Work if you are disabled
Most people find it difficult to decide where to go to college, get an apprenticeship, or successfully apply for their first job. Young people with disabilities are no exception!
But don't be put off.
There are lots of choices and opportunities to suit you.
Get advice
If you have a disability and you're looking for a job, explain the situation to your Connexions Adviser or Adviser at the Job Centre.
They will be able to tell you what you have to tell a potential employer, and may be able to put you in touch with schemes and support you don't know about yet.
The law
It is unlawful for employers to discriminate against people with disabilities when recruiting for jobs. In fact, under most circumstances, employers have a legal obligation to make jobs available to people with disabilities.
There are some exceptions, though, so get advice.
- Advice and information is available online from Remploy
Making an application
For most jobs, your disability should not be a factor when a potential employer considers whether to offer you a job.
DO
- Ask for a full job description and ask questions about the job
- Stress your qualifications, experience, training, skills
- Answer questions honestly
- Tell the interviewer about any assistance or adaptations you require to do the job
- Be positive and make suggestions about how they can adapt
DON'T
- Apologise for your disability
- Discuss your disability except in relation to the job, unless you think it will help you in interview
- Expect your potential employers to know everything about how to support you
If you are unsuccessful
If you are unsuccessful, you might want to blame your disability. But many, many job interviews are unsuccessful, for lots of different reasons.
Learn from unsuccessful job interviews:
- Phone the potential employer and ask for feedback on how the interview went
- Get advice on how to improve your CV or interview skills
Remember that most young people apply to lots of jobs before they find the right one for them.
- More about Finding a Job
Share your stories
We're looking for inspirational stories from young people with disabilities. What is your experience of job-seeking, connexions and finding work?
Whatever tips you have to pass on, email and let us know!
Find it
Looking for somewhere you can get information, advice and guidance around careers, choices, study, jobs and education ? Find your local Connexions Centre or Access Point.
Links
These websites will help you find information advice and guidance around careers and choices online:
- Skill
National body for students with disabilities - OUCH
BBC site for, by and about people with disabilities - Young Mencap
For young people with learning difficulties and disabilities
Note: Spired.com is not responsible for the content of other websites
