Disability and the recruitment process – Q&A with Anne Segalini, Lead Advisor in Occupational Therapy at The Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre

Posted on 11 October 2021 • Career planning, Disabilities and health conditions, Disabled Veterans

Our Disabled Veterans Scholarship team interviewed industry professional Anne Segalini on how to approach potential employers about a disability and exploring reasonable adjustments in the workplace.

“Name: Anne Segalini

Profession: Professional Lead Advisor in Occupational Therapy at The Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre. Volunteer Occupational Therapist for the charity Mission Motorsport.

Q1. Some students worry that if they tell their employer they have a disability, the employer might think they’re not capable of doing the job. What advice would you give someone who feels like this?

A1. Honesty is always the best policy and employers have a legal responsibility to make reasonable adjustments. If your employer knows what your needs are then they can give you support or adapt work to ensure you are able to achieve success in your job role, this is good business for them. A happy high functioning workforce means the productivity of the business is greater. By seeing how a perspective employer reacts to your honesty gives you an idea of whether you want to work for them.

Matching a job to your needs may take some time to get it right and, if available, Occupational Health Departments should support this process, or a private Occupational Therapist can be asked for advice. (There maybe funding from charities to support this process so always ask). If you don’t explain what your needs are you are more likely to have issues achieving your job role which could cause you additional stress and impact on the relationships you have with co-workers and your employer.

Q2. At what point in the recruitment process would you recommend discussing a physical disability?

A2. Look at the job description, this should give you a good idea of what the physical, mental and psychological skills required for the job are. Then I would suggest arranging a visit, if possible either before applying or before the interview, and spend some time seeing what the actual job entails. Not only does this give you an idea if the job is right for you but you get to meet the people you would be working with and you can start having some of the discussions at this point. They also get to know you before interview and gain an understanding of what your skills are.

Q3. If someone has a disability and wants to explore what adjustments they might need, how would you suggest they go about this?

A3. Occupational Health Departments and Occupational Therapists are the best way to get support and advice. Most jobs require an Occupational Health screen prior to starting so discussions can start there. You can also get extra help from the Access to Work Scheme, including mental health support.

Q4. How can students identify disability-friendly employers?

A4. Here are some sources where you can look for disability-friendly employers:
– Job Centre Plus
– Employers that have signed up to the Disability Confident scheme
– Businesses that have signed the Armed Forces Covenant

Q4. What advice would you give to an individual experiencing disability discrimination in the workplace and are there any signs you would suggest they look out for?

A4. Initially try and talk to the person who you feel is treating you inappropriately, I know it may seem strange, but some people aren’t always aware of their own behaviours or the impact it has on others. If that doesn’t work, discuss it with your line manager, raise the issue to the next level and have a look at the business’ grievance or complaints policy. Citizens Advice can give you some advice and you can see if the behaviour constitutes discrimination.”

Visit the Careers and Employability Services Help Centre for further careers advice and specific information on what support you can receive as a person with a disability, including how to explain your disability within an application. You can also search for employers, opportunities and events through OpportunityHub.

You can book a one-to-one consultation with one of our Careers Consultants if there is a subject or issue you’d like to discuss in more detail.