Telling people about an additional learning need, long-term medical condition or disability
Some apprentices are happy to be open about their disability, learning difficulty or health condition because they have previously had support at school or college and therefore understand the benefits that this can bring.
Others may be unsure whether to tell their training provider or employer about a disability or wondering about the best time to do this.
It is entirely up to you whether or not you tell people and it is understandable to be unsure about this. Reasons apprentices give include:
Others may be unsure whether to tell their training provider or employer about a disability or wondering about the best time to do this.
It is entirely up to you whether or not you tell people and it is understandable to be unsure about this. Reasons apprentices give include:
- Thinking people will be less likely to offer you a place – (this won’t happen)
- Worry that people will treat you differently – (only some people need to know)
- You don’t like being labelled as disabled
- You don’t think it will make any difference – (lots of support is available)
Why disclose?
When deciding whether to disclose, it is helpful to think about what you expect to happen as a result of telling someone. This should be focussed on what support you need to overcome any barriers you are facing, rather than the condition itself.
There are some advantages to disclosure:
Though training providers and employers do their best to be inclusive and to support everyone as best they can, sometimes apprentices with additional learning needs or disabilities would benefit from adjustments and support. If you don’t disclose, you will not be able to access this additional support that you need.
There are some advantages to disclosure:
- Under the Equality Act 2010, all colleges, universities, training providers and employers have a duty to give equal treatment to disabled people.
- They also have to make changes called ‘reasonable adjustments’ to help you access the training and the workplace.
- Training providers can access additional resources to help you with additional learning and wellbeing support, assistive software and equipment.
- Your employer can support you to access job coaching and other workplace support and equipment.
Though training providers and employers do their best to be inclusive and to support everyone as best they can, sometimes apprentices with additional learning needs or disabilities would benefit from adjustments and support. If you don’t disclose, you will not be able to access this additional support that you need.
When to mention an additional learning need or disability?
The best time to disclose is during the application process. There will often be a section in the application that allows you to disclose.
Employers who are part of the ‘Disability Confident’ scheme will guarantee all disabled candidates an interview if they meet the apprenticeship criteria.
Employers who are part of the ‘Disability Confident’ scheme will guarantee all disabled candidates an interview if they meet the apprenticeship criteria.
Who should I talk to if I am unsure?
You could start by talking to whoever is advising you about apprenticeships. If you are still at school, this is likely to be a teacher or the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO).
Otherwise talk to Careers Advisers, Work Coaches or ask to speak to the SEN lead at the training provider.
Otherwise talk to Careers Advisers, Work Coaches or ask to speak to the SEN lead at the training provider.