Adult Services

Employment and training


There are many employment and training opportunities for adults who have physical, learning or sensory disabilities. Whether you are looking for work, need support in work, or want to find out about work schemes and programmes available there is advice and help available.


Support from your local Jobcentre

Advisers at your local Jobcentre Plus office or Jobcentre can give help and advice to people who are disabled who want to find work or want to find out about training opportunities.

Disability Employment Advisers (DEAs) at your local Jobcentre can provide specialist support if you are recently disabled, or if you are having difficulty getting a job because of your disability.

They can also:
  • provide  details of grants for special equipment at work that makes it possible for you to do a particular job – for example, adapted computer equipment.
  • give you information about the work schemes and programmes available, such as the WORKSTEP programme run by Enham.

Access to Work (AtW) Advisers can tell you about the Access to Work programme, which provides support to disabled people and their employers. This can include someone to support you with personal care and transport.


New Deal for Disabled People

New Deal for Disabled People (NDDP) is a programme of advice and practical support, which helps people move from disability and health-related benefits into paid employment.

For more information call The New Deal for Disabled People helpline on 0800 137 177 or textphone 0800 435 550


Supported employment

The Adult Services Department commissions supported employment providers to help people who have physical and learning disabilities to find employment. Job Coaches are available to help people fit into their new jobs and learn the skills they need to be successful. Most of the schemes are currently based in our day services. For more information about the provider in your area and how to access the service, contact your local Adult Services office.

Supported employment providers in Hampshire:

  • The Signposts website provides guidance and help looking for and applying for a job that is right for you.

  • Turning Point has offices in Hampshire County Council day dentres in Aldershot, Basingstoke and Fareham. We offer an employment service that works in partnership with employers in Hampshire, giving individuals with a learning disability the opportunity to experience employment and contribute to the workforce. Our work with employers to raise awareness of the potential benefits helps broker successful relationships between employers and those with a learning disability.

  • Kudos Employment provides support employment for people with a learning disability across Hampshire. Kudos empowers and enables people to decide on employment opportunities that might be paid work, voluntary work, temporary contract and work experience. Tel - 01962 854700


Employment rights

If you are disabled you share the same general employment rights as other workers, but there are also some special provisions under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). More information is included on the Disability Rights Commission website.