If you have additional support needs and want to go into work, finding the right information about what support is available is important. We’ve pulled together some online resources that will help.
If you have additional support needs and want to go into work, finding the right information about what support is available is important. We’ve pulled together some online resources that will help.
Look for the ‘Disability Confident’ symbol on adverts and application forms. This is awarded by Jobcentre Plus to employers who have committed to supporting disabled people. Disability Confident has replaced the Two Ticks scheme. If a job advert displays either symbol, you're guaranteed an interview if you meet the basic requirements for the role.
The Gov.uk website has advice on what support you can get from your local job centre, including information about Disability Employment Advisers, and programmes and grants such as Work Choice and Access to Work.
It also has guidance on what rights you have, as a disabled person, to protect you from discrimination in the workplace.
An Access to Work grant can pay for practical support such as adaptations to equipment, special equipment, fares to work if you can't use public transport, or a support worker or job coach.
If you have a disability, health problem or other barriers to work, you can get tailored help through the Supported Employment Framework for Scotland.
SDS is a Corporate Parent and this means you're entitled to additional support from us. We'll do all we can to support you in your career journey.
For school pupils, you'll get all the support you need. And it'll extend right the way up until you reach the age of 26 - helping you prepare yourself for leaving school, connect with training and find the right role for you.
Here are some of the main areas we can help you with:
But don't listen to us. Take it from Toni, one of our Modern Apprentices - who's also from a care experienced background, and found her placement through Who Cares Scotland?
If you're 20-29 and care experience or disabled, your employer and/or training provider may be eligible for additional funding or support. Please speak to your training provider for more information.
Your local Skills Development Scotland centre and some of the other agencies mentioned here can give you or the person you are caring for the most up to date accurate personalised information.
There's no obligation on you to disclose a disability to your employer. But if you have a disability, you're protected under the Equality Act 2010. This means your employer can't treat you less favourably than other people for any reason connected to your disability. Your employer also has a duty to make reasonable adjustments to ensure disabled people aren't seriously disadvantaged when doing their jobs. If they don't know about a disability you have, they might not be able to accomodate your needs in an interview or at work.
If you choose to declare a disability, your HR file will be updated to include information about your condition. This information is covered by the Data Protection Act, which means it can't be passed on to any third party without your written consent.
We've created two videos using BSL and subtitles to tell you about SDS services.
