Are you a disabled job seeker? The British Association for Supported Employment (BASE) has information to help you in your search for the right job, whatever your disability. 

What is Supported Employment?

Supported Employment is a way of providing assistance to people with a disability who need extra support to move towards and into work. BASE member organisations have the specialist knowledge to give you this support.

Supported Employment is also known as IPS (Individual Placement and Support), an American term for the employment support offered to people who experience mental health conditions.

You can find out more about Supported Employment here.

BASE member organisations can give you advice and help all through the process of looking for and gaining a job. You can search for an organisation or service close to you here.

They can advise you on all stages of job hunting, from the start of your search up to getting an interview and beyond. Some of the services our members provide are:

• help to build your confidence and self esteem
• training, from basic skills to vocational and professional qualifications
• help to match you with the right job for your experience and skills
• work trials so you can try a job and gain experience
• help through the interview process, sometimes even attending interviews with you for support
• 'on the job' help to guide and support you through the early stages
• advising potential employers on reasonable adjustments
• help to keep your job if you become disabled or are finding work difficult with your existing disability.

Supported Internships

If you are under 25 years old and have an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) then you may be able to access a place on a Supported Internships programme. You can find out more about Supported Internships on our SEND page. You should contact your local college to find out whether they run an internships programme. 

Apprenticeships

The Government has introduced Supported Apprenticeships. There are now more flexible requirements for Maths and English so that more people with learning disabilities can access an apprenticeship programme.

Government programmes

There is also a range of Government programmes that may be able to support you into work. You can find details of these schemes on our programmes page.

You will find more information on our knowledge pages but here are some links to help you find out more.

• Better off working full time
• Jobs for people with a learning disability
• Information about supported employment
• Rethink – information about work

View all our easy-read materials from our Knowledge pages.