AGCAS training event. Seeing the unseen: How to spot and support students with non-visible disabilities

Date June 1^st 2017, Venue: Imperial College London, now open to all AGCAS members

Venue: Imperial College London

The aim of this event is to increase participants’ confidence and knowledge when working with students with non-visible disabilities, and will cover the following –

• What is a “non-visible” disability?
• Positive self-marketing for students: Role models, and examples of strengths and attributes of those with a non-visible disability.
• Signs and symptoms of some of the more common non-visible disabilities.
• Hints and tips for supporting students with a non-visible disability, including information resources.

There will be contributions from two university careers services (De Montfort University, Leicester and the London School of Economics) and a speaker with experience of overcoming a non-visible disability to succeed in the workplace: Our speaker is Edward Howlin, IT Delivery Manager at the Food Standards Agency. Edward is an alumnus of the London School of Economics and will be talking about his own experiences as a student, an employee, and an employer with a non-visible disability.

Some interactive group work will be included as well as the opportunity to share good practice and useful resources.

Could You Stand the Rejection?

NAS logo

I have just spotted this short video from the National Autistic Society, which shows what the job interview process can be like from the perspective of someone with Autism.

This NAS Report goes with the video. Lots of useful info in here for Careers professionals…

Have a nice Easter everyone!

Alison Skellern, AGCAS Disability Task Group, De Montfort University

“Why be ‘normal”? – Rosie King

You probably noticed that last week was World Autism Awareness week – there were hundreds of awareness raising events going on across the UK and a lot of the UK press published associated articles. The overriding message during this week from the National Autistic Society (NAS) is that better understanding will mean autistic people are better able to lead the lives they choose. To promote the event NAS also produced this video to raise awareness of how some autistic people can be overwhelmed by too much information.

It’s interesting to see however how ‘raising awareness’ can take different approaches depending on the charity/ pressure group involved and even the country it takes place in.

Reader’s corner…

A couple of articles I spotted recently that might be of interest to our blog followers…

The BBC carried an article back in February, Perfect storm: The agency for disabled talent which highlights VisABLE – an agency for disabled actors, presenters and models.

Safety and Health Practitioner reported from mental health charity Mind, in an article aimed at employers wanting to promote a mentally healthy workplace, How to manage severe mental health problems

Happy reading!

Alison Skellern, AGCAS Disability Task Group, De Montfort University

Let’s Talk

Here’s a quirky little film that I thought I’d share – aimed at employers to help them discuss mental health with their staff.

This film has been produced through the MINDFUL EMPLOYER initiative which provides managers, businesses and organisations with information, support and training regarding staff who experience stress, anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions.

“Talking about mental health at work is difficult for everyone concerned. Beginning as a black and white, silent movie, Let’s Talk portrays the difficulties that arise through poor communication. As the film progresses, it gains both colour and a voice as we see how talking to each other enables support and understanding.”

Watch now at https://youtu.be/K6ThH_1aDf4

Find out more about MINDFUL EMPLOYER.

Claire Byron, AGCAS Disability Task Group, Newcastle University

 

 

Finding work interactive eBook – free resource from the National Autistic Society

I recently came across this workbook in the NAS online shop work – our blog readers may find it of interest.

Description

“This digital workbook is designed to help autistic adults prepare themselves for employment.

Developed by employment experts at The National Autistic Society, it will support you through the job finding process with information and activities at each stage.

Topics include understanding your autism better, choosing a suitable role, applying for roles, preparing for and getting through interviews, finding work experience, working on your communication and social skills, managing anxiety and preparing for the workplace.

How to use this digital workbook

To have the best experience of this workbook, you’ll need to view it using Adobe Reader software, which you can download for free.”

Download your free workbook copy at:

http://www.autism.org.uk/findingwork

Alison Skellern, AGCAS Disability Task Group, De Montfort University

7 steps to make your Careers Service more accessible to blind and visually impaired students – guest post

Jessica Luke from Blind in Business recently provided us with the following guest blog post aimed at careers professionals.

Blind in Business is a charity that runs a free careers service for blind and visually impaired students. Many of the students we support have never used their university careers service. Some say they lacked the confidence to get in touch, others did not think that their university careers service could help them.

You may do all of this already, but just in case here are 7 easy steps to encourage your blind and visually impaired students to get in touch: