How to access disability support in the workplace

The Resolution Foundation's recent research highlights that there has been a rise of 2.3 million disabled people in employment, with around 1 in 7 workers being disabled. If you have a physical or mental health problem, or if you are disabled, Access to Work may be able to assist you in finding or retaining a job.  
 
The level of support you receive will be based on your requirements. Through Access to Work, you may apply for a grant to help pay for practical work support, assist in managing your mental health at work, and more. 

To be eligible for Access to Work, you must be over 16 and have any condition or impairment that affects your ability to perform your job or travel to work, and be in or about to start paid work, including self-employment.  

Access to Work may only evaluate you if you have confirmed a job offer or during your employment; you cannot be assessed before receiving a job offer.  
 
You don’t need to be a UK citizen, but you must live and work in England, Scotland, or Wales to apply. Access to Work applies to any paid job of any length of time, including part-time work, temporary work, and work trials organised by Jobcentre Plus. 

The first step is to talk about your disability with your employer. It’s important to inform them about how it affects you and how it may affect your work. This is the perfect time to tell them about your needs and ask whether they have any policies or programmes in place to assist employees who need support. 

There are a number of changes that an employer can implement to make a workplace more autism-friendly. A workplace that recognises neurological diversity is a workplace that is better for all workers.  

• paid time off when needed 
• fixed hours rather than variable shifts 
• reducing specific sensory stimuli in the workplace, e.g. locating that individual’s workstation in a quieter or less bright part of the office
•  change of work location, for example, to be nearer home, or nearer support facilities, or to a work location which is quieter or less over-stimulating 
• extra breaks to enable relaxation 
• providing a mentor 
• individual support where schedules are unavoidably disrupted and when changes are introduced 
• adjustment to the way in which assessments are carried out 
• a clear routine and work schedule 
• a personal workstation (rather than sharing a workstation or ‘hot-desking’) 
• relaxation of triggers for disciplinary action for matters such as sickness absence or mistakes arising from executive function impairment 
• additional training time off for treatment/appointments, as part of a policy for disability leave 
• re-allocating some work to colleagues, with their agreement. 

It's important to know that in the UK, it's against the law for employers to discriminate against people with impairments. The Equality Act 2010 provides protection for employees and job seekers with disabilities. Familiarise yourself with your legal rights and what your employer can do to support you. 

Making changes in the workplace to accommodate a disabled employee is important. This can include providing assistive technology, flexible working arrangements, or physical accommodations such as wheelchair ramps or accessible facilities. Consider discussing with your employer what adjustments could help enhance your work performance. 

There are a number of helpful programs available in the United Kingdom for individuals with disabilities such as austim. The Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) can assist with the additional expenses associated with learning while disabled. If you are interested in learning more about these options, we encourage you to explore them further, or message us for a chat. 

If you ever need extra help or guidance, there are wonderful professionals available to assist you. Disability advisers and advocacy services are there to support you and offer valuable advice. One organisation you can turn to for help is Disability Rights UK, which provides guidance and support on various disability-related concerns, including employment. Remember that you are not alone, and there are many resources available to help you along the way. 

Keep up to date with changes in disability support and rights in the UK. Follow relevant organisations and groups on social media or subscribe to newsletters to stay informed about new policies and programs that may benefit you. 

Remember that it’s okay to ask for help. If you're struggling with your disability at work, don't hesitate to reach out to your employer, a disability adviser, or other support services for assistance. It's important to prioritise your well-being and ensure that you have the support you need to succeed in the workplace. 
 
Getting disability support in the workplace in the UK involves speaking with your employer, understanding your rights, exploring workplace accommodations, looking into grants and funding, seeking professional support if needed, staying informed, and not being afraid to ask for help. By following these steps, you can ensure that you have the support you need to succeed in your career. 
 
You should talk to your employer about how Access to Work could help you. But if you prefer, an Access to Work adviser can work directly with your employer to suggest practical changes that could support you in the workplace. 
 
You can check the full eligibility criteria, and apply for Access to Work by visiting gov.uk 
You can also access the Access to Work easy-read factsheet or visit the DWP YouTube sign channel for British Sign Language (BSL) videos about Access to Work.