The problem of getting a job is a hardy perenial amongst the disabled. Once the job has been secured it is virtually no problem at all to retain it. All the benefits of employing a disabled person comes into force, and I don't mean the financial encouragement offered by the Government. The importnat thing to remember is that any TWO TICK employer will give an interview to a person with a disabilty IF they have the required qualifications / experience. In addition to this the ACCESS TO WORK scheme (details at any employment office) will equip the employee to be able to do the work employed for (subject to the individual being disabled). If the application is made within 6 weeks of commencing employment then all expences are met, after that the employer pays a percentage. The support offered can include technology and human support. 

My suggestion is, is to apply for any job you want to, Secure help in putting together the CV and application letters etc. Try and get as far as the Interview, sell yourself without appology, then inform the employer that you have a difference / disability . 

Be positive, sell what you have to offer - not what your problems are, tell the employer why you are better than someone who can do the things that you can't, show him how you will overcome the problems, don't appologise, remember all the resources you will need are there and readilly available.

 

Sorry to sound militant but I have spent the past 5+ years supporting individuals in these circumstances and a lifetime overcoming them myself. 

 

Terry Hart

Technical Assessor

Disability Assist Services 

University of Plymouth



	-----Original Message----- 

	From: Peter Hill [mailto:[log in to unmask]] 

	Sent: Fri 18/10/2002 16:26 

	To: [log in to unmask] 

	Cc: 

	Subject: Re: getting a job

	

	



	Hi Sheila

	

	The use of the terms 'ordinary employers' and 'otherness' almost

	suggests (to me anyway) a plea for charitable consideration - though I

	may be misinterpreting this. Methinks he should be valued for his

	ability - rather than his 'otherness'.

	

	Given your reference below, I'd have thought any appropriate

	organisation looking for talent would be prepared to interview him.

	Indeed they'd be daft not to.

	

	What sort of work does he wish to do?

	

	Regards

	

	Peter Hill

	

	

	

	Sheila Blankfield wrote:

	

	 > Any suggestions?

	 >

	 > I work with a student who has dyslexia and is now in his final year

	 > of a BSc Sports Science degree and starting to think about looking

	 > for a job.  He is almost entirely unable to read and can hardly

	 > sign his own name, yet is managing to be on target for a 2.1 -

	 > brilliant use of technology, fantastic concentration and memory,

	 > determination, use of a reader/scribe etc.

	 >

	 > He's convinced that, despite Equal Opps, Disability Discrimination

	 > Act etc etc that "ordinary employers" won't employ him because "he

	 > can't read".  He's looking for contacts in any organisations,

	 > institutions, areas of work where his "otherness" will be valued -

	 > great holistic thinking, problem solving, IT skills and knowledge

	 > about what works for dyslexic people.

	 >

	 > Any suggestions?

	 >

	 > Sheila

	 >

	 >

	 >

	 >

	

	

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