If you are returning to work after a disability, you have probably been coping with all the changes this has made to your life. Considering a return to work may seem like a daunting prospect. However, the workplace is far better placed to handle employees with disabilities these days, since the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). There is a good deal of support available to help you.
Schemes to help
Your local Jobcentre can put you in touch with a Disability employment adviser, who can help you gain access to government programmes.
Access to work is a scheme run by Jobcentre Plus. It provides financial support to disabled people travelling to work as well as help at work, such as with equipment or support workers.
Workstep is a programme which provides advice, guidance and support to employers and employees in areas such as training, supervision and other support. They may also be able to provide some financial help to cover the extra costs for the company, which are not paid for by Access to Work.
Other organisations can provide other forms of assessment for you, such as for computer equipment that might help you to do your job or do it better.
Positive employers
Whilst all employers have legal responsibilities these days, an increasing number are proactive in their commitment to employing disabled people. They have realised that as nearly one in five of the working population in Great Britain is disabled, some of the best employees are people like you.
The Job Centre Plus uses a 'two ticks' disability symbol on job adverts for these employers. It means they have made certain specific commitments regarding the employment of disabled people. The symbol also means that you are guaranteed an interview, if you meet the minimum criteria for the job.
All public sector organisations have a legal responsibility not just to avoid discrimination against disabled people, but to consider what disabled people need when planning their services. They are used to taking reasonable adjustments for disabilities into account.
Other ways to spot employers who will be without prejudice when it comes to recruiting people with disabilities are:
- a statement in the job advert which positively encourages disabled people to apply
- application forms available in different formats
- application forms asking whether any special provisions are required at interview
- adverts in places where disabled people are more likely to see them, such as with a Disability Employment Adviser at a Jobcentre Plus office
Employers' legal responsibilities
Under the Disability Discrimination Act, employers must not discriminate against disabled people during their recruitment and selection processes. They must also make reasonable changes to the workplace, so that disabled employees are not placed at an unfair disadvantage to their colleagues.
Many impairments and health conditions do not limit a disabled person's ability to do a particular job. The Disability Discrimination Act requires employers to recognise this and to make reasonable adjustments to working conditions. You may be able to advise them of the adjustments you need and help them understand it is often much simpler to adjust than they realise.
How much information should you volunteer?
You don't have to volunteer information about your disability, but it may be a good idea to do so - especially if the company has indicated that it is positive about employing disabled people. If you do not mention a disability, an employer cannot make reasonable adjustments to their recruitment and selection processes. You will need to provide the employer with enough information to carry out any adjustment you need. An employer must not disclose confidential details about you without your explicit consent, so your confidentiality is protected.
Summary
If you are ready to return to work after adjusting to your disability, there is a lot of help and support to get you back in the workforce. You may encounter some issues, but you will find more help than problems. You will probably find it is far easier than the adjustments you have already made.
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