Access to Work

I’m visually impaired and need to use the computer a lot in my job as an administrative assistant at a dance company. How can I find out what software or hardware might help me?

It would be helpful for you to do some background research, for example, talk to the RNIB to find out what advice they can provide. Then talk to your Access to Work advisor; they should be able to suggest best value options to provide what you need.

My access requirements have changed. Can Access to Work change the support they will give?

Yes. Talk to your advisor as soon as you know your situation has changed. They may need to do another assessment and then, if appropriate, you will have a new agreement. Make sure you have all the relevant information to hand.

I’ve been working for the same gallery for seven years and have just been promoted. This means that I need different support because my job description has changed. What happens to my Access to Work support?

Talk to your Access to Work advisor as soon as possible. They will make a new assessment based on your new duties.

Who owns the equipment that I’m using which was bought with Access to Work money?

Strictly speaking, Access to Work does. Even if you’re self-employed and use it daily, it still belongs to them.

I’m not happy with the way Access to Work have assessed my support needs. What can I do?

You must go to your Access to Work office in the first place. There is a process in place for reviewing cases which ultimately will lead to a review by the Independent Case Examiner, an impartial body - but hopefully your case should be settled to everyone’s satisfaction before it comes to that.

I’ve been working at this theatre for five years and I’ve just become disabled - can I get support from Access to Work?

Yes, if your impairments affect your ability to do your job. Talk to your employer and to Access to Work as soon as possible.

I need a Sign Language Interpreter in order to do my job as marketing manager at a music venue. It would work best if the interpreter was employed by the organisations I work for - can Access to Work provide support to do that?

Yes, if this is the most cost-effective way to provide you with what you need.

I’m a freelance camera operator and I need a PA to carry my equipment for me in order to be able to work. I can’t get work because the contracts are so short that by the time my Access to Work support is in place, the shoot has finished. What can I do?

Access to Work should now treat freelancers as thought they were employed, except for the cost-sharing aspects. In other words, you should be able to apply for Access to Work and get the support in place ready for you to apply for contracts so you come to the work with the support already in place.

I have recently been appointed as facilities manager at a community arts venue. I would benefit from my colleagues receiving some Deaf Awareness Training, maybe with some basic Sign Language. Is this something Access to Work can help with?

Yes, if you can make a case - supported by your employer - that this would improve your ability to do your job effectively.

I’m a self-employed web-designer and need to change the furniture in my office as my access requirements have changed. Can Access to Work help or does office furniture count as a general business expense?

It will depend on the individual assessment but what they may do is fund the difference between buying regular office furniture and the specific items you need.

I’m a visually impaired actor and have just been given a job in the touring production of a new play. I need the script translating into Braille and I will have other requirements for both the rehearsal and touring periods. We’re touring nationally. Will this create problems with Access to Work?

This should not be a problem as all offices now work to national standards and guidelines. It will be helpful if you can be really clear about what you will need, where and when. You should be able to do this by negotiating with only one Access to Work office who should be able to put support in place wherever in the country the tour takes you.

I am a wheelchair user and have PAs who work with me. In a couple of months, I am delivering a paper at a two-day conference. I will need PA support. The only hotel which can meet my access requirements is expensive, and I need my PA to be at the same hotel. Will Access to Work pay for her to stay at that hotel even though it is expensive?

As long as you can make a case for this being necessary to you for your work, it should be covered.

Further Frequently Asked Questions