Career Planning for Disabled Students

Universities have excellent support networks in place for students with disabilities. But what about your transition from university into employment? How do you secure a job and overcome barriers?

It's important to start your planning early to allow time for adequate research and a chance to speak to others who can support you if necessary. University Careers Services will be able to advise you on all the key issues related to finding employment after your studies, from composing your CV to completing application forms and interview techniques.

Disclosing your disability
This is a personal decision. It may be that your disability will not affect your employment. If, however, you do not disclose and later you are not able to fulfil the requirements of the post there may be grounds for dismissal. Taking a positive attitude and presenting the employer with solutions, technologies and coping strategies puts you in control. It can ease the genuine anxiety of the employer about making the right provision. Information about Access to Work can enable the employer to meet your needs in a supported and structured way.

'Access to Work'
The Access to Work scheme run by Jobcentre Plus can meet costs for travel and a communicator for interviews. It can also pay for support whilst you are in employment.

Finding disability-friendly employers
There are an increasing number of employers who see an academically qualified disabled candidate in a positive light. This is particularly true of "Double Tick" and public sector employers.

The Disability Discrimination Act
An employer must not treat a disabled person less favourably for a reason related to his/her disability without a valid justification. An employer is also required by law to make reasonable adjustments if a disabled person is placed at a substantial disadvantage.