Getting a job
This advice applies in Scotland only.
There are lots of opportunities available, along with support to help develop confidence and skills in preparation for work. With the right guidance and resources, disabled young people can access a range of career paths that suit their strengths and interests.
In this article
Introduction
Many parent carers find it hard to imagine their young person finding or keeping a job. Perhaps you’ve been told that disabled young adults don’t have many options, or that finding work can be challenging. Maybe you’ve heard that local support is hard to find, or you simply haven’t seen many disabled people in employment.
However, there are lots of opportunities available, along with support to help develop confidence and skills in preparation for work. With the right guidance and resources, disabled young people can access a range of career paths that suit their strengths and interests.
Doing something meaningful
If a job seems unrealistic right now, you could focus on finding activities and occupations that give structure and meaning to your young person’s week.
Building social and organisational skills, connecting to the community and developing confidence are all a good use of time no matter what. And they may open other doors later on.
Getting started
It’s hard to imagine what work you’d like when you don’t have any experience. Some schools can be helpful in arranging work placements but others are less good at finding the right opportunities.
Try asking people you know if your young person could help out or shadow them at work for a few hours. If they would struggle to do that on their own, go with them or ask someone else to help. Even half an hour can be worth it to begin with, if it gives them experience of getting there and being in an unfamiliar environment
Vocational courses are a good way to experience life in the workplace. See more information on learning by doing.
Don’t be afraid to email or pick up the phone and ask if someone could let your young person visit the workplace or try something out. The worst they can say is no! You should be honest about the impact of someone’s disability. Maybe have a few suggestions of your own for how to tackle possible challenges.
One of the best ways of finding opportunities can be word of mouth, so keeping in touch with other parents and carers through support groups or online can help. You can ask if there’s something specific you’re looking for.
Volunteering
Volunteering can be a good way of learning new skills and seeing how other people work. Again, you can start with as little as half an hour and build up gradually.
Often the best way to find volunteering opportunities is simply to ask an organisation directly. You could also check local websites or noticeboards. Be clear about what your young person can offer, as well as how they’ll benefit from the chance to be involved. If they will need support, work out in advance how that can be provided and what part you might need to play.
Volunteer Scotland can give you lots of information and tips.
My World of Work
Skills Development Scotland is the national agency for careers advice and planning. They offer information, advice and guidance in school and in careers centres throughout the country.
Find your local careers centre. Many have designated staff for people with additional support needs.
The website My World of Work lets people research jobs and do quizes to get ideas of possible career paths. Note that it doesn’t take additional support needs into account, so you might find some suggestions aren’t appropriate. Visit the tools and quizes section.
Paving the way
Many projects support disabled people to develop skills they need to find work. Your nearest Job Centre or Skills Development Scotland office can tell you about ones near you.
Find out about the help employers can get with making adjustments for someone with a disability. They may not know, and it could make the difference if they’d like to employ a disabled person but aren’t sure how to go about it.
The Scottish Government has committed to tackling the disability employment gap in their Fairer Scotland for Disabled People plan.
Paid work and benefits
Impact on benefits
This can be complicated. You should always speak to a benefits adviser about the impact a choice may have before making a decision. Find out more about getting your finances checked.
Permitted work for people who receive Employment and Support Allowance
People on Employment and Support Allowance can do part time work and still claim, as long as they work fewer than 16 hours a week and don’t earn more than £183.50 a week. You need to let the Job Centre know if you are starting work and complete a form.
This is useful for people who have been out of work for a while, who haven’t worked before, or who may never move into full time employment.
If someone is in supported permitted work, i.e. it’s part of a treatment programme or is supervised by someone from a local council or voluntary organisation, there may be no limit to the hours they can work.
Useful links
- Scottish Union of Supported Employment (SUSE)
- Skills Development Scotland
- My World of Work
- Social Enterprise Scotland
- iwork4me
- Volunteer Scotland
- Equality and Human Rights Commission
- Inclusion Scotland
Case studies
Finding paid work – How twin brothers with learning disabilities secured permanent full time jobs.
Securing work experience – How one parent set up a successful work placement that transformed her son.
Related information
Equality legislation and rights
The Equality Act in Scotland protects disabled people from discrimination at work, in education, and services.
Read more
Support into work
Find services and programmes in Scotland that help disabled young people build skills, gain confidence, and access employment opportunities.
Read more
Learning & job opportunities
Disabled young people can develop skills through education, training or work. Take time to plan, explore options, and find the right support.
Read more
Talking about Tomorrow
The key topics to think about as your child moves into adulthood.
