Careers support for disabled students
Finding work when you have a disability can seem like a daunting prospect. The Careers Service is here to help.
From wondering how employers will react, to knowing what adjustments to ask for during the application and interview stage, it can all add up to what can already be quite a stressful experience.
The law is there to protect your rights and there are lots of organisations that support you and businesses to make sure you can access work opportunities.
Access careers appointments, events and resources.
Tips on searching for work
Most employers have a policy and are positive about recruiting and retaining disabled people.
Some employers make this clear by signing up to schemes such as the Disability Confident employer scheme, the Business Disability Forum and Mindful Employer's Charter for employers who are positive about mental health.
Here are some useful things to research about a potential employer:
- see if they have the disability confident symbol to show they encourage applications from disabled people
- check if the job advert affirms that they are an equal opportunities employer
- look at their equal opportunities policy on their website
- check if they offer application forms in different formats or mention adjustments for applicants with disabilities on their website or in the job advert.
Useful resources when applying for a job
EmployAbility – free application support
We have partnered with EmployAbility to ensure that you are supported with any applications you make.
Register on the EmployAbility website to access:
- internships, graduate programs, insight days, webinars and events with inclusive employers
- advice and support on the adjustments you may need for the recruitment process and the workplace
- someone to advocate on your behalf with any potential employer.
These services are completely free and confidential.
Email the EmployAbility team at info@employ-ability.org.uk if you need support.
Look out for future communications about EmployAbility from Disability Services, the Careers Service or on the EmployAbility Instagram.
Helpful websites
- Disability Rights UK – the UK’s leading organisation led by, run by, and working for disabled people.
- Even Break – the UK’s most accessible job board to connect employers and disabled students.
- Vercida – listings from companies committed to inclusiveness and diversity in the workplace.
- Disability Jobsite – helps disabled people to participate actively in employment and supports disabled people on the pathway to work.
- MyPlus Students' Club – provides essential careers advice to disabled students or those with a long-term health condition and helps students realise their career potential.
Once you have applied for a job you need to decide whether you will be open about your disability and at what stage. If you are ready to be open about your disability, you can discuss any adjustments you might need to enable you to perform to your full potential during recruitment and if you are appointed to the role.
Support from the University
- Read our disability and employability resources.
- Follow the Careers Service on Instagram for informative content that can help with your career.
- See our Instagram post on reasonable adjustments in the recruitment process.
- Chat to our employability and progression assistants about your career plans.
- Find out how careers mentoring can benefit you and your future.
- Read information about all our support for disabled students.
- Visit the Leeds University Union Help and Support pages.
Accreditations
- Next Generation Inclusive University – our commitment to disability inclusion and equity is at the heart of who we are and what we do.
- Inclusive University partnership badge with EmployAbility – demonstrates our commitment to a level playing field for disabled students and graduates.