The Business Disability Forum works to remove the barriers between public and private organisations and disabled people. Partner organisations have committed to becoming a disability-smart business. View a list of partner organisations. Their Disability-smart Award recognises companies that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to employing, working with and doing business with disabled people.
Look out for the Disability Confident symbol (which has replaced the ‘two ticks’ scheme). The government scheme helps employers to make the most of the opportunities provided by employing disabled people. Organisations who display the Disability Confident symbol on job advertisements actively encourage applications from disabled people.
Find out more and search for employers who have signed up to the scheme.
The Mindful Employer website lists UK organisations who have signed up to a Charter for Employers who are Positive about Mental Health.
All employers are bound by the Equality Act 2010, which aims to improve equal job opportunities and fairness for employees and job applicants. The Act also places an obligation on employers to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ to the workplace to meet your needs. It can be advisable to check an employer’s Equal Opportunities policy statements if they do not display the Disability Confident symbol.
Internships
WPSIS - Brunel University London runs the Widening Participation Summer Internship Scheme for L1 undergraduate students. Students with a disability are invited to apply for the scheme during the autumn term of their first year.
Access to Work scheme provides practical advice and support to help disabled people overcome work-related obstacles. It can provide financial support to cover extra employment costs such as specialist equipment, support workers or travel to work.