Levelling the playing field to get the career you deserve
Next Generation Inclusive Thinking
We support, advise and advocate
on behalf of talented neurodivergent and disabled university students and graduates to remove barriers in employment
EmployAbility is the leading force for a truly disability-inclusive workplace. Unapologetic in the drive for a level playing field, we support, advise and advocate on behalf of talented neurodivergent and disabled university students to build the careers they deserve. We are the only organisation providing this kind of personalised support. As a not-for-profit organisation since 2006, we have supported more than 15,000 talented neurodivergent and disabled students into the careers they deserve.
How we help
- We partner with Next Generation Inclusive Employers, to provide barrier free recruitment processes
- Through us, you can apply for first year, internship and graduate programmes
- Personalised adjustments advice and advocacy at each stage of the recruitment process and in the workplace
- Virtual and on-campus Empowerment Training sessions to help you understand your students understand their rights and adjustments
- Student skills workshops to maximise success in applications, interviews and assessment exercises
- By partnering with Next Generation Inclusive Universities to provide enhanced support
- Our Next Generation Inclusive Schools partnerships help prepare sixth form students for the journey ahead
15,000+
students supported into careers
Free
support services for students and graduates.
The process of applying through EmployAbility
Register
Register with us to access our free services and support, and maximise your chances of success.
Find an internship or graduate programme
Find and apply to any of our inclusive employer internships, graduate programmes or insight days.
Contact us
If you need support with your application, adjustments advice, or are applying to an organisation we don’t currently partner with, please contact us.
JOIN US
Be a Next Generation Inclusive University
Find out more about our University Empowerment Programme.
GET INVOLVED
Become a campus ambassador
BE EMPOWERED
Learn from our webinars
Our Next Generation Inclusive Thinking webinars teach you all about your rights and adjustments, to help you obtain a level playing field.
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, neurodivergence (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, exceptions are where 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.
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