This resource pack, produced by the AGCAS Disability Task Group, is designed around a ‘frequently asked questions’ format. It provides assistance based around some of the key issues that careers advisers may have questions or concerns about when dealing with disabled students and graduates.

This resource pack, produced by the AGCAS Disability Task Group, is designed around a ‘frequently asked questions’ format. It provides assistance based around some of the key issues that careers advisers may have questions or concerns about when dealing with disabled students and graduates.

The frequently asked questions covered in this publication are split into A) general information for careers professionals and B) questions you may be asked by students:

A)

1. What is the legal definition of disability and what current legislation covers disability issues in the workplace?
2. What is a Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)?
3. What type of support can university careers services provide to disabled students and graduates?
4. How do disabled graduates fare in the job market?

B)

5. Do I have to disclose my disability to potential employers or interviewers?
6. I have a disability but don’t feel I need adjustments and don’t want to tell anyone. Should I mark ‘no’ next to the disability question on the application form or do I have to say ‘yes’?
7. If I do choose to disclose during the application/recruitment process, when should I do it and how?
8. I was ill (due to my disability) during my second year and have bad exam results/a gap on my CV. Will employers reject my application because of this?
9. My university has always provided me with a sign language interpreter/ speech-to-text reporter but I know they are really expensive and I can’t afford to pay for one for an interview. What can I do?
10. Can I use examples to do with my disability to demonstrate skills and competencies on an application form?
11. What are reasonable adjustments?
12. I need extra time to complete written tasks but am worried about asking for it at an assessment centre. Will it make me look weaker than other candidates or like I’m getting special treatment to make the tasks easier?
13. If I do disclose my disability, does that mean if I get the job everyone will know and see me as different?
14. How can I tell if an employer is disability friendly when I make applications? 

 

Author(s): AGCAS Disability Task Group

Production date: 2016

How to obtain: AGCAS members who have registered with this site and signed in can download the resource below.

Communities: Recruiters and Partners, Diversity, Careers Information, Careers Advice and Guidance, AGCAS

Audiences: Careers practitioners

Format: Web

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