved beyond being an option—it’s now a fundamental necessity. Companies that acknowledge and cater to diverse communities, including individuals with disabilities, aren’t just advocating for equality; they’re also tapping into a substantial consumer base. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of marketing and explore how embracing inclusivity can lead to favorable outcomes for both businesses and the disability community.
Genuine Representation:
At the core of effective marketing lies genuine representation. Companies can take the lead by prominently featuring individuals with disabilities in their advertising campaigns. By showcasing their products and services in use by people from all walks of life, businesses promote diversity and strike a chord within the disability community. This not only fosters inclusivity but also creates a sense of belonging and acknowledgement.
Accessible Content:
Inclusive marketing hinges on ensuring that all content is accessible to individuals with disabilities. This encompasses practices such as using alt text for images, providing captions for videos, and ensuring that websites are screen-reader compatible. By making content accessible, businesses not only cater to a broader audience but also demonstrate their commitment to equal accessibility.
Collaboration and Partnerships:
Teaming up with organizations and influencers within the disability community can amplify marketing endeavors. Partnering with disability advocacy groups or individuals who hold prominence in the community enables businesses to extend their reach and gain insights into the preferences and needs of individuals with disabilities.
Addressing Genuine Needs:
Inclusive marketing transcends superficial visuals; it involves addressing genuine needs. Companies that design products or services while keeping in mind the specific requirements of individuals with disabilities display an authentic commitment to inclusivity. This might involve creating user-friendly interfaces, offering customization options, or integrating principles of universal design.
Empowering Through Storytelling:
Effective marketing often revolves around storytelling. Sharing authentic narratives of individuals with disabilities and their triumphs over challenges can inspire and empower both the community and a wider audience. Celebrating achievements and dispelling stereotypes nurtures a more accurate understanding of the capabilities of people with disabilities.
Promoting Understanding Through Education:
Educational campaigns provide companies with a platform to raise awareness and foster understanding about disability-related matters. By offering information and dispelling misconceptions, businesses contribute to a more inclusive society while also positioning themselves as socially responsible entities.
Engaging With Feedback:
Listening to feedback from individuals with disabilities is of paramount importance. Engaging with the community through surveys, focus groups, and social media channels offers valuable insights into their preferences and concerns. This feedback loop enables businesses to fine-tune their marketing strategies and make continuous enhancements.
In summary, the junction of marketing and disability transcends mere advertisement. Embracing inclusivity in marketing strategies doesn’t just broaden a business’s reach; it also enriches society with equity. Through authentic representation, accessible content, collaboration, addressing real needs, storytelling, educational campaigns, and meaningful engagement, businesses can forge a path towards positive transformation and cultivate a more inclusive environment for all.
Business
Advocating for Your Rights and Needs as a Person with a Disability: Empowering Tips and Resources
As a person with a disability, effectively advocating for your rights and needs is crucial for ensuring equal opportunities and overcoming barriers. Communication, assertiveness, and seeking support play key roles in this process. By following these 6 empowering tips, you can navigate the challenges and assert your rights confidently.
1. Educate Yourself: Familiarize yourself with the laws and policies that protect the rights of people with disabilities, both in your country and globally. This knowledge equips you with the necessary information to advocate effectively.
2. Communicate Clearly: Express your needs and concerns in a clear and concise manner. Use “I” statements to assert yourself and avoid confrontational language. Articulate the specific accommodations or modifications required to ensure equal participation.
3. Seek Support: Connect with disability support organizations and networks that offer guidance and resources. They can provide valuable insights, legal advice, and emotional support to assist you in navigating barriers and discrimination.
4. Document Incidents: Keep a record of any instances of discrimination, including dates, times, locations, and individuals involved. This documentation can be crucial evidence if you decide to pursue legal action or file a complaint.
5. Know Your Rights: Be well informed about your rights as a person with a disability. Familiarize yourself with legislation such as the Nigerian Disability Rights Act and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
6. Collaborate with Others: Join advocacy groups and initiatives to amplify your voice and influence change. Collaborating with like-minded individuals creates a stronger platform to advocate for your rights collectively.
Remember, advocating for your rights is an ongoing process. Stay informed, seek support, and be persistent in your efforts. By asserting yourself confidently, you contribute to a more inclusive society where the rights and needs of all individuals are respected.
In the fast-paced and diverse business landscape of today, inclusivity holds the key to extraordinary achievements, going beyond being just a buzzword. By embracing diversity and harnessing the talents of individuals with disabilities, you have the opportunity to witness a remarkable transformation in your business brand, setting it apart from the competition.
Below are five ways people with disabilities can become powerful catalysts for skyrocketing your business brand:
1. Unleashing Creativity and Innovation: People with disabilities bring a unique perspective to problem-solving and innovation. Their diverse experiences and adaptive thinking can lead to groundbreaking ideas that resonate with a broader audience, elevating your brand to new heights.
2. Cultivating Enhanced Customer Empathy: Employing individuals with disabilities fosters a deeper understanding of your customers’ diverse needs and preferences. This empathy fuels the development of products and services catering to a wider range of individuals, thereby boosting customer loyalty and enhancing your brand’s reputation.
3. Crafting Inclusive Marketing Campaigns: With a diverse workforce that includes people with disabilities, creating authentic and inclusive marketing campaigns becomes second nature. Representation matters, and consumers connect more profoundly with a brand that embraces diversity and reflects the real world.
4. Nurturing an Empowering Workplace Culture: Embracing diversity cultivates a positive workplace culture that encourages teamwork, respect, and open-mindedness. This welcoming environment attracts top talent, boosts employee morale, reduces turnover, and ultimately leads to increased productivity and overall success.
5. Making a Positive Social Impact: Actively promoting inclusivity and providing equal opportunities positions your business as a force for positive social change. Modern consumers appreciate brands that align with their values, and your commitment to empowering people with disabilities will garner genuine support and unwavering loyalty.
Integrating people with disabilities into your workforce is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic decision that can propel your business brand to unprecedented heights. By leveraging their unique talents and perspectives, you have the potential to cultivate a brand that stands out, deeply connects with customers, and makes a meaningful contribution to a more inclusive society.
Embracing Your Strengths: Transforming Your Disability into a Heroic Journey
Advocating for Your Rights and Needs as a Person with a Disability: Empowering Tips and Resources
Embracing Your Disability Identity: Celebrating Diversity and Empowering Change
Rich Davenport: Creativity and Performing With ME
Finding Love Online With a Disability
The Traitors, Body Language and Disability
