Living with a disability should not be an obstacle to finding your place in society and the workplace. Yet many people affected do not know about the structures that exist to support them, nor the rights to which they are entitled.
You are in the right place — this article is here to change that.
The Maison Départementale des Personnes Handicapées (MDPH) is present in every department. It is the body that officially recognises disability and opens access to all associated rights and benefits. To benefit, you must submit an application for Recognition as a Disabled Worker (RQTH).
The RQTH gives access to specific employment assistance, workplace adjustments, adapted training, and protection measures in case of redundancy. It is confidential and cannot be imposed on your employer without your consent.
Find an MDPH
With an RQTH (Reconnaissance de la Qualité de Travailleur Handicapé), you can benefit from Cap Emploi support (see below “Structures supporting employment”), Agefiph-funded training, priority in certain integration schemes, and workplace adjustments such as adapted hours, specific equipment, or a redesigned workstation. If your employer has more than 20 employees, they also have a legal obligation to employ at least 6% of disabled workers.
Beyond employment, the MDPH also processes applications for the Allocation aux Adultes Handicapés (AAH), the Prestation de Compensation du Handicap (PCH) and referrals to specialist institutions. These benefits can be combined in certain cases and may be reviewed as your situation evolves.
Cap Emploi is the specialist network for professional integration of people with disabilities.
Present in every department, it works in direct partnership with France Travail (formerly Pôle Emploi) and supports both job seekers and people already in employment who wish to progress or retrain.
In practice, Cap Emploi helps you build your career plan, prepare your applications, find suitable training, and negotiate adjustments with employers. Support is free and personalised.
For people whose disability makes access to the mainstream job market difficult, two types of structure exist.
- Adapted Enterprises (EA) are standard companies that employ mainly disabled workers under adapted working conditions, with a genuine employment contract, salary and rights identical to those of any other employee.
- Work Support Services (ESAT) cater to people whose disability is more severe and who cannot, even temporarily, work in a mainstream environment. The ESAT therefore offers both a therapeutic and professional framework, with integrated medico-social support.
Find an ESAT, an adapted enterprise or an IAE structure
For young people with disabilities (16-25 years old), local missions (missions locales) can also play a guidance and support role, in partnership with Cap Emploi. Similarly, integration through economic activity (IAE) structures, integration workshops and intermediary associations welcome people with disabilities and offer a progressive pathway to sustainable employment.
Find a local mission
Several platforms allow you to quickly locate available support structures in your area. Soliguide lists associations, medico-social centres, integration structures and disability support services.
The website monparcourshandicap.gouv.fr also offers online support to understand your rights, simulate your benefits and find the right contacts for your personal situation.
Procedures related to disability can seem complex and daunting. But you do not have to face them alone.
Associations such as APF France Handicap, Unapei or Handisport offer listening, advice and guidance. Many have local branches and free drop-in sessions.
If you are already employed and wish to have your disability recognised or request a workplace adjustment, the occupational health doctor is also there to support you: they are bound by medical confidentiality and can intervene directly with your employer.
Soliguide lists disability support and integration structures throughout France, free of charge.
How to access it? Enter your town or postcode to find available resources near you in seconds. 💜
