OxAbility

OxAbility is a learning and development programme for Oxford students who have a long-term health condition, disability, or who are neurodivergent, and who are registered with the University of Oxford Disability Advisory Service (DAS).

Participants complete one placement lasting up to 10 days with a host organisation (many are Oxford-based). Placements are available across a range of sectors, helping you build practical experience and insight into different workplaces.

OxAbility is designed to help students build confidence as well as gain work experience. During your placement, you will have the opportunity to reflect on what helps you work at your best, consider any adjustments that may be useful, and practise talking about these in a professional setting.

Host organisations understand the purpose of OxAbility and are committed to providing a supportive experience. They will work with you to put reasonable adjustments in place wherever possible, and to take any accessibility requests into account. This means conversations about adjustments are expected and supported, so you can focus on learning, contributing, and getting the most from your placement.

Programme applications

Applications open in Michaelmas term on 5 October for placements running from 7 December 2026 for up to 10 days. 

Students interested in taking part in OxAbility are invited to apply in Michaelmas term for one or more work experience projects via CareerConnect. Placements will run in 9th week (7 December - 11 December) and/or 10th week (14 December – 18 December) of Michaelmas term 2026.

Work experience 

The work experience placements offered through the OxAbility programme are 5-10 day learning and development opportunities with real host organisations. These placements will provide students with hands-on experience in a supportive environment, where hosts are aware that participants have a disability. It creates a safe space to explore workplace culture, navigate discussions around adjustments, and gain confidence. Whilst placements are unpaid and voluntary, Careers, University of Oxford will reimburse reasonable expenses such as local travel and lunch. The set amount that we will reimburse you will be advertised as part of the placement via CareerConnect.

Learning outcomes

At the end of the programme, successful applicants will have: 

• Gained work experience with a host organisation
• Learned how to share your condition with a host organisation and how to ask for workplace adjustments.
• Reflected on the experience and thought about how to use it in job applications. 

Participants will be invited to take part in two one-hour careers workshops before the placement. The first workshop will focus on sharing a health condition or disability with a host organisation and how to ask for workplace adjustments. The second will take place after the placement or mentoring, helping students reflect on their experiences and use them to inform future career planning.

In recognition of its success and ongoing impact, OxAbility received a Highly Commended Vice-Chancellor’s Award for its commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.