Careers Support for Disabled and Neurodivergent Students in Michaelmas term
According to the Oxford University Disability Advisory Service, more than 20% of the student population recorded a disability on their University student record in the last academic year. As Oxford University's primary point of support on all things careers and employability, we aim to provide tailored guidance to all Oxford students and researchers who identify as having a disability, neurodivergence or long-term health condition.
Every year, we plan a variety of events including sessions to help you explore your options, programmes to develop your skills, and sessions to help you build confidence. Making the most of these opportunities while balancing academic work can be tricky. Doing all this while navigating extra challenges such as deciding if and how to talk to employers about a disability or neurodivergence can be particularly demanding.
Here are some of the ways in which we can support you.
Tailored careers advice
There is no "one size fits all" approach to disability so we offer a range of options, including:
- Individual appointments with our disability careers advisers to discuss your individual circumstances.
- Written guidance as well as a list of external resources on our website.
- Dedicated events listed below covering topics such as if and how to talk about disability with employers, how to ask for adjustments, tips to help you transition to the workplace with confidence, among many others.
New programme for 2025
OxAbility
OxAbility is a careers development programme launching in Michaelmas term 2025. The programme offers two options: five-day learning and development opportunities with real organisations and a mentoring programme which gives students a mentor who has experience of working with a disability.
Applications for mentoring and the placements will open at the end of September.
Careers events in Michaelmas term 2025
Finding Disability Inclusive Employers
Tuesday 30 September, 16:00 - 17:30 Online
Are you looking for an inclusive workplace that truly values diversity and supports your individual needs? This online session is designed to help you recognise which employers are actively committed to disability inclusion - and how to find them. We’ll explore what to look for on company websites, including accessibility statements and diversity policies, as well as how to make use of specialist job boards and resources aimed at disabled applicants. You’ll also receive practical advice on approaching employers, navigating disclosure, and asking the right questions to ensure you find a workplace that feels right for you.
This session will be run via Microsoft Teams and will be open to students at a number of universities.
Sign up for Finding Disability Inclusive Employers
Talking About Your Disability: The Employer Perspective
Tuesday 16 October, 16:00 - 17:30 Online
Wondering how employers handle disability inclusion in practice? Join us for this round table discussion, hosted in partnership with Peoplewise, where professionals from the public and private sectors will share how they support disabled candidates and employees - from application through to day-to-day working life. You’ll hear how different organisations approach reasonable adjustments during recruitment, assessment centres, and in the workplace, and what practical steps they take to create inclusive environments. Speakers will also reflect on what they’ve learned, what works well, and what still needs to change.
This session will be run via Microsoft Teams and will be open to students at a number of universities.
Sign up for Talking About Your Disability
Career Planning with a Disability
Tuesday 21 October, 12:30 - 13:30 Online
If you’re living with a disability, long-term health condition or are neurodivergent, it’s natural to have questions about how this may shape your career choices. You might be wondering how your condition could affect certain roles or sectors, what kind of adjustments are available, and how to find workplaces that will support you to thrive. This session will offer a supportive space to start exploring those questions. We’ll talk through how to think about your own needs and strengths, how to assess whether a role or sector is a good fit for you, and how to make informed and empowered choices about your future career.
Sign up for Career Planning with a Disability
Talking to Employers About a Disability, Long-Term Health Condition or Being Neurodivergent
Wednesday 29 October, 14:00 - 15:00 Online
Deciding whether to disclose a disability, neurodivergence, or long-term health condition to an employer is a deeply personal and often challenging choice, with no single right answer. This supportive session aims to empower you to make informed decisions about sharing. We'll guide you on effectively discussing your strengths, requesting necessary adjustments during recruitment, and understanding the full range of support available from the Careers Service.
Sign up for Talking to Employers
Talking to Employers about Your Mental Health
Friday 7 November, 12:30 - 13:30 Online
Talking about your mental health with employers can be a daunting and deeply personal choice, with no single right answer. This supportive session will help you navigate that decision with confidence.
Sign up for Talking to Employers about Your Mental Health
Disability and Roles Within the Creative Industry
Tuesday 11 November, 16:00 - 17:30 Online
Are you interested in a career in the creative industries and wondering how to find inclusive and supportive employers? Join us for an engaging online panel discussion that explores what disability inclusion looks like across sectors such as design, media, and the performing arts. You’ll hear directly from disabled creatives and professionals working to drive inclusive change. Through their stories and insights, we’ll explore the opportunities available, the barriers that still exist, and how you can navigate the industry with confidence.
This session will be run via Microsoft Teams and will be open to students at a number of universities.
Sign up for Disability and Roles Within the Creative Industry
Neurodiversity in the Workplace – Celebrating Your Strengths and Thinking About the Adjustments You Might Need
Thursday 20 November, 16:00 - 17:30 Online
Neurodivergent students bring a wide range of strengths that many employers actively value - from creativity to strategic thinking and innovation. But navigating the workplace can still present challenges, especially if you’re unsure how to ask for adjustments or how to talk about any support you might need. This online panel event, will explore what being neurodivergent in the workplace can look like. You’ll hear from a panel of professionals about their lived experiences, what helped them succeed, and how to identify and ask for the adjustments that make a difference - whether during recruitment or once you’re in the role.
This session will be run via Microsoft Teams and will be open to students at a number of universities.
Sign up for Neurodiversity in the Workplace
