My top tips for a disabled person in their first job

Hello, my name is Amber, and I am going to tell you about a bit of the work experience I have had over the years.

My work experience

My first ever job I got was working in a primary school as a lunchtime organiser five days a week. I was also a carer looking after two children with profound disabilities, which I really enjoyed doing. I enjoyed doing both jobs as I felt like I was helping children, and it was interesting watching them develop and learn new things.

After doing lunchtime organising and doing care work, I was interviewed and got offered a job as a public engagement assistant at Venture Arts. This is an arts centre where people go and do a range of different arts such as photography, ceramics, textiles, 3d, animation and printmaking.

I enjoy my job as I get to do talks in front of people. I have my own Hello newsletter, which comes out every other month. I am the steering group chair and get to answer the phone on reception. 

Positives experiences in the workplace

The positive things that I have experienced in my workplace are:

• There have always been supportive staff to support me in the workplace.
• If I don’t understand the task, then someone will explain the task to me again, so I understand what I need to do.
• I like to know what I am doing in the week so for the week I will get sent a schedule of the week.
• Even if I might take time do something the staff are always patient as they know I’ll get there in the end.
• The staff understand that I can only work a certain number of hours, so they support me not to go over the hours.
• I get given lots of opportunities which really help me develop new skills.

Tips for an inclusive work environment

The positive thing that I have experienced with my work environment is that everyone knows me well at Venture Arts and knows my needs which really helps. It means I can complete tasks.

 

My five top tips to make the work environment inclusive would be:

1. Give a person space if needed. Avoid a workspace that is too busy or noisy
2. Don’t use Jargon and use simple language.
3. A plan for the week might help.
4. Treat a person equally like others
5. Be positive of achievements.