Let’s face it, finding work is a miserable process. And the experience is in no way enhanced for people with a disability, by a certain prejudice that still lingers in some corners. Maybe it’s down to bad will, or ignorance, or both, but it’s an unnecessary additional stumbling block. On the plus side, there are organisations that exist to counter this very problem

For starters

When applying for jobs, it’s often the little things that can trip us up. It’s those simple mistakes that seem obvious in hindsight, but that we all make at the time. Everyone, disabled or otherwise, can use a little bit of plain advice when applying for jobs.

Jane Hatton started Evenbreak, an organisation to help disabled people overcome barrier and find work, after becoming disabled herself. One of the numerous things they do to help people is run a series of webinars that address those very issues. Recent topics included; searching for jobs (where and how to look), and writing your CV (name one person who ever got it right the first time around). And coming up very soon we have; excelling at Interviews (the obvious dos and don’ts that aren’t necessarily that obvious).

All you need to do is sign up on their website. Click here for details.

Further help and advice

Did you know that your local job centre can easily arrange for you to meet a Disability Employment Adviser (DEA)? These advisers are specifically intended to help Disabled people make the most of their potential and point them in the direction of “disability friendly employers in your area”. Contact your nearest job centre for more details.

I recommend also looking at www.pluss.org.uk, particularly their ‘Work Choice’ programme. Pluss is “a Social Enterprise that supports thousands of disabled people each year to achieve work and a career”. They were hired by the department of work and pensions to run the ‘Work Choice’ programme which provides in depth support throughout the job hunting process.

Pluss advisers will meet with disabled people to help them figure out their strengths and develop a strategy to get a job. They are with you throughout the job hunting process, meeting regularly, helping to look for jobs, and inviting you along to workshops and seminars. They can offer valuable training and help you gain work experience via work trials.

The help doesn’t dry up after you find work either. They help you settle in, offer on the job coaching, and can contact your employer to arrange any adaptations you may require for the job. Click here to visit their website.

Have you ever used any of the services mentioned above? Did they work for you? What other organisations would you recommend? Please leave a comment bellow.