Access to Work

Nobody should be turned down for a job because meeting their access needs is too expensive. Your impairment is not a reason for turning you down for a job, or refusing to interview you.

Understanding what a disabled person needs to do their job is a vital part of meeting their access requirements and therefore getting financial help from Access to Work. This means you will be asked lots of questions to make sure the adjustments you’re asking for really will help you do your work.

Training people who will work with the disabled employee can be an adjustment that Access to Work will help fund. You have a right to expect your colleagues to know how to work alongside you.

Some information you’re asked for during the process of applying for Access to Work may seem irrelevant. This may be for a number of reasons. For instance, it’s possible that the person interviewing you has never come across your particular impairment before (and therefore the adjustments you need). Try and be patient and clear about what you need and why. Be prepared to explain how the adjustment will help you do your work.

Help can only be given if you need it because of your impairment. You can’t ask Access to Work for help with funding general business needs or with equipment or support that your employer should be providing anyway, for anyone in your job.

Employers have a duty, under the Disability Discrimination Act, to treat you equally. They must not discriminate against you because of your impairment. Access to Work can help them pay for the costs of meeting your access requirements.

Lots of organisations want to employ disabled people!

Lots of organisations don’t yet know about Access to Work. Although it’s not your job to teach them about the scheme, it’s worth remembering that they may need you to tell them about it!