By ‘Access for Workplaces’
Applying for jobs can be a laborious process, especially as a disabled person. Many disabled people deliberate whether to disclose their disabilities on application forms, during job interviews or at work. Research from SCOPE revealed that nearly half of disabled people (48%) have worried about telling employers about their impairment or condition. I believe this is due to the fear of not being offered the job or being pre-judged about your capability by the employer.
Osayuki
“Hello, my name is Osayuki. I’m 20 years old and I’m a third year pharmacy student at Kingston University. I’m a double amputee above the knee. I use prosthetic legs and my wheelchair for support.
I’m fortunate to be part of the ‘Scope for Change’ 6 month programme with the disability charity Scope. I have chosen to campaign for disabled access in workplaces, especially step free access and disabled toilets. I will be campaigning for better attitudes/treatment towards disabled employees and candidates.”
“Last summer, I applied for a part time job at a community pharmacy online. The next day I received a text message asking if I could come for an interview that same day. I replied yes and went to the interview later on. When I arrived, I told the lady at the counter that I was here for an interview. She said I should take a seat, as the pharmacist had gone out. I ended up waiting for over 30 minutes.
Then I went to ask if the pharmacist was back. The lady told me she was and then the pharmacist appeared from the back of the dispensary. I realised she had been there all along. I was interviewed in a corner, both of us standing, and I could tell that she was not interested. I know this was because of the way I walked in when I entered the pharmacy, as there was a slope. The interview experience was disheartening for me.”
A survey carried out by Scope found that 15 percent of disabled people felt that they had been turned down for a job because of their impairment or condition.
“I have been asking for other people’s experiences and these are some of the quotes below.”
“An employer offered me the job and then retracted the offer verbally immediately after hearing that I have epilepsy.” Averil.
“When I have applied for jobs and disclosed my disability, I never hear back. I have volunteered at my local library for 4 years as a result of this.” Scope for Change campaigner Sophie.
“Disabled people should not have to feel the need to hide their disabilities from employers. We should all be given a fair chance to succeed and more needs to be done for all employers to be inclusive.
If you have any stories that you would like to share please do not hesitate to contact me.”
Osayuki