Register with EmployAbility
If you are in the sixth form, a university student or a recent graduate with a neurodivergent, mental health or long term-health condition, or physical, sensory or any other disability, register with us to access free support and a range of opportunities.
- First year, internship and graduate programmes, vacation schemes, and training contracts with our inclusive employer partners
- Individualised adjustments advice for the recruitment process and the workplace
- Reduce stress by advocating on your behalf with any employer, to ensure you get your adjustments, whilst protecting your right to privacy
- Skills workshops for applications, interviews and assessment centre exercises
- Networking events and employer insight days to get a better understanding of our partner organisations’ business areas and cultures
- Advice and support with your applications
- Access to our Disability Empowerment resources
Got Questions?
What is the definition of disability?
The Equality Act 2010 defines a disabled person as someone who has a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on their ability to perform normal day-to-day activities. A person who falls within this definition is afforded special protection in law. Disability includes physical impairments, sensory impairments, neurodiversity (for example autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia and ADHD), mental health and long-term health conditions (such as diabetes, asthma, cancer and HIV).
Please call us for a chat if you're unsure.
I am a graduate. Can I still apply to internship programmes?
Most employers require you to be a penultimate year student when applying to internship programmes. However, applying to programmes through us offers more flexibility. Please contact us to discuss any specific programmes.
I'm concerned that the adjustments I need aren't reasonable. How can I know?
Whether an adjustment is reasonable is a legal test, based on the facts and circumstances of each case. There are very few cases where an adjustment will not be reasonable, and you should assume they will. Adjustments are your right, and you do not need to feel guilty about asking for them.
If I ask for an adjustment, will the employer discriminate against me?
It is illegal to discriminate on the basis of disability, and any employer who does so opens themself up to a claim. However, we recommend you thoroughly research any organisation you are applying to, in order to satisfy yourself that they are disability inclusive. You should always ask for the adjustments you need so that you’re not at a disadvantage.
When should I apply for internships or graduate programmes?
Programmes can open for application as early as July or August, with the remainder opening in September. The earlier you apply the better, and we would urge you to do so as soon as you can after a programme has become live on our website. Places are limited, and often filled well before the deadline.
Do I have to tell a prospective employer about my disability?
No. Under section 60 of the Equality Act 2010 an employer cannot ask you whether you have a disability, or any details about it. However, an exception to this is if an employer is running a positive action programme, or disability is a qualification for the job, in which case they may ask you. Employers can and should ask what adjustments you need for each stage of the recruitment process. If you want to tell them about your disability, that is your choice. To find out more, watch our webinar Your Rights: Privacy and Adjustments.