Reasonable Adjustments
Under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) it is unlawful
for any employer/service provider, regardless of size to
discriminate against a disabled person. In other words a disabled
person has a right to expect the same level of service as anybody
else unless the employer/provider can justify it.
Therefore employers/providers may need to make 'reasonable
adjustments' to any barriers that may prevent a disabled person
using or accessing their job opportunity/service.
Reasonable adjustments
Under the DDA employers/service providers only need to make
changes that are 'reasonable'. In many cases the changes often
involve little or no cost and are relatively simple to implement.
Examples could include: layout, improved signage and information or
staff training. However, under the law there are no firm
definitions of reasonable adjustments or barriers to access, but it
is, nether the less', still necessary to anticipate the needs of
disabled people.
When considering what is reasonable, the following represent
some of the factors that may impact on a decision:
- Whether particular steps would be effective in overcoming the
difficulty that disabled people face in getting access
- The extent to which it is practicable to take the steps
- Financial and other costs of making the adjustment
- The amount of disruption caused by taking the steps
- Money already spent on making adjustments
- The availability of financial or other assistance
The process of reasonableness
To ensure compliance with the DDA employers/service providers
are recommended to adopt the following process:
1. Obtain an access audit
2. Decide whether it is practicable,
financially viable and what benefits accrue
3. Record the decision making process
4. Implement Changes
Access audits
Access audits assess premises with respect to the DDA.
Professional auditors conduct the audit and produce written reports
with photographs, where appropriate. Seetec can provide help,
guidance and support to employers in this area.
Job Introduction Scheme
Job Introduction Scheme (JIS) offers employers a weekly grant
of £75.00 towards the cost of employing a disabled person
during their initial period of employment. The grant is available
from Jobcentre Plus with the applicant being the Job Seeker. Seetec
therefore facilitates the process of application.
Access to Work
Access to Work (AtW) is run by Jobcentre Plus, and provides
financial assistance towards the extra costs of employing someone
with a disability. It is available to anyone who is unemployed or
employed. The person with the disability makes the application.
Seetec therefore facilitates the process of application.
For more information please do not hesitate to get in contact
with us via the Contact Us page on the
left.
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