How to get on track for work when you have a disability
DON’T let a disability blunt your career ambitions, as many employers will welcome you.
David Yeboah says: ‘I was always interested in trains and now I am a customer service assistant with Transport for London ( TfL), working at King’s Cross.
‘It’s a dream job for me because I love answering customer’s questions. You never know what you are going to be faced with. It’s quite a responsibility, but I like that because I can show what I am capable of.’
David, 24, who has autism, got his job with TfL after taking part in the Steps Into Work scheme for people with learning disabilities or who are on the autism spectrum.
He says: ‘I applied for the scheme and got in after an assessment day and interview. After three work placements, I got a job, through the usual recruitment process, in the lost property office. Once we had a coffin handed in! I was worried it was real, but it turned out to be a stage prop.’
Then David, from London, got his present job, again through the usual recruitment process.
He advises other people with disabilities: ‘Have faith in your own ability. Keep applying for work. It may not happen overnight, but you can get where you want to be.’
TfL’s chief people officer Tricia Wright says: ‘Our Steps Into Work programme offers people who have mild to moderate learning disabilities and are on the autism spectrum work experience at TfL while studying for a qualification.
‘ They gain skills such as teamwork and time management, so they are ready to kick- start their careers.
‘We also have a disability staff network group which supports employees and offers a chance to meet like-minded people.
‘Candidates with disabilities have a huge amount of enthusiasm and talent to offer, proving themselves an asset to any industry.’
For more details of the TfL scheme visit tfl.gov.uk/corporate/ careers/ steps- into- work. Other schemes are listed on Factsheet F24 from disabilityrightsuk.org. See remploy.co.uk for more progammes and internships, and employ- ability. org. uk for jobs aimed at students and graduates with dyslexia and disabilities.