Disabled students at Treloar College in Hampshire have shared their experiences and ideas for improving employment opportunities for disabled people with Social Security and Disability Minister Sir Stephen Timms during his visit to mark International Wheelchair Day. Through the college’s “Let Me In” initiative, students assess workplace accessibility and recommend improvements to help employers remove barriers to employment. Seventeen-year-old Monica highlighted the need to change public attitudes and challenge assumptions that wheelchair users have limited abilities, while Hope, a 19-year-old undertaking an internship at Southampton Airport, explained how identifying accessibility problems had helped improve her independence, communication skills and confidence. Her experience also demonstrated how disabled people can help employers recognise shortcomings in their accessibility practices. Other students, including Xavi, who has multiple disabilities, stressed the importance of understanding individual needs and making reasonable adjustments to ensure everyone can access the workplace.

Sir Stephen Timms praised the initiative for its contribution to reducing the disability employment gap, which stands at approximately 30 percentage points, with around 80% of non-disabled working-age people employed compared with 48% of disabled people. He highlighted the government’s investment of £3.5 billion in employment support through 2030 and efforts to encourage employers to create more inclusive opportunities. Meanwhile, Treloar College’s head, Ben Bastin, emphasised the need for better-coordinated government support so that employers understand their responsibilities and disabled young people feel confident about the assistance available to them. Although employment may not be suitable for every student because of health or learning needs, the college believes that more disabled young people should have the opportunity to fulfil their potential, develop their confidence and contribute meaningfully to society.