People who face the extra challenge of lugging adaptive equipment and creating an accessible workspace, for example, are as telecommuters free to focus on job responsibilities. Although most jobs still require employees to be in the office where their bosses can see them, telecommuting has become as common in the corporate world as casual Fridays, according to a survey conducted by Management Recruiters International Inc., a leading recruitment firm. Telework America, a national public-private initiative that studies workplace issues, said there were 15.7 million telecommuters in the United States in 1998, up from 11.1 million the year before. Those include people who are part of virtual teams, have flexible hours or are temporary employees. Some even work part time in their clients' offices.
Experts say maintaining a good attitude is key to successful telecommuting.
The good news for people with disabilities is that this perspective is one they already tend to possess. Take our quiz .