Further education and employment
Further education
Many people with special needs go on to continue their studies at universities and further education institutions. Further education should be accessible to everyone and measures will be taken to ensure that everyone is able to continue their studies if they want to. All further education providers should have the necessary facilities and procedures in place to cater for people with special needs. There should be additional educational support for those who need it and all campuses and college buildings should be accessible to people with physical disabilities, deafness and blindness. Steps should also be taken to encourage and facilitate integration and participation.
If you want to continue your studies or go back to college after a break, you can find out information from the individual institutions to see what kind of facilities, accommodation and courses are available and arrange to speak to somebody about what you can expect to undertake and achieve when you go to college or university. It is a good idea to have a look around colleges and universities so that you can get a feel for the place and see whether you like it or not.
Looking for work
Many people with special needs are able to find work and hold down a job without any problems whatsoever; however, for some people, finding a job can be very difficult. There is a great deal of help available if you are looking for a job. You can visit your local job centre and arrange to see a specialist adviser; they will help you to put together your CV, give you interview tips and talk to you about the kinds of jobs you can consider applying for. Disability Employment Advisers work with disabled people to help them find work. If you are disabled, you are entitled to this service and can arrange to see a specialist disability adviser at your local Job Centre Plus.
If you are not able to work as a result of your health, you may be entitled to claim benefits.
Rights at work
There are legal acts and laws in place to protect everyone at work and promote health, safety and equality. All workplaces are required to make changes to their working environment to incorporate members of staff who have special needs or disabilities. This may include installing ramps for people with physical disabilities or providing equipment for blind or deaf employees, for example.