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Graduating Students with a Disability
Frequently asked questions
Should I let prospective employers know that I have a disability?
Disclosure of your disability is a personal decision. Deciding on whether, when and how to make a disclosure can be more complex for those with ‘hidden disabilities’.
Before you make your decision it is important to know your legal rights and responsibilities. In almost all circumstances it is unlawful for an employer to discriminate against a person on the basis of their disability, so if you disclose you are protected by the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1992.
It is advisable to research the inherent or essential requirements of the position and develop an awareness of the impact your disability may have. This will help you to decide if disclosure is necessary.
If you disclose your disability this may allow the employer to make ‘reasonable adjustments’, or provide any necessary workplace modifications. If you disclose it’s also helpful to be prepared with examples of
- assistive technology or work redesign strategies that have been/may be useful
- your unique skills and strengths, some of which you may have developed as a result of your disability.
If you need assistance with disclosure you could link with an Employment Service (see below).
Choosing Your Path is a useful online resource to help you explore all the factors affecting your decision on whether to disclose to an employer.
Can I get assistance to find employment?
There is a range of services to assist people with a disability to gain and /or maintain employment that can be accessed via Centrelink. You may need to have a ‘job capacity assessment’ to identify your employment support needs and for referral to appropriate services. As a result you may be referred to
Funding and incentives
There is a range of funding available to assist people with a disability to gain or maintain employment. Some examples include: workplace modifications or Auslan interpreting funding. Funding is available via the Employment Assistance Fund.
You may also be able to attract wage subsidies for your employer.
Graduate Programs for People with a Disability
Some organisations offer work experience or mentoring programs that aim to improve employment prospects for university students with a disability.
The Australian Employers Network on Disability has a Stepping Into program that offers yearly internships in several fields of study.
The Willing and Able Mentoring program is an initiative that aims to link jobseekers and/or tertiary students who have a disability with mentors in their chosen field.
Where can I get more information?
Websites and resources used to create this fact sheet that may provide you with further information:
Choosing Your Path. Disclosure: It’s a personal decision is a web based resource that explores rights and responsibilities regarding disclosure, created by the University of Western Sydney and University of Ballarat.
Jobaccess is an Australian Government website containing information on finding and maintaining employment. It explains the range of support available for people with a disability, prospective employers and service providers.
Australian Human Rights Commission is a website containing information on disability rights according to Disability legislation
Other useful links
Careers for Graduates with a Disability is a publication produced by Graduate Careers Australia.
Education to Employment Package is a website for graduates with a disability and employers, created by the University of Western Sydney and NSW Department of Education and Training.
Building a Career of Your Choice is a booklet produced by the Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research. (pdf, 807kb)
ACU Career Development Service
Careers Advisors are available on each of ACU's campuses to assist enrolled students with career development and/or employment related decisions. Visit the ACU Career Development Service webpage for more information or make an appointment to speak with a Careers Advisor.
