Having a disability in the workplace can be difficult as you can be discriminated against by people in the workplace making it harder to get employed. There can be some limitations in the workplace depending on your disability, but your workplace should be able to work around it to help accommodate you so that you can be part of the team. It’s important to be aware of your rights as a disabled employee, so take a look at our guide to disabled employee rights.
Focus on abilities, not limitations
Having a disability is not a disadvantage and depending on your disability, it should not exclude you from getting employed as there are arrangements that can be made to help assist you in the job. One of the most important disabled employee rights is to follow regulation to make the workspace as accommodating as possible. If there are limitations in some areas, you should highlight how you’ve developed adaptive strategies and creative problem-solving to accomplish tasks, as this shows you don’t let anything stop you and are an essential member of the team.
You should remind employers that accommodations allow you to maximize your significant abilities, rather than focusing on what you can’t do unaided. The goal is to show employers all you can bring to the organization, not to view you solely through a lens of disability. With the right support, you can not only perform the essential duties but also add unique value.
Know your rights
It’s important to your disabled employee rights that your employer makes adjustments to help you perform your job just as well as someone without a disability. These are referred to as “reasonable adjustments” under the Equality Act of 2010. These could include adding more equipment or support or making adjustments to working procedures, policies, or physical layouts. The modifications must be “reasonable”. The appropriate course of action for your employer is dependent upon certain factors, such as the size of the company you work for. Any modifications should be covered by your company and they shouldn’t expect a payment from you. Of course, you should not be discriminated against for something out of your control as part of disabled employee rights, but you should prepare for the worst-case scenarios so that you have some legal knowledge to help you.
Show your worth
Does having a disability make you different? No. However, it is not something that everybody has and is not the same for everybody. You could learn so many things from having to accommodate your disability which means you don’t let anything stop you.
You could emphasize soft skills like communication, creativity, empathy, determination, and resilience that you’ve gained from your experience living with a disability as these show your problem-solving as well and show you make an essential part of any team.
Most people do not know the daily struggles of having a disability. This could be from small to big things, but they still all equally impact you. Due to this, you could point out how you have a unique perspective, and this could help you think in more detail and help you in certain situations.
Hiring through recruitment services can be a great decision as they have an interest in placing you in suitable employment as part of your disabled employee rights. Additionally, they have free access to some unlisted job openings that are available to people on the hunt for new jobs. Both the company hiring and the agency are required by the Equality Act to refrain from discriminatory practices. They are also required to make reasonable accommodations to address any physical workplace features or employment arrangements that place you at a significant disadvantage as part of your disabled employee rights. The length of time you will be working will be taken into consideration by employment agencies and principals when determining whether an adjustment is appropriate.
Conclusion
Working with a disability in the UK comes with its challenges, but also important disable employee rights like protections, support, and opportunities. By focusing on your abilities rather than limitations, leveraging resources like Access to Work, being prepared to discuss accommodations, and maintaining a positive attitude, disabled individuals can successfully find fulfilling careers. Disability does not inherently limit potential or contribution to the workforce. With skills, passion, and determination, disabled job seekers can make a real impact in the workplace.
While some discrimination may still exist, awareness is improving, and the law prohibits unfair treatment. By realizing their worth, standing up for their rights, and accentuating the value they bring to employers, those with disabilities can overcome obstacles and achieve success in the UK job market.