Disability and employment

Most young people with disabilities or learning difficulties move into paid employment when they finish their education. There is support available to help them achieve their ambitions.

Local learning providers are experienced in supporting people with all kinds of difficulties and disabilities. Employers are required by law to support staff and applicants with disabilities.

Crucial: Older young people who need more support to get ready for work can access schemes like supported internships via their school, college, or Job Centre+. 

Work and health

Work supports independence and confidence. It also helps you to:

• Keep a regular routine
• Connect with other people
• Feel useful and engaged 

Voluntary work and learning also help with this. 

Crucial: Your rights are protected by law as a disabled student or employee. This includes being treated with respect, protected from discrimination and provided with extra help if you need it.

Oxfordshire Employment 

Oxfordshire Employment helps support people with long term health issues or a disability to find and keep paid employment.

Take action: Find out more about Oxfordshire Employment.

The law

By law, employers cannot discriminate against people with disabilities when recruiting for jobs. Employers have a legal obligation to make jobs available to people with disabilities.

Making an application

Your disability should not be a deciding factor for a potential employer. 

It helps to be clear about any special requirements you have if you are invited for an interview. 

Crucial: People who have successfully applied for jobs report that it helps to be positive and make suggestions about any help they may need to do their job. 

Don't be discouraged 

Most young people apply to lots of jobs before they find the right one for them. For someone with a disability, getting the study or work environment that works best for you is really important.

It is fine to take some time and get it right.  

Crucial: If you are unsuccessful, it can help to phone the employer and ask for feedback on how the interview went to improve your next application. 

Access to Work - practical help at work

Access to Work gives you and your employer advice and support with extra costs which may arise because of your needs.

Crucial: You can check if you qualify for Access to Work on the GOV.UK website. 

Staying in work and learning

Working and learning new things is really good for you. 

It supports your health, encourages independence, and makes you feel positive and useful. 

My Experience: I found it helped to be open on my job applications

I work in outdoor education now, but whenever I've applied for a job I always make sure I declare my learning difficulty (I'm dyslexic) on my application form. It doesn't stop me getting shortlisted. If I say how I meet the job criteria on my application, I should always get an interview - whether or not I'm disabled. 

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The Local Offer explains support available to children and young people with special educational needs and disability, and to their families. We hope you found this page helpful. If you would like anything changed, updated or added, please use this online form.