Facts and myths about the employment of people with disabilities

By Martina Milkova

13 January 2022

According to the Labour Force Survey, there were 4.4m disabled people in employment in the UK in Q2 2021. In addition, the disability employment rate was 52.7% in Q2 2021, compared to 81.0% for non-disabled people.

Although disability inclusion in the workforce becomes more prevalent, tackling stigma and unconscious bias is still a significant hurdle in bringing on disabled hires at the workplace.

We spoke to Chloe Parker, Job Coach, and Lorraine Ashworth, SEND Tutor, at our specialist college - Bridge College, about some of the potential barriers and their solutions regarding hiring, supported interns.

Myth: "Working with disabled interns might be more challenging due to their support needs."

Fact: In most cases, individuals with disabilities have adjusted to their disability, and this does not affect their ability to work unaided.

The job coach, support staff and work experience coordinator will always be available to assist the employer and staff in communicating effectively with the intern and providing strategies for managing and minimising challenging behaviours.

Myth: "It will take up a lot of time for the employer and staff."

Fact: There will be some input needed, but this will be set out at the start and something that will be kept under review. However, the job coach and Specialist Education provider will provide training after the initial induction and 1:1 support staff so that the employer/staff shouldn't find themselves over-burdened.

"As the SEND Tutor at Bridge College, part of my role is to ensure the interns are working on their underpinning knowledge for their work placement. For instance, this term, interns completed accreditation on Equality and Diversity in the workplace and Health and Safety Procedures in the workplace. Next half term, they are working on accreditation linked to their specific placement rather than generic topics. The targets which they work towards are linked to the employment framework with such headings as 'workplace place expectations and customer service', 'teamwork and resilience', 'personal presentation for the workplace' which again sets out expectations for the intern."

Lorraine Ashworth, SEND Tutor at Bridge College

Myth: "Someone with a disability will not be able to do any of the jobs I offer."

Fact: This is something that the work experience coordinator would initially decide, but if there is a skill deficit/barrier to a young person gaining employment, it will become part of their flexible learning programme.

"Work experience coordinator and job coach will look at the role and help carve the tasks to help the intern and some employers have found productivity is increased when this approach is taken. For example, giving the intern a certain job can free up the time of other staff to focus on other important tasks."

Chloe Parker, Job Coach at Bridge College

Myth: "People with disabilities may be less productive because of the individual's time training to perform the job role successfully."

Fact: The job coach and work experience coordinator will work with the employer to establish clear performance expectations from the start and ensure that the intern can pick up the tasks required of them to make sure that productivity is not affected.

"Bridge College ensures that the interns have the knowledge to underpin their role and also ensure they are aware of what is expected of them in their workplace. However, if an employer sees a skill deficit for an intern that will be passed back to me as the SEND Tutor, and it will feed into the functional skills learning for that individual."

Lorraine Ashworth, SEND Tutor at Bridge College

Every day, our students develop their work skills and self-confidence. This might be through practising task-based routines and following instructions. Or by testing their new skills at our college print shop and café. We can also support students to develop on-the-job training through work placements with community-based partners.

Supported internships help our Bridge College students with an EHCP learn the skills they need to progress to paid employment. If you are interested in partnering with us to create a fully supported, hands-on training programme for our young people aged 16 to 25, read more here.