OxAbility

OxAbility is a careers development programme launching in Michaelmas term 2025. The programme runs each term and offers two options: a 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.

With one in four Oxford students now registered with the University Disability Advisory Service, this initiative offers inclusive careers programmes tailored to students’ needs. 

Applications for mentoring and the placements will open before Michaelmas term starts, at the end of September. Exact dates will be confirmed over the summer. 

About the Programme

Each student on the OxAbility programme will take part in a structured series of activities designed to build confidence, experience, and self-advocacy in the workplace. You can either apply for a work experience placement or to take part in a mentoring scheme. 

Option 1: work experience

The work experience placement is five-day learning and development opportunity with a local employer. These placements will provide students with hands-on experience in a supportive environment, where employers are aware that participants have a disability. It creates a safe space to explore workplace culture, navigate discussions around adjustments, and gain confidence. Placements are unpaid, but we will reimburse student expenses such as local travel and lunch. Most placements will be in person but some – e.g., in organisations outside Oxford – will be virtual. 

Option 2: mentoring

Students will be matched with a mentor who has lived experience of a disability or neurodivergence and can offer guidance on navigating the workplace. The Careers Service will match students with a mentor. Mentoring conversations will take place three times across the year. 

Learning outcomes

At the end of the programme, you will have: 

• Gained work experience with an employer or taken part in three mentoring sessions with a professional who has navigated working life with a disability. 
• Learned how to share your condition with an employer and how to ask for workplace adjustments.
• Reflected on the experience and thought about how to use it in job applications. 

What support will you get before the programme? 

Students will be invited to take part in two one-hour careers workshops before the placement or mentoring scheme. The first workshop will focus on sharing a health condition or disability with an employer and how to ask for workplace adjustments. The second will take place after the placement or mentoring, helping students reflect on their experiences and use them to inform future career planning.

Who is eligible to apply?

Current, matriculated University of Oxford students (undergraduate or postgraduate) with a disability, long-term health condition or who are neurodivergent.

Any questions?

Please get in touch on hello@careers.ox.ac.uk