Disability in the workplace

It's easy to assume that your options will be limited by having a disability. Although there might be barriers, such as the work environment or other people's attitudes, these can usually be overcome. Start by reading our guide to getting the support you need to reach your goals.

"You don't have to tell an employer about your disability unless you're asked."

What is the best career for me?

The answer to this is... anything! Nursing, teaching, sport, business, law, media, IT, veterinary science – you name it – there are disabled people working in every imaginable field.

Despite progress in society, disabled people are underrepresented in the workplace. However, research from Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services (AGCAS) shows you'll have better job prospects if you continue with your education. The study found that disabled graduates achieve similar levels of success as non-disabled graduates.

Many successful disabled people have, at some stage, been told that their career aspirations are unsuitable. If you face this kind of reaction, the key is to persevere and take advantage of the support available. Go and get the skills and knowledge you need for whatever job appeals to you.

What support can I get at work?

Many organisations are positive about employing disabled people because they want to attract the best person for the job. One way they show their commitment is by adopting the 'two ticks' disability symbol.

Under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), all employers have to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people. This means that as well as not discriminating against you in the recruitment process, they are expected to provide support and make changes to the workplace to help you do your job.

Common reasonable adjustments include:

Making adjustments to buildings
Flexible working hours
Providing specialist equipment
Changing parts of your job description

Who pays for extra disability costs at work?

It's important to remember that all employers have a legal duty to make reasonable adjustments. However, you can help persuade them that costs won't be a problem by telling them about the Access to Work scheme.

Access to Work is run by Jobcentre Plus and has been described by the British Chamber of Commerce as 'one of the best kept secrets in Government.' It can help in a number of ways, for example by paying towards:

Communication support at interviews
Special aids and equipment
Support workers
Travel to work, which can include taxi fares
Disability awareness training for your work colleagues

The scheme pays 100% of the approved costs for:

Anyone starting a new job
Self-employed people

If you've been in a job for six weeks or more, the scheme pays a proportion of your support costs. The employer has to pay the first £300 and then 20% of the total up to £10,000.

Should I mention my disability when I apply for a job?

You don't have to tell an employer about your disability unless you are asked direct questions about your health or disability on a medical questionnaire.

Disclosure is a personal decision and disabled people often worry about discrimination, prejudice or lack of confidentiality. The main benefit of disclosure is that it gives you more protection under the DDA if you have a dispute at work. If an employer can show they didn't know you had a disability, you wouldn't have a case for discrimination. Other advantages of speaking up include:

Some employers are keen to employ disabled people
It's an opportunity to describe your disability positively
Adjustments can be put in place earlier
You might build a better working relationship
You can explain aspects of your CV that might otherwise count against you, such as gaps in your education or work history

Information about your disability is protected by the DDA and the Data Protection Act. It is sensitive personal information and cannot be passed on to other people without your permission.

Did you know?

According to the Employer's Forum on Disability:

The average cost of a reasonable adjustment is £75 and most reasonable adjustments are free
Productivity research shows no significant differences between the performances of disabled and non-disabled people in the workplace.

Jargon Buster

Disclosure:: Telling someone about your disability.
Two ticks disability symbol:: A green circle with two ticks. Employers use this to show they are positive about employing disabled people.

If you're not sure which jobs are a good match for your skills and interests, make an appointment to see a careers or Connexions advisor.
Download the Skill information booklet Career and work for disabled people for a list of organisations which help disabled jobseekers.
To apply for Access to Work, speak to the Disability Employment Adviser (DEA) at your local Jobcentre or contact your nearest Access to Work Business Centre.

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