20 Accessible Side Hustles for People with Disabilities

Becoming a freelance writer is one of the most popular side hustles out there, and it’s a job that you can do with most disabilities. You can even do it if you’re vision-impaired or your disability makes it difficult or impossible to type, although you might need to use specialized software or equipment, such as a screen reader or speech-to-text program.

There are many different types of content you can write, including:

• Guest posts or articles for blogs: Try pitching your ideas to Cracked (an “infotainment” website for humorous articles), Listverse (another infotainment website that features listicles), or Making a Living Writing (a website with tips and resources for freelance writers).
• Reviews: You can get paid to write reviews of films, music, books, and more. Find opportunities with sites like Online Book Club and Kirkus Media for book reviews, Cineaste and Screen Rant for film reviews, and Slicethepie for music reviews.
• Song lyrics: Try selling your lyrics on SongBay (where you can also sell poetry), as well as Premium Lyrics.
• Books or e-books: You can use Kindle Direct Publishing to self-publish ebooks and print books for free. You can also explore other self-publishing platforms like Smashwords and Lulu.

Not only is writing a good side hustle for people with disabilities, some of the sites we just mentioned (such as Cracked) sometimes publish articles about disabilities (e.g., what it’s like to live with them).

Of course, you can write about whatever you like—you don’t have to mention your disability if you don’t want to. However, if you find yourself stuck for ideas, this can be a good way to get your foot in the door.

Where can you find gigs?

When you’re starting any online side hustle, it’s worth looking for jobs on general-purpose freelancing job boards. The most popular sites include:

• Fiverr
• Upwork
• Freelancer

There are also many platforms that focus on freelance writing. Examples include:

• Constant Content
• ContentWriters
• ContentGather
• Contently
• Crowd Content
• Compose.ly

How much can you make?

Upwork cites hourly rates of $15–$65 for freelance writers. However, the amount you can make as a writer greatly depends on the type of content you’re writing, the platform, publication, or company you’re writing for, and your experience level.

A proofreader is someone who performs a final review of a text, generally after an editor has checked it. Their job is to fix any errors that remain. Proofreaders get rid of surface-level problems like spelling mistakes, typos, and grammatical errors.

Proofreading is a fairly accessible gig with a lower barrier to entry than copyediting or developmental editing jobs usually have. Additionally, it can usually be done remotely, and gigs often have flexible and forgiving schedules.

Where can you find gigs?

In addition to sites like Upwork and Fiverr, you can find proofreading jobs (as well as higher-level editing work) on the following websites:

• Scribbr
• Scribendi
• Proofreading Pal

How much can you make?

The Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA) suggests rates of $0.02–$0.049 per word or $31–$45 per hour for proofreading.

A translator is someone who takes written content in one language and converts it into another. If you’re fluent in more than one language, consider using this skill as a way to make money.

As another desk job that can be done remotely, this type of work is very forgiving of many disabilities. All that matters is that you be proficient in your chosen languages.

Where can you find gigs?

Look for jobs on dedicated translation platforms like:

• Babelcube
• TranslatorsCafe
• Translate.com

How much can you make?

You can often make about $30 per hour as a translator.

A graphic designer uses artistic and technical skills to create attractive designs. They usually work on a computer, although they may occasionally work with traditional tools and materials (e.g., when creating sketches or mockups).

To do this, you’ll need creative flair, plus some experience with popular graphic design software. The tools of the trade include:

• Adobe Photoshop
• Adobe InDesign
• Adobe Illustrator
• Canva
• Sketch

This is a fantastic side hustle if you’re an artist with motor issues or anything else that makes it difficult to work with traditional media. For obvious reasons, it’s much easier to delete and redraw a bad line when you’re working digitally than when you’re sketching with a pen or pencil.

That said, you’ll usually need reasonably good eyesight to do this side hustle (although there are graphic designers out there who are visually impaired or even blind, so never say never).

Where can you find gigs?

There are many places you can sell art, illustrations, templates, and more. For example, you can sell premade work on sites like:

• Etsy
• Redbubble
• CafePress

You can also look for graphic design gigs on freelancer sites like:

• Fiverr
• Upwork
• Freelancer

How much can you make?

Graphic designers earn around $30 per hour.

A video editor is someone who uses computer programs to turn raw video clips into polished products. This is another remote-friendly side hustle that doesn’t require moving around or interacting with people.

To become a video editor, you’ll need to be familiar with video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve. You’ll also need to know the fundamentals of video editing, such as cutting, trimming, transitions, and basic effects.

Where can you find gigs?

To find gigs for video editors, look on:

• Working Not Working
• Backstage
• Mandy

As usual, you can also try some of the freelancing sites we’ve mentioned, such as Fiverr and Upwork.

How much can you make?

Video editors and producers charge anywhere between $20 and $100 per hour.

Photography might not come to mind as a side hustle that’s good for people with disabilities, but if it’s something you have an interest in, don’t discount it. There are many different types of equipment that make photography more accessible, including:

• Wheelchair mount: This is a must-have for any photographer who uses a wheelchair. TOAZOE sells an adjustable arm that can clamp onto your wheelchair, which will make getting the angle you want for a shot significantly easier and remove the need to hold your camera for long periods of time.
• Remote shutter release: If it’s tricky for you to time your shots or to continually remain by your camera, get a remote control that you can use to take pictures from a distance.
• Magnification device: If you’re vision-impaired, a telephoto magnifier (such as the Canon PowerShot Zoom) can be an invaluable help when setting up shots. It can enable you to scope out details that you wouldn’t have been able to see on your own.

Of course, the actual camera you buy also matters. If you suffer from shakiness, for example, make sure that you get one with good image stabilization capabilities.

The type of photography side hustle you select is equally important. If it would be hard for you to attend crowded gatherings and capture fleeting moments, wedding and event photography probably isn’t the best option, but you can still make money with photography in other ways (e.g., by taking photos of products in your home and uploading them to stock photo sites).

Where can you find gigs?

You can sell your photos on sites like:

• Shutterstock
• Getty Images
• Picfair

You may also be able to find photography gigs on freelancer sites like the ones we’ve already mentioned (e.g., Fiverr or Upwork).

How much can you make?

Your earnings will greatly depend on the type of photography you choose. That said, on average, freelance photographers make almost $40 per hour, although when you’re just starting out, you probably won’t be able to command rates like that.

A voice actor is someone who reads and interprets words that someone else has written (e.g., for commercials, audiobooks, etc).

A voice acting side hustle isn’t a good choice if you have a hearing impairment, but it can be a solid fit if you’re vision-impaired or have motor issues. You don’t need to rely on your manual dexterity at all—you just need a decent voice and some acting talent.

Note that if you want to do voice work from home, you’ll need a few pieces of equipment to get set up (e.g., a mic, potentially a pop filter, and a quiet or soundproof room). Otherwise, you’ll need to be able to travel to a studio, which will also eat into your profits if you have to rent it.

Where can you find gigs?

To become a voice actor, look for jobs on:

• Bunny Studio
• Voices
• Voice 123
• ACX (for audiobooks)
• Findaway Voices (for audiobooks)

How much can you make?

Rates for voice actors are highly variable. The Global Voice Academy maintains a rate guide for different kinds of voice acting work on their website.

A tutor is someone who works with students in small groups or one-on-one to help them learn a skill or subject.

You can tutor:

• Academic subjects: Mathematics and science are particularly popular subjects for tutoring, but you can teach all kinds of subjects, from history and literature to computer science and economics. Check out platforms like Wyzant, Skooli, and Outschool.
• Languages: There are many online platforms for language lessons (particularly English), such as Preply and Cambly.
• Music: Music is another popular subject for tutoring, as it’s best to learn musical instruments in a one-on-one setting. You can teach music on Lessonface or Preply.

Online tutoring jobs are particularly good for people with disabilities; you can usually schedule the work flexibly and do it from home.

Where can you find gigs?

If you’re not comfortable teaching online, you can also teach in-person from your own home or other locations. Looks for opportunities with companies like Kumon and Sylvan Learning that hire people to work at tutoring centers

How much can you make?

Tutoring jobs usually pay around $15–$35 per hour.

Coaching (which is sometimes also called mentoring) is different from tutoring, although it also involves working with people one-on-one. The idea is to guide and support your clients so that they grow personally and professionally.

As someone with a disability, you might be particularly suited to becoming a life coach since you probably have a lot of insight when it comes to overcoming adversity.

If you like, you can also branch out into other types of coaching, including relationship and career coaching. If there’s anything you understand well, people may be willing to pay you to share your insights.

Many coaches and mentors work online, making this a good freelance job for anyone who wants to work from home.

Where can you find gigs?

You may be able to find opportunities in:

• Schools
• Gyms and fitness centers
• Hospitals
• Mental health clinics
• Spiritual and wellness centers
• Community centers
• Nonprofit organizations
• Companies

Coaches also often set up their own businesses to sell their services, which makes it easy to choose your own schedule and working conditions.

How much can you make?

Freelance coaching can be quite lucrative. General-purpose life coaches often make $75–$200 per hour.

If you like the idea of helping students with special needs, consider becoming a special education teacher. If you have a disability yourself, you’ll be able to inspire and support students facing similar challenges.

To become a full-time special education teacher, you’ll need a teacher’s license, but it’s possible to become a substitute teacher as a side hustle, which usually doesn’t require licensure.

Where can you find gigs?

To find jobs in special education teaching, try reaching out to local schools or disability support organizations (e.g., Autism Speaks or the Learning Disabilities Association of America). You can also just keep an eye on local job boards and see if any vacancies open up.

How much can you make?

Substitute teachers generally make around $20 per hour.

Motivational speakers give speeches or presentations to inspire others. They can talk about dozens of different topics: how to find your passion, how to practice gratitude, how to be more productive, how to have better relationships—you name it.

This side hustle is very accessible to disabled people. There are many well-known motivational speakers with disabilities, such as:

• Nick Vujicic
• Jessica Cox
• Nick Santonastasso
• Aarunima Sinha
• Robert Pio Hajjar

These people have carved out niches for themselves by talking about how they’ve overcome their disabilities and achieved great things. If you’re a gifted speaker and have something to say, you might be able to do the same.

Where can you find gigs?

You may be able to start a motivational speaking side hustle by reaching out to:

• Schools and universities (e.g., for graduation ceremonies)
• Youth and student groups
• Hosts of leadership and team-building retreats
• Community events and festivals
• Nonprofits and charities
• Business conferences
• Trade expos

Many motivational speakers set up their own businesses and promote themselves to clients independently (e.g., through social media or blogging).

How much can you make?

On average, motivational speakers make $15–$20 per hour, although the most in-demand ones can make considerably more.

A virtual assistant is a contract employee who helps businesses or individuals with various tasks. For example, they might help with:

• Managing emails
• Scheduling appointments
• Handling customer inquiries
• Dealing with customer complaints
• Managing social media accounts
• Creating and updating spreadsheets and databases
• Travel arrangements and bookings

Where can you find gigs?

The fastest way to become a virtual assistant is to sign up for a platform that will connect you with people who need your services, such as:

• Wing Assistant
• Great Assistant
• Vava Virtual Assistants
• Time etc

How much can you make?

As a virtual assistant, you can realistically expect to make around $30 per hour.

Customer service assistants handle inquiries, deal with complaints, record feedback, and provide other types of help and support for customers.

They may interact with customers through various channels, such as:

• Email
• Phone calls
• Live chat
• Social media platforms

Because you can do customer service work online or over the phone, it’s well-suited to virtual environments and good for people with various disabilities.

In fact, you might actually be able to leverage your disability to find work. If you can convince companies that you’ll be able to help other people with disabilities use their products, they’ll probably see that as a significant asset.

Where can you find gigs?

You can find customer service jobs on sites like:

• Upwork
• Fiverr
• Helpwise

How much can you make?

Customer service reps generally make around $15 per hour.

Transcription involves converting spoken language or audio content into written text. It’s a popular side hustle because it can easily be done on a freelance basis and requires minimal equipment or training.

Bear in mind that this isn’t a great gig for people with severe hearing impairments or conditions that prevent them typing quickly, but it can be adapted to many other kinds of disabilities.

Transcription software often allows you to enlarge words to view them more clearly, and while many transcriptionists use foot controls (pedals) to rewind audio files, there are plenty of substitutes for people who are paralyzed from the waist down or otherwise don’t have the use of their legs. Look into the Philips hand control or other similar tools.

Where can you find gigs?

These specialist sites have many transcription opportunities:

• Rev
• CrowdSurf
• TranscribeMe
• Daily Transcription
• Musixmatch

If you’re blind or vision-impaired, there are also opportunities at publishing houses for people who can transcribe books into Braille. You can look for this kind of work on job boards like Indeed and LinkedIn.

How much can you make?

Transcription jobs typically pay between $0.40 and $3 per audio minute transcribed.

A software developer or programmer is someone who writes code to create desktop, mobile, or web apps. It’s a great side hustle if you need something home-based and flexible—the software industry has always been ahead of the curve when it comes to allowing remote work.

There are also dozens of tools (many of which are free) that make programming more accessible. For instance, Serenade is a speech-to-text program that’s specifically designed to help you write code.

Where can you find gigs?

You can find programming jobs on sites like:

• Toptal
• Turing
• Flexiple
• Upwork
• Fiverr

If you have a disability and you’re interested in taking your first steps into the world of programming, you can also look into the University of Washington’s AccessComputing initiative. They maintain several free resources on their website, including a list of disability-friendly job boards that you can scour for opportunities.

How much can you make?

Freelance programmers can make anywhere from $40 to $200 per hour, depending on their experience level.

A user experience (UX) designer helps create user-friendly digital products, such as:

• Websites
• Mobile apps
• Online shops
• Software interfaces

This is a job that you might be uniquely suited to, as having a disability can make you keenly aware of the usability of products and platforms at all times.

Where can you find gigs?

You can find UX design jobs on these sites:

• UX Collective Jobs
• Dribbble
• Flexiple
• Toptal

How much can you make?

UX designers make $25–$40 per hour on average.

If you have something to say, you can start a blog and build an audience. This is a classic side hustle, although a very competitive one and not one that you’re guaranteed to make money with (especially at first).

How to start blogging

These days, it’s easy to create a blog for free by using platforms like Wix and WordPress. To make sure your blog becomes a runaway hit, it’s important to promote it (e.g., on social media) and keep posting regularly.

Once you have an audience, there are many different ways you can make money from blogging. For instance, you can insert affiliate links to Amazon products in your posts, or simply host ads on your blog.

How much can you make?

Online content creation is so variable that it’s hard to put a number on it. In the beginning, you won’t make much at all, but if your blog takes off, you can eventually earn thousands of dollars per month.

If you love the camera, consider video blogging (aka vlogging) instead of creating written content. You can post videos on YouTube to make money. They can be about anything you want, from baking to extreme sports.

How to start vlogging

If you want, you can use your disability as a “hook” to grab people’s interest. Many popular YouTube channels feature people with disabilities, such as:

• Molly Burke
• Jessica Kellgren-Fozard
• Rikki Poynter
• Zach Anner
• Squirmy and Grubs

Of course, if you’d rather not make your disability a focus of your content, that’s fine, too.

How much can you make?

To monetize your YouTube videos, you can use many of the same strategies you’d use for a blog or website. You can also try to qualify for an influencer marketing program (e.g., the YouTube partner program).

As with blogging, your income from YouTubing will entirely depend on the popularity of your content. Most creators make relatively little, but the truly successful ones do very well for themselves.

If you want something low-key that doesn’t involve working for anyone else, you can sell things online.

You can set up an e-commerce platform and sell anything you like, but if you have an eye for aesthetics, consider selling “printables.” These are downloadable templates for products like stickers, notebooks, calendars, and the like.

There’s a considerable market for these on platforms like Etsy, and they come with several advantages. As a printables seller, you don’t have to maintain an inventory (which otherwise would take up space in your house), and you also don’t have to handle manufacturing or shipping (which can be physically challenging).

How much can you make?

As with blogging, this side hustle is what you make of it. Your earnings depend on what you sell and what kind of volume you manage to move.

If what you really want is a side hustle that allows you to get paid to do nothing, you can rent out your unused possessions or even spare space in your home. This is one side hustle that literally anyone can do, regardless of what disability they have. The only thing you need is something to rent.

The things you can rent include:

• Spare storage space: If you have a spare room or another space (such as a shed) that you aren’t using, you can let people stash their things their for a fee, which will net you steady passive income from renting without actually requiring you to invite people into your home on a regular basis. Try advertising this service on Neighbor, StoreAtMyHouse, and Stache.
• Cars, trucks, and other vehicles: Rent out your vehicle on Turo, Getaround, Fetch (for trucks and vans), or Riders Share (for motorcycles).
• Parking spaces: If you have a spare parking space on your street or in your garage, rent it out with Neighbor, SpotHero, or ParkWhiz.
• Bicycles or sports equipment: You can use Spinlister to rent out bicycles, as well as equipment for surfing and snowboarding.
• Clothes: There are several sites where you can rent out your clothes, including Vinted, Tulerie, Style Lend, and Rent My Wardrobe.
• Money: You can get involved with peer-to-peer lending, which is a way for people to lend money directly to other individuals or businesses and potentially earn interest on it. Check out Prosper, Groundfloor, and LendingClub.

How much can you make?

Renting is a highly variable side hustle. If you rent out your car, you can sometimes make as much as $7,000–$10,000 per month. Renting extra space can net you several hundred dollars per month. Sports equipment can net you up to $100 per month (per item).

If none of the side hustles we’ve listed appeal to you and you’re still not sure what you want to pursue, check out DisabledPerson.com, which is a popular job board that’s specifically designed for people with disabilities. You can also find other curated lists of jobs below.