Nick von Behr, Contributor 

Barriers still exist for disabled graduates looking for jobs in STEM. How can we bridge the gap?

STEM Disability Transition Group Conference London 2013 Moving up, Moving on{credit}Credit: STEM Disability Transition Group {/credit}

Earlier this month, the STEM Disability Transition Group, of which I am a member, organised a conference about in and out of university transitions for disabled students in the STEM subjects.

The conference was a great success, bringing together a range of delegates from the English university sector, other parts of the education system and employment. Many mentioned how useful it was for them to be able to engage face-to-face on shared issues around supporting disabled students in the STEM subjects.

There were fascinating speakers, including two STEM graduates who explained in a very personal way the obstacles they had to overcome at university and in accessing employment because of their particular disabilities. An official from the UK Government’s Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) explained the Government’s forthcoming employment strategy for the disabled. One shocking statistic was that the employment rate for people with mental health conditions is as low as 15%. While higher levels of qualifications increase the employability of disabled people, there are still significant gaps a few years after graduation between their employment rates and those of the non-disabled. Continue reading →