Finding appropriate adjustments for your disability
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There are many sources of adjustments for disability we will list a few that you may find helpful
General advice
Ask Jan
This site from Job Accommodation Network (JAN) this US site is a leading source of free, expert, and confidential guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues.
You can search by disability difficulty or accommodation(adjustment) and more.The advice is on the US Americans with Disabilities Act while in many ways similar to the UK Equality Act there are also lots of differences
However the adjustments it recommends for each disability or need are appropriate worldwide.
Go to https://askjan.org/
The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service(ACAS)
offer good general advice on the duty employers have to make adjustments but offer little advice on adjustments suitable for each individual
ACAS //www.acas.org.uk/reasonable-adjustments
Equality and Human Rights Commission(EHRC)
offer good general advice on the duty employers to make adjustments and some advice on adjustments but fairly generic
EHRC https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/en/multipage-guide/reasonable-adjustments-practice
Equal Treatment Bench Book
This is a useful source for looking up the sort of adjustments a court or tribunal would be willing to make. Clearly those adjustments when transferred to employment are likely to be confirmed as reasonable if challenged in a court or tribunal
https://www.judiciary.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Equal-Treatment-Bench-Book-July-2024.pdf
Condition specific
Neuro Diversity
The National Autism Implementation Team (NAIT)
Scottish Government funded. We are a practitioner researcher partnership based at Queen Margaret University.
have produced an supporting Autistic and Nuerodivers health professionals
Autism Plus
A charity (Yorkshire and NE )that gives into work and in work support for neuro diversities include recommending adjustments applying for access to work and contacting or interacting with the employer.
https://www.autismplus-employmentservices.co.uk/
Dyslexia
British Dyslexia Association(BDA)
Good advice again rather generic on adjustments for dyslexia
ADHD
ADHDUK
A charity that has that has employment support and adjustments information
https://adhduk.co.uk/reasonable-adjustments/
Autism
National Autistic Society
Advice on requesting and getting reasonable adjustments
National Autistic Implementation Team (NHS Scotland )
A although this advice is autism specific and for NHS professionals and was written in Scotland all of it would probably apply to all neurodiversity and throughout the United Kingdom
Example OH Report For ADHD Dyslexia and auditory processing disorder
Provided the following adjustments are operationally feasible, X is likely to benefit from:
a. To receive support in identifying priorities; and breaking down tasks into smaller tasks and stages. I understand that software called Mind View (helps with mind mapping, putting all tasks of the day and converting them into a visually structural way/diagram).
b. As previously, this is likely to benefit from support through access to work (for self referral information, please see https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work).
c. X will benefit from having an appropriate laptop/mobile phone and suitable software.
d. It is advisable that X is given a larger laptop case (for their laptop and other equipment), with wheels.
e. Any sickness absence attributed to their medical conditions should be treated sympathetically.
f. In my view, where possible, X Should be able to work flexibly, and work from home when possible. I also note that X has submitted a request to reduce their working hours. Considering the complexity of their difficulties, I am of the view that the same is likely to be helpful, as it will assist with work-life balance.
g. X will benefit from having suitable software to assist with reading and writing including voice-activated software (Dragon). To also have appropriate training, or time allocate for the same.
h. Moreover, X should be able to utilise paper and electronic reminders and organisers.
i. For any new training, to be given more time to learn new tasks; providing a senior colleague to work alongside in early stages; and make sure X has clear and structured training.
j. It is advisable that staff involved in supporting their ‘mental health’ aware (https://www.hse.gov.uk/stress/).
k. X was previously given a set of headphones, microphones and hearing aids which assisted their with the central auditory processing disorder (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/auditory-processing-disorder/).
l. To be given the minutes or emails with main points following important meetings.
m. To have administrative support with organisation diary, room booking and other practical help in case X struggles.
n. Special provision to be given with regards to office/desk location and if possible, to avoid hot desking. An email by management to OH is noted and I note that you have already considered this as an adjustment.
o. It is also noted that you are looking at allowing extra time for certain tasks.
p. I understand that X has occupational health advice/recommendations and I have suggested to share the same with their line manager.
q. As X tends to process information better, when it comes for their right ear, to be able to position themselves appropriately in meetings. I note that X has done and relied on lip-reading however, the same may be challenging due to PPE (masks). Hence, colleagues to be aware in order to support their appropriately.
r. When it comes to processing information, X is likely to be slightly slower hence X needs appropriate adjustments, if X needs to go through a significant amount of clinical notes to prepare themselves.
s. It is advisable that you treat potential sickness absence attributed to these conditions, sympathetically by allowing flexibility in the triggers leading to the various stages of attendance management process.
t. Support them with job coaching
u. Use of colour coded system
v. Consider potential additional training needs.
w. With regards to being able to maintain patient interaction, I’m of the view that X should be able to do that provided X is supported afterwards. Therefore, in the long term, their appointments should be modified to allow for extra time in between
Disclaimer: This page is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. For individual guidance, contact ACAS or the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS). See the full Legal and Support Disclaimer for details.
