Getting into Work

An important part of transition to adult life has always been leaving education and entering the workplace. A HemiHelp survey of its adult members in 2008 showed that people with hemiplegia do a wide variety of jobs those mentioned include: shop assistant, civil servant, barrister, occupational therapist, IT systems engineer, commis chef, bank cashier, teacher, public relations officer, petrol station attendant, theatre technician and receptionist.

But does hemiplegia make it more difficult to get a job?

Some HemiHelp members have found work without much difficulty and are happy in their jobs; others, especially those with more complex ‘hidden’ difficulties, have had a less easy time. The number of people not in education or employment (20% of the sample) is much higher than the national average, and while we don’t know how typical the people were who took part in the survey, other studies have shown that unemployment is higher amongst disabled people than in the general population.

The problem of course may begin earlier – young people with hemiplegia are less likely to have had experience of work through Saturday and holiday jobs. Perhaps they get too tired or need more time for homework, but also the jobs available may be unsuitable and employers unwilling to take them on.

People are reluctant to give me a Saturday job when they know I am disabled.
I can’t do many of the jobs my friends do, e.g. waitressing.

Does it help to be registered disabled, and how do I do it?

Many people, including employers, still think a national register of disabled people exists, alongside a quota system where companies must employ a certain number of disabled people. But these disappeared in 1995 with the passing of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), which says that employers may not discriminate against people on grounds of disability or impairment - full stop. There are a number of schemes run by both government agencies and voluntary organisations to support adults with specific impairments or disabilities, especially learning difficulties, into work, but most people with hemiplegia will be competing for jobs with non-disabled candidates.

Should I tell potential employers about my hemiplegia?

In my CV and in application forms for potential jobs, I have found it is better to explain how the condition has affected me personally and what help or consideration I would require from my employer. I feel this allows people to see not only how I cope and deal with the condition but also provides people with a more helpful explanation of hemiplegia than a medical dictionary could give.

You do not have to declare that you have hemiplegia when applying for a job, although if an application forms ask whether you are disabled it makes sense to be honest about it. HemiHelp members reported a mixed response to their hemiplegia among employers, but their experience suggests that the more you can discuss possible issues in advance, the less likely they are to arise on the job.

I’ve found a positive attitude and honesty is the best way to go. I’m confident in myself and in my abilities. I am willing to iron out misconceptions and prejudices of people who think otherwise.

Before I started my present job my managers met with me to chat about any alterations to my work pattern, desk, computer or access to the building. We agreed a plan to assist me where needed, with the proviso that I would let them know if I had any other problems. I now have my phone and computer set on the left side of my desk.

At the same time many employers don’t seem to know about their responsibilities – the DDA states that they must make ‘reasonable adjustments’ to working practices and the workplace itself so that disabled people are not at a disadvantage. This means everything from application forms to training to being able to use the canteen. This doesn’t have to cost them anything - grants are available for adaptations to the workplace, specialised equipment and so on. In practice, however, many employers simply do not understand what is required, even in the obvious area of access.

When I got my new job I was told they were moving into a new building that would be more accessible for the public dropping in. However, when I went to see it, one of the two ways down to the basement, where the kitchen and meeting rooms were, was by a spiral staircase, and the other stairs would be unavailable if a meeting was taking place as they led in to the meeting room. I needed to hold on to the rail, so I couldn’t use the spiral staircase if I was carrying papers or a cup. Fortunately they were very supportive and just didn’t know all my requirements yet, they saw my point and hadn’t signed the contract, so they didn’t take it.

What other issues can arise?

Another frequent comment was that because hemiplegia is usually a relatively mild disability in physical terms, employers and colleagues may not accept that someone has difficulties.

Although I was accepted onto a couple of schemes I was rapidly rejected as they didn’t realise my level of disability initially. Occasionally I was asked to perform physically impossible tasks, and then belittled when I tried to explain it was a problem.

But for some people with hemiplegia it is their ‘hidden’ difficulties that make getting and keeping work more difficult.

I had difficulties with finding and keeping a job due to inadequate social skills. I needed job coaching for several months but then I was able to manage a job without help.

I was asked to leave the first couple of office jobs because of slowness / disorganisation.

I didn’t realise how abrupt and rude I can come across when talking to others and having a short temper and taking things literally.

One hopeful development is the government’s Positive about Disability scheme:

www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/Employmentsupport/LookingForWork/DG_...

This is a register of employers who welcome applications from disabled people and are positive about their abilities. For example, they promise to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a job vacancy and to take action to promote disability awareness in all their employees. Registered employers, who include all government departments and many local authorities, display the scheme’s ‘Two Ticks’ symbol on their application forms. Your local Jobcentre Plus will have lists of local employers who are part of the scheme.

HemiHelp is seeking funding to develop a mentoring scheme to support members into work.

Employers always seem to ask for experience, but how can I get it if I can’t get a job?

Many young adults today, not just those who are disabled, have difficulty finding a job that suits them, and volunteering can be a good way of getting some useful experience and improving your chances of employment. See links below for organisations that can help.

In short… What to think about when applying for a job.

Be confident about your abilities and strengths.
Be realistic about the kind of jobs you can do.
Be honest to yourself about your weaknesses – are you disorganised, might you seem rude? The more you know about yourself the more you can work on the things that might hold you back.
A large company or organisation will probably be able to give you more support than a small one, or allow you to move to a more suitable department if you are having difficulties. On the other hand, a small firm might be more friendly.
See if any potential employers have signed up to the ‘Two Ticks’ scheme.

Interviews

Before an interview, think about what questions might be asked, including questions about your hemiplegia, and prepare your answers. It is very bad Human Resources practice to ask questions pertaining to someone’s impairment if it is not directly relevant to the job or in relation to access requirements. They have no right to just “be curious”.
Allow yourself plenty of time to get there: arriving late will make a bad impression, and being flustered because you’re late might make you mess up your answers.
Be honest to yourself about your weaknesses – are you disorganised, might you seem rude? The more you know about yourself the more you can work on the things that might hold you back.
Ask about anything that might be an issue, such as access or flexible working hours.
Don’t be afraid to talk about adaptations you need – for example a one handed keyboard, voice recognition software or a specific chair.

It’s not easy for anyone to find work at the moment, but there are lots of people with hemiplegia in jobs they enjoy. Have confidence in yourself and don’t give up.

Useful Addresses

General

Transition Information Network (TIN) www.transitioninfonetwork.org.uk An alliance of organisations dedicated to improving the transition into adulthood. TIN provides information about transition through its website, magazine my future choices, policy and practice e-bulletin Getting a Life and seminars.

Work

www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/Employmentsupport/LookingForWork/ind... the government site on everything to do with employment

Access to Work www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/Employmentsupport/WorkSchemesAndProgrammes/DG_4000347 This government scheme might pay towards a support worker or the equipment you need at work. It can also pay towards the cost of getting to work if you cannot use public transport.

Asbah (the Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus) has an information sheet with guidance about application forms, CVs, interviews etc. Go to www.asbah.org/ASBAH+Community/lifestyleinformationsheets/goingtowork.htm

Connexions www.connexions-direct.com is the government funded agency for young people aged 13-19, or 25 in the case of young people with a physical and/or learning disability. Their site has a lot of information and advice on a range of issues, including work, and has a separate disability section and links to local services.

Disability Law Service www.dls.org.uk Advice line 020 7791 9800 E-mail: advice@dls.org.uk A charity run by and for disabled people to provide advice and information on the law as regards disability, benefits, employment etc Their site has range of factsheets and they also provide a casework service, and support at any level of the legal system.

DisabledGo www.disabledgo.com A website packed full of useful information. It also includes a job search facility where you can browse vacancies from organisations that are positive about employing disabled people.

Diversity Milkround www.milkround.com/diversity/ A website listing the latest graduate jobs from diversity-friendly employers

Jobcentre Plus www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/Jobseekers/programmesandservices/index.h... has a number of programmes for helping people with disabilities into work and at work. Your local jobcentre can put you in touch with a Disability Employment Adviser (DEA).You may have to be receiving a benefit such as DLA or ESA to access these programmes.

Scope www.scope.org.uk/work/employment has a service to help disabled people into work.

Skill - National Bureau for Students with Disabilities www.skill.org.uk
Provides information for young people with any kind of impairment around post-16 education, training and employment.Helpline: 0800 328 5050

Work Choice - http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/Employmentsupport/WorkSchemes... Helps people with disabilities whose needs cannot be met through other work programmes, Access to Work or workplace adjustments.

Volunteering

Community Service Volunteers www.csv.org.uk

The Government website www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndCommunity/Gettinginvolvedinyourcommunity/Vol... provides information for young people with any kind of impairment around post-16 education, training and employment.Helpline: 0800 328 5050

www.youthnet.org is an online charity offering guidance and support to young people aged 16-24. Has a volunteering section www.do-it.org

Skill (see above) has advice and info on volunteering, work experience etc.

vinspired vinspired.com Connects disabled and non-disabled 16-25-year-olds with volunteering opportunities.

Volunteering England www.volunteering.org.uk Volunteer Development Scotland www.vds.org.uk Volunteering Wales www.volunteering-wales.net/index.html Volunteer Development Agency (Northern Ireland)
www.volunteering-ni.org