Finding a Job That Suits You
Your working life does not need to suffer because of a disability. If you are looking for work you can speak to your own Disability Employment Adviser, who will help you find work that suits you and your needs. The introduction of the Disability Discrimination Act allows you to apply for and, by law, be considered for any job based on competence regardless of gender, ethnicity or disability. When you are hired, your employer is then obliged to make reasonable adaptations within the workplace in order to make your job easier to perform. Training on these adaptations should usually follow, as well as improving accessibility of other training materials through different formats for the sight- and hearing-impaired.
Improving Your Work Environment
Similar to activities at home, you can also talk to an Occupational Therapist about the tasks involved at work. They will then suggest ways to make the tasks easier to manage, as well as speaking to your employer about any necessary modifications to your work environment. You are not legally obliged to declare any disability to an employer, but if you choose not to your employer does not have to make any changes to the workplace.
Financial Support
Additional financial support is available while you are working, particularly if your disability prevents you from working normal hours and earning a standard wage. In this case, you are entitled to claim Working Tax Credit, which is a form of benefit from the Government designed to top up a low income. Support is also available during your job search in the form of Employment and Support Allowance, which not only supports you financially throughout but prepares you for work through training and health advice. You can register for support through your local council or by
visiting the local Job Centre.