Job hunting as a disabled person can feel like a daunting process. For many people with a disability or health condition, one of the most important aspects of finding a new job is ensuring the employer is committed to inclusion and accessibility.

Careers with Disabilities can help you connect with accessible organisations. Following these simple steps will help you find an accessible employer who will prioritise your health to foster a functional, positive work environment.

Careers with Disabilities Jobs Board

Careers with Disabilities connect disabled jobseekers with inclusive employers through our specialised disabled jobs board and accessible employer profiles.

At Careers with Disabilities, we understand that it can be difficult for disabled employees to predict which employers are going to be the most inclusive of their needs. That is why we have a jobs board tailored especially for disabled jobseekers.

With jobs provided by quality employers, our specialist features provide the opportunity for disabled jobseekers to read employers’ accessibility commitments, inclusive policies, and diversity goals.

By utilising our jobs alert feature, you will never miss out on an opportunity for your dream job!

Disability Confident Scheme

One quick way to identify which employers are positive about inclusivity and accessibility for disabled people is to look for the ‘Disability Confident’ accreditation.

Disability Confident is a government scheme that encourages organisations to take extra steps to incorporate inclusive practices for disabled people in the workplace.

There are three different levels of the scheme known as ‘committed’, ‘employer’, and ‘leader.’ Organisations at the higher levels such as ‘leader’ are proactively recruiting and supporting disabled workers.

All employers featured on the Careers with Disabilities company profiles page are required to state whether they are part of the Disability Confident Scheme and at which level.

Disability Support Organisations

Another way to find supportive employers is to reach out to disability-specific support organizations, like the National Autistic Society or Scope. These organizations can connect you with businesses that have a history of being inclusive and accessible to disabled workers. These charities may also be able to connect you with employers known for being facilitating towards your specific health condition.

Reasonable Adjustments

By law, employers must offer reasonable adjustments so that disabled people and those with long-term health conditions are not at a disadvantage. Adjustments should be offered both during the recruitment process and once employed.

If you have concerns that an application process may disadvantage you, ask to apply in an alternative way. This could mean submitting your application in a different format or extra time during interviews or assessments. If you need further assistance, visit our guide on your rights as a disabled worker.

If you choose to disclose your disability when applying for the job, then this is a great opportunity to start a conversation about the reasonable adjustments that could help you excel in the role. This could include changes to aspects such as the advertised hours or duties.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policies

Organisations outline the ways in which they are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion (ED&I). Reading up on these policies can help you understand the ways in which the company looks to improve the number of disabled workers in their workforce.

It may also give you an insight as to how you may receive support to manage your disability or health condition while at work. You can usually find these policies on an employer’s website or in their recruitment brochures.

If you have a disability that is not visible, you can ask the employer to complete an “Accessibility Check.” This is a form that asks the employer to provide information about how they will accommodate your needs as a disabled worker.

The Equality Act

The Equality Act is a piece of legislation that was passed in 2010 with the goal of protecting disabled workers from discrimination in the workplace. This act requires employers to make reasonable adjustments for disabled employees, which can include things like providing accessible parking or modifying equipment to accommodate a disability.

If you start a job with a new employer and then find that they are not complying with the Equality Act, you can file a complaint with the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

Employee Experiences

Another great way to understand how an organisation supports its disabled workers is to approach a current employee for a first-hand review. Many organisations share employee experiences and stories via the careers section of their website. You could also ask the recruitment team for some information from a disabled employee.

It is important to remember that all employers are required by law to offer alterations to the workplace to accommodate for an employee’s disability or health condition. If you need further advice, visit our page on your rights as a disabled worker. Careers with Disabilities are here to support you in finding your dream jobs as a disabled person with the right accessible employer.