Jobcentres

Job centres can help young people with SEND:

• find a job
• get information about disability-friendly employers
• discuss other support available

They can refer the young person to a disability specialist advisor or a specialist work psychologist, if appropriate. They can also carry out an ‘employment assessment’ of their skills and experience and what kind of roles they are interested in.

You can find out about job centres in Newcastle and how to contact them on Information NOW: Jobcentre Plus.

More information can be found on support to prepare for work or a job.

Access to Work

Access to Work is a government grant scheme which is aimed at supporting disabled people to take up or remain in work. Grants can be given for a wide range of interventions that help to break down barriers to work.

To qualify for the scheme, young people must be aged 16 or over and have a disability or health condition (physical or mental) that makes it hard for them to do parts of their job or travel to and from work. They must also be employed or self-employed, have received a job offer or be on an apprenticeship, supported internship, work trial or work experience. Support is also available for job interviews.

The amount of money young people receive depends on their circumstances. It doesn’t have to be paid back and will not affect their other benefits. 

Visit Access to Work or call 0800 1217479 to find out more. 

Higher Education and University

Young people at university or studying for a degree (level 4 qualification) at a further education college are not entitled to Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). This is because there are separate systems of support for higher education. Young people should speak to their university or college about this.

The support includes Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs). These are non-repayable grants to help with the extra costs incurred by disabled students. DSAs fund a range of support including:

• specialist equipment
• travel
• non-medical helpers (e.g., sign language interpreters, note takers, mentors)