Disability Employment Advisers (DEAs)

This information applies to people in the UK only. If you live outside the UK, then more information about epilepsy and employment where you are will be available from your local epilepsy organisation.

Disability Employment Advisers are based at your local Jobcentre or Jobcentre Plus.

DEAs can help you if you are having difficulty getting a job because of your disability, or if you are concerned about losing your job because of a disability. They provide a range of support, advice and information including:

• job seeking advice and support
• training advice and information
• advice and information on keeping your job
• employment assessments, to help you find out how your disability or health condition affects the type of work or training you want to do.

Special schemes

If you are not working but feel that you would like to do so, there are various schemes available to help you. Your Disability Employment Adviser can provide you with more information.

• Work Preparation. This is an individually tailored programme designed to help people with disabilities return to work following a long period of sickness or unemployment.
• Job Introduction Scheme. Under this scheme, the government pays your employer a grant for your first few weeks in a job.
• WORKSTEP. This scheme provides supported job opportunities for disabled people facing more complex employment barriers.
• New Deal for Disabled People. This scheme helps disabled people on health related benefits who want to work, find work.

Last updated 2 May 2007