Disabled workers share the same general employment rights as other workers, but there are also some special provisions for them under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). One important aspect of this is the right to reasonable adjustments in the workplace.
The Disability Discrimination Act
Under the DDA, it is unlawful for employers to discriminate against disabled people for a reason related to their disability, in all aspects of employment, unless this can be justified. The Act covers things like:
- application forms
- interview arrangements
- proficiency tests
- job offers
- terms of employment
- promotion, transfer or training opportunities
- work-related benefits such as access to recreation or refreshment facilities
- dismissal or redundancy
Reasonable adjustments in the workplace
Under the DDA, the employer has a duty to make 'reasonable adjustments' to make sure any disabled worker is not put at a substantial disadvantage by employment arrangements or any physical feature of the workplace. Examples of the sort of adjustments an employer should consider (in consultation with the worker), include:
- making adjustments to the buildings where you work
- being flexible about your hours - allowing you to have different core working hours and to be away from the office for assessment, treatment or rehabilitation
- providing modified equipment
- making instructions and manuals more accessible
- providing a reader or interpreter
Things to consider at work
You can play an active role in discussing these arrangements with your employer. You might also want to encourage your employer to speak to someone with expertise in providing work-related help for disabled people, such as an occupational health adviser. Issues for you both to consider include:
- how effective will an adjustment be?
- will it mean that your disability is slightly less of a disadvantage or will it significantly reduce the disadvantage?
- is it practical?
- will it cause much disruption?
- will it help other people in the workplace?
- is it affordable? You may want to make sure that your employer is aware of the Access to Work programme run by Jobcentre Plus. Through this programme, employers can get advice on appropriate adjustments and possibly some financial help towards the cost of the adjustments.
