Disability in work-study programs/internships

What accommodations are available ?

Mis à jour le 17 February 2026

Starting a work-study program or internship is an important step, but it can raise questions when you have a disability. The good news is that there are many workplace accommodations that can facilitate your integration and enable you to work in good conditions.

Let’s take a look at the technological and material solutions available for different types of disabilities.

What assistance for what disability ?

Physical disabilities : ergonomic and adapted workstations

For people with motor disabilities, workplace ergonomics are essential. Here are some possible solutions :

Adjustable electric desks : these allow the height of the work surface to be adjusted as needed.
Ergonomic chairs : designed to improve posture and reduce fatigue.
Adapted peripherals : special keyboards with large keys, trackball mice (more precise and requiring less movement), or voice control systems for hands-free computer use.

These tools offer greater independence and ensure everyday comfort.

Visual impairment : support from digital technologies

Students and work-study students with visual impairments have many solutions available to compensate for their loss of vision :

Braille keyboards and digital Braille displays, which transcribe the text displayed on the screen.
OCR (optical character recognition) software, which is useful for converting paper documents into readable digital text (e.g., Adobe Scan).
High-contrast or magnified screen display (e.g., Windows Magnifier), to reduce eye strain.

These tools enable students to pursue their studies, write reports, and participate in projects independently.

Hearing impairment : communicating better thanks to new technologies

Communication is at the heart of work-study programs. For people who are hard of hearing or deaf, several devices are available :

Videophones for video conferencing with an interpreter or subtitles.
Video software with automatic subtitling (e.g., Teams or Zoom).
Instant transcription systems (e.g., AmiVoice or Velotype) that transcribe discussions in real time.

These solutions facilitate integration and reduce barriers to professional communication.

Cognitive disorders : digital tools to help you get organized

Cognitive disorders (DYS, ADHD, memory disorders, etc.) can affect concentration or organization. Here are some effective aids :

Organization apps : digital calendars, automatic reminders, interactive checklists.
Text simplification software, useful for making instructions clearer.
Speech synthesis tools (e.g., Natural Reader): these read text aloud to help you better understand and memorize information.

These devices increase efficiency and reduce stress related to cognitive load.

How to request accommodations for your work-study program or internship ?

1. Identify your specific needs

Before submitting an application, it is essential to determine precisely what accommodations are necessary for your situation (hardware, software, human assistance, etc.). This step can be facilitated by a healthcare professional or a disability advisor.

2. Contact the disability advisor at your institution or employer

The disability advisor is a key contact who can help you formulate your request and identify suitable solutions. They can help you develop a Personalized Support Plan (PAP) or apply for the appropriate assistance.

3. Provide the necessary supporting documents

Depending on the nature of your disability, a medical opinion or official recognition of disability (such as Recognition of Disabled Worker Status – RQTH) may be required. These documents are used to validate the need for the requested accommodations. (Service Public)

4. Anticipate implementation delays

Setting up the accommodations may take some time. It is therefore advisable to submit your request as soon as possible, ideally before or at the beginning of your work-study program or internship, to allow for optimal adaptation of your workstation.

What are the conditions for benefiting from accommodations ?

1. Recognition of disability status

To access these facilities, you generally need to be recognized as having a disability. This recognition can be obtained through the RQTH (Recognition of Disabled Worker Status) or other similar schemes. (Service Public)

2. Origin of the contract

The adjustments apply to both apprenticeship contracts and internships. Employers, whether public or private, are required to adapt workstations to the needs of people with disabilities. (Service Public)

3. Availability of financial assistance

Financial assistance may be requested from AGEFIPH (for the private sector) or FIPHFP (for the public sector) to cover all or part of the costs associated with accommodations. This assistance is granted under certain conditions and must be requested in advance.

Conclusion : succeeding in your work-study program with complete peace of mind

Whether you are an intern or a work-study student, there are solutions available to adapt your workstation to your needs. The goal is not to “compensate” for your disability, but to give you the means to develop your skills in an inclusive and motivating environment.

If you are preparing to enter the professional world, don’t hesitate to discuss your needs when you arrive. Your school, your company, and the disability advisor are there to support you.

Adam de la team STUDCORP.