Keele University
Careers and Employability
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Services to Disabled Students
Our services
All the services that Careers and Employability offers are available to students with or without a disability. As a disabled student, however, you will already be aware that you often need to plan ahead in order to ensure you anticipate and overcome any potential difficulties. The Careers and Employability Service is here to support you in exploring and deciding upon the best career options for you and then progressing to employment, voluntary work or further study. You can use the service at any stage of your degree or postgraduate study/research - the sooner the better.
In the Careers and Employability Centre we have publications entitled Diversity Matters; Disability and Diversity Matters; Mental Health which we are happy to copy for you. This publication includes identifying employers, top tips for applications and case studies. See below for additional useful information.
We provide:
Drop-in Sessions
Drop-in sessions enable you to make initial contact with us for advice on researching information, careers decision making, work experience, access to vacancies, help with application and much more. These are held in the Careers and Employability Centre on a sign-up basis. If you would find it difficult to have a discussion with background noise and/or with other students present please ask at reception for an interview and we will arrange this for you.
Guidance Interviews
We offer interviews to enable an in-depth, confidential discussion of career issues. If you require any specific accommodations within the interview please let us know in advance and we will ensure that this is organised.
Workshops
We offer a range of workshops in the autumn and spring semesters - see our programme for details. These include applications, interviews, work experience and law related topics. We strive to ensure that we hold these sessions in accessible rooms but this is not always possible. If you have access difficulties or need accommodations for any workshops please let us know in advance and we will address these issues.
Relevant information:
Careers and Employability Centre
Provides core information on topics relevant to all students including resources for deciding upon a career path, occupational information, work experience vacancies, employer information, postgraduate study guides, information on working or studying abroad and resources to support applications and interviews. Our handouts are available in large print and on disk. This has been designed to be accessible by all of our students providing coverage of core topics and useful links.
In addition, there is a section specifically for students with disabilities. This includes:
- A list of employers who have declared themselves disability friendly.
- Careers information related to specific impairments including speech impediments, dyslexia and multiple sclerosis.
- Details of work placement schemes for graduates and work experience opportunities for undergraduates.
- Guidance on whether, when and how to disclose disability to a potential employer/course recruiter.
Useful websites:
General information
TargetJobs http://targetjobs.co.uk/careers-advice/equal-opportunities-and-diversity
Provides information on the Disability Discrimination Act, advice on choosing an employer and disclosure.
Prospects www.prospects.ac.uk
Gives detailed advice on disclosure at various points in the application process, information on positive employers, case studies and top tips.
Disability Rights UK www.disabilityalliance.org
Provides information and advice.
Directgov www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/index.htm
Government website with a section on employment issues for disabled people. This includes government funded employment support schemes - such as Access to Work: www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/Employmentsupport/WorkSchemesAndProgrammes/DG_4000347
Job Centre Plus www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/Jobseekers/index.htm
JobCentrePlus has now been incorporated into the Directgov website. You can find out about their processes and programmes as well as general careers and jobseeking advice.
EmployAbility www.employ-ability.org.uk
EmployAbility is the not-for-profit organisation that facilitates and manages the selection and recruitment for disability inclusive employers seeking to attract and recruit disabled people onto internships, graduate programmes and other permanent roles.
Toolkits www.disabilitytoolkits.ac.uk/students
Developed by University of Manchester Careers Service. This website provides information and advice aimed at disabled students seeking work experience placements.
The Association of Disabled Professionals www.adp.org.uk
Provides details of a help-line which can provide employment advice, information and/or peer support. Also has a link to the Disabled Entrepreneurs’ Network.
Disabled Talent www.channel4.com/4disabledtalent/index.html
Links to details of a database of disabled people who want to work in TV in order to enable programme makers to find disabled people to participate in programming.
The Group for Solicitors with Disabilities www.gsdnet.org.uk/content/for_students
Offers a Mentoring Scheme in which mentors offer support and encouragement to potential solicitors.
Motability Scholarship Programme www.motabilityoperations.co.uk
Gives information on a Scholarship Programme incorporating degree sponsorship and a paid summer placement each year as well as their Graduate Scheme.
Papworth Trust www.papworth.org.uk/page.php?urlid=work
Provides information on their Employment Programmes designed to assist disabled job seekers with identifying appropriate jobs, skills development, finding work placements and job hunting.
Remploy www.remploy.co.uk
Remploy have recently developed their work with disabled graduates providing the support of a Remploy Employment Adviser to assist with job search advice, training and development and work placements.
Shaw Trust www.shaw-trust.org.uk
Details the training and work opportunities offered for disabled people and contact details.
Support for students/graduates with specific disabilities
Action for Blind People
www.actionforblindpeople.org.uk/help-advice/employment
Gives details of the support available in job-hunting, supported employment and self employment.
Blind in Business www.blindinbusiness.co.uk
Provides information on assistance for graduates and students in accessing employment and adjustments in the workplace.
British Dyslexia Association
www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/about-dyslexia/adults-and-business/dyslexia-support-in-the-workplace.html
Advice on practical adjustments in the workplace.
Dyspraxia Foundation www.dyspraxiafoundation.org.uk
Offers help and guidance for job seekers and employees as well as useful web links.
RNIB www.rnib.org.uk
Includes information and advice for job seekers.
Action On Hearing Loss www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk
Provides information and advice on assessments and equipment for the workplace. Formerly RNID.
National Autistic Society www.autism.org.uk/living-with-autism/employment.aspx
A section on Employment offers advice and support for jobseekers with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder.
Mind www.mind.org.uk
Leading mental health charity in England and Wales. Mind's information includes advice for people with mental health problems who are seeking work. Use the site map to see Factsheets which are categorised under Employment. Also contains extensive list of relevant web links.
Epilepsy Action www.epilepsy.org.uk
Includes information on work and epilepsy for employees and employers.
British Stammering Association www.stammering.org/employee_booklet.html
Provides information on dealing with stammering in the job application and interview process with links to relevant advice and support.
Identifying Disability Friendly Employers
Disability Symbol www.gov.uk/access-to-work Organisations can display this symbol when they have met key criteria regarding the employment, recruitment, training and retention of disabled employees.
Disability Now www.disabilitynow.org.uk
Displays a vacancy listing targeted at disabled people.
Forum on Disability www.employers-forum.co.uk
This forum provides support for employers keen to recruit and retain disabled employees. Search on Members to see the membership list of member organisations.
Jobs for Disabled People www.disabledworkers.org.uk/careers/default.asp
Lists vacancies which employers wish to be brought to the attention of disabled people.
Where are we?
The Careers and Employability Service is situated within Student Support and Development Services which is on the ground floor, Walter Moberly Building, room WM0.35 (by the side entrance).
External: 01782 733023/733523
Internal: 33023/33523
Email: careers@keele.ac.uk
