Careers in Special Education Besides Teaching

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were almost 500,000 special education teachers working in 2022. But teaching is just one of many careers for individuals with a background in special education. With transferable skills in areas such as collaboration, patience, organization, and communication, these professionals can make an impact in a number of other related roles. 

In addition to schools, experienced special education professionals work in government offices, rehabilitation centers, and nonprofit organizations. They hold positions in technology, consulting, and services coordination, among other areas. In these specialized jobs, they promote accessibility and improve the quality of life for people who have disabilities.

If you’re interested in pursuing a nonteaching special education career, one avenue is to expand your skill set and earn a master’s degree in assistive technology. Continue reading to learn more about some other careers in special education besides teaching. 
 

Special Education Careers Beyond Teaching 

Teaching is typically one of the first careers that come to mind for individuals considering earning a special education degree. However, prospective special education professionals can pursue a number of other rewarding careers. Here are some examples.

Assistive Technology Specialist

Assistive technology specialists select and operate various technical tools for people with disabilities, and teach them how to use and understand these tools. After assessing their clients’ needs, specialists determine which devices are most suitable for them, such as adaptive keyboards, Braille displays, or note-taking systems. 

According to January 2024 data from Payscale, assistive technology specialists have a median annual salary of approximately $62,000. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) forecasts that employment in health care and social service occupations, which includes assistive technology professionals, will increase 8% from 2022 to 2032. 

Coordinator of Disability Services

Disability services coordinators work with people who have disabilities and their families to determine what accommodations, services, and support each individual needs. Additionally, they may evaluate programs, plan activities, and ensure compliance with relevant state and federal laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Payscale reports that disability services coordinators have a median salary of about $43,000 as of June 2024. The BLS projects that employment of social and community service managers, a group that includes disability services coordinators, will grow 9% from 2022 to 2032. 

Personal Care Assistant

In special education classroom settings, the primary task of personal care assistants is to provide support to students with disabilities under the direction of a teacher, either one-on-one or in a group setting. They may also help these students operate wheelchairs, canes, and walkers, in addition to preparing and distributing classroom assignments. 

The BLS reports that workers in the home health and personal care aides category have a median salary of $33,530 as of 2023. The agency expects a 22% increase in employment of these workers from 2022 to 2032. 

Recreational Therapist

Recreational therapists develop and implement activities to boost the physical, social, mental, and emotional well-being of the individuals they work with. Their therapeutic programs may include sports, music, arts, and outdoor activities. They typically work in hospitals, nursing and residential care facilities, government offices, ambulatory health service agencies, and social service organizations. Some therapists travel to meet their patients and establish a mobile office. 

According to May 2023 information from the BLS, recreational therapists have a median salary of about $57,120. Recreational therapists are projected to see a 4% rise in employment from 2022 to 2032, according to the BLS. 

Adaptive Sports Coordinator

For those seeking a career in special education besides teaching, sports is an area worth considering. Adaptive sports are recreational or competitive sports activities that are modified to accommodate participants who have disabilities. These events often involve using various types of adaptive equipment based on the athletes’ needs. For example, athletes participating in adaptive sports run with a sighted guide if they are visually impaired, use specially designed sports wheelchairs for races, and shoot targets at shorter distances.   

Adaptive sports coordinators organize, implement, and oversee sporting events and physical education programs to fit the needs of individuals with disabilities. They also play a role in conducting initial assessments of each participant before recommending modifications to the activities. Flexibility is key for coordinators, as they may be tasked to work in a school, office environment, or in the field to accommodate the needs of their clients. 

According to June 2022 data from Payscale, sports coordinators have a median salary of about $45,000. Fitness trainers and instructors, such as sports coordinators, are projected to see a 14% rise in employment between 2022 and 2032, according to the BLS.

State Assistive Technologist

State assistive technologists work for government offices to establish and implement various statewide assistive technology programs. They are typically responsible for incorporating new technologies into programs, adhering to state and federal laws, and coordinating with school districts to allocate resources. The median salary and employment outlook for this profession are similar to those for assistive technology specialists.
 

Benefits of Earning an Assistive Technology Degree

By earning an assistive technology degree, special education professionals can gain extensive knowledge of this rapidly evolving field and the devices and tools that individuals with disabilities commonly use. Developing this expertise can help individuals prepare to pursue in-demand positions, make a difference in people’s lives, stay current on technological advancements, and work collaboratively with those in related disciplines, such as health care and rehabilitation.

The World Health Organization projects that approximately 3.5 billion people will need some form of assistive technology by 2050. Additionally, the World Economic Forum states that the global market for assistive technology is projected to reach $31.22 billion by 2030, citing forecasts from Vantage Market Research. With the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence, new technologies could emerge to assist people who have conditions such as autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and dyslexia. 

As technology continues to evolve, experienced professionals will be well positioned to become leaders in this field who drive innovation and improve access to education and careers for individuals with disabilities.
 

Advance Your Special Education Career With a Master’s Degree

When it comes to careers in special education, teaching isn’t your only option. This is a diverse discipline that requires professionals with a range of skills. By honing these skills, individuals can prepare themselves to work in any of a number of settings and to advocate for individuals with disabilities. 

For those looking to expand their expertise in special education or delve into the field of assistive technology, consider enrolling in the Master of Science in Assistive Technology Studies and Human Services program offered through the Tseng College at California State University, Northridge. This online program, offering a flexible schedule, a group cohort format, and professional certification preparation, can be completed in as little as two years. 

Learn more about this master’s degree program and how it can help support your career aspirations in special education.