This is an area of concern for many people with disabilities.  Under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 an employer cannot refuse to employ you on the grouds of disability alone.  There must be other reasons like you do not have the correct qualifications or experience for the job.  If you feel that you have been unfairly discriminated against because of your disability then there are possibilities for redress.
Similarly false information given on medical forms can lead to dismissal.

In making your decision about whether to disclose your disability to a new employer, consider the following:
1. Most employers have an equal opportunities policy and therefore should not discriminate against you.
2. Some employers are keen to employ disabled people, using the 'Positive about Disability' symbol (two ticks) to encourage applications and to reassure people that they will be treated fairly.
3. Employers operating the 'two ticks' policy may offer you a guaranteed interview as long as you meet the minimum requirements for the job on offer.
4. Being honest about your disabilities and positive about your abilities can really help you at work.  Being up front from the start is often the best thing.  Your employer has taken your disabilities into account and chosen you over other candidates, so he is confident that you are the best person for the job.
There is more information in our Disability Factsheet.

What do you want to do?  The technological advances of recent years mean that many more options are open to people with different abilities.  nextstep would urge people with disabilities to consider firstly what they would like to do and then how they may be able to go about making these dreams come true.  Of course we must be realistic and remember to take into account specific limitations and restrictions; after all health matters must come first.  But if there is a possibility of doing what you would like to do, rather than what you think you are able to do, isn't it worth taking some time to discover ways round these barriers?  Why don't you discuss your options with a nextstep Adviser - we will take you seriously and make every attempt not to rule out anything reasonable.

Voluntary work is a very good way of gaining valuable work experience.  It allows you to work with others, building confidence and self-esteem, whilst gaining skills that can be transferred to paid work if you wish.

Although there is no payment for voluntary work, you may receive expenses.  If you are on means-tested benefits, you must let the Social Security office know to ensure that any monies you receive are within a set limit - otherwise your benefits could be affected.  It is always a good idea to let the Social Security office know if you are considering voluntary work.

There are many opportunities for voluntary work - saving the environment, working towards the conservation of plants or animals, in the countryside, with children, older people or people with disabilities.  Some of the work can be hard and takes a lot of dedication.  It is also standard practice when working with vulnerable people that you will have to undergo a police check.

To discuss your voluntary work options further contact us at nextstep and we can put you in touch with your nearest volunteer bureau.

If you are in receipt of Incapacity Benefit and wish to take a course, you must inform the Social Security Office BEFORE you begin the course.

You will be asked questions about the course - how long it lasts, how many hours you will be expected to study, if the course includes any work placements, if any special arrangements have been made in view of your incapacity and if the course attracts any training allowances for example.  The Social Security Adjudication Officers will then consider if the course is acceptable or if your claim to Incapacity Benefit should be reviewed in light of the change of circumstances.  You may be sent the form IB50 (the 'Personal Capability Assessment') and you MUST complete this, or your benefits may be stopped.

It is important to remember that studying does not necessarily mean that you are fit for work and that many courses, even if full time, are very different to employment.  Therefore being in receipt of Incapacity Benefit does not necessarily mean that you cannot consider study.

If you are in receipt of a means-tested benefit you must inform the Social Security office of any money you receive to learn including grants, bursaries, loans and allowances.  There may be some restrictions on full time study if you are in receipt of Job Seekers Allowance.  This is because you enter an agreement that you are actively seeking work, and this cannot be the case if you are involved in a full time study course.  More advice can be obtained from your local Social Security office, Benefits Helpline, Disability Information Service or Citizen's Advice Bureau - check out our list of partners for help near you (See Need Advice).  There are a range of useful information leaflets that can be viewed or printed from the SKILL website www.skill.org.uk

Please note: whilst nextstep can offer very basic information about benefits, you must verify any details given with the Social Security office.