Starting your career journey when you have epilepsy or a disability can feel challenging, but there are plenty of support options available to help you succeed. From government schemes like Access to Work, which provides practical and mental health support, to programs like Supported Internships for young people with additional needs, there’s a path for everyone.
Support getting into work
Back to work and careersAccess to Work
Access to Work is a government scheme which supports disabled people stay in work. The support you can get will depend on your needs. You can apply for grants to help pay for practical support, support for your mental health or money to pay for communication support at a job interview.
To be eligible for Access to Work support you need to
- be over 16
- have a condition or impairment that affects your ability to do your job
- be in or about to start paid work
- live in England, Scotland or Wales.
In Northern Ireland Access to Work(NI) can help with practical problems caused by disability.
Supported Internships
Supported Internships are for young people (16-24) with a special educational need or disability who want to get a job but need extra support. To be eligible you need an Education Health & Care Plan (EHCP). To find out more speak to your school, college or Job Centre Plus. Your local council should also provide information on the help you can get to find a paid job.
Inclusion Scotland runs the We Can Work Internship Programme to make work more accessible for disabled people.
Apprenticeships
Disability Rights UK produce the Into Apprenticeships guide for disabled people and parents in England.
Check if your local council has a Youth Employment Hub. These provide support to young people aged 16-25 on work and exploring your options.
Youth Employment UK provide free resources, advice and guidance on skills and career development for young people (11-30).
Prince’s Trust provide information and resources for young people (16-30) on finding a job.
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The Channel
A space for young people, aged 13+, who are living with epilepsy, for them to share, learn and find support.
