{"id":974,"date":"2020-02-22T17:21:55","date_gmt":"2020-02-22T17:21:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ndsa.uk\/content\/?page_id=974"},"modified":"2022-02-05T22:19:40","modified_gmt":"2022-02-05T22:19:40","slug":"reasonable-adjustments","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/ndsa.uk\/content\/reasonable-adjustments\/","title":{"rendered":""},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Please note all of our materials, videos and webinars are provided for general information only. Their contents do not represent legal advice.&nbsp; Their content represents original work and are protected by copyrights and are intellectual property of NDSA Partnership C.I.C.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>Reasonable adjustments<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Equality Act  as described in this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/reasonable-adjustments-for-disabled-workers\">government guidance<\/a> puts an obligation on the employers to must make reasonable adjustments to make sure workers with disabilities, or physical or mental health conditions, aren\u2019t substantially disadvantaged when doing their jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This applies to all workers, including trainees, apprentices, contract workers and business partners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Further guidance is available from the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/reasonable-adjustments-for-disabled-workers\">government<\/a>,  Disability Employment Adviser (<abbr title=\"Disability Employment Adviser\">DEA<\/abbr>) at&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/contact-jobcentre-plus\">your local Jobcentre Plus office<\/a>, or the&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.delni.gov.uk\/index\/finding-employment-finding-staff\/fs-help-to-find-staff\/fefs-recruit-and-retain-people-with-disabilities.htm\">Disability Employment Service<\/a>&nbsp;if you\u2019re in Northern Ireland., from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/access-to-work\">Access to Work<\/a> scheme and <a href=\"http:\/\/www.equalityhumanrights.com\/your-rights\/in-employment\/work-place-adjustments\">Equality and Human Rights Commission<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Prior to requesting reasonable adjustments it is advisable to read  our  <a href=\"https:\/\/ndsa.uk\/content\/employment\/\">employment page<\/a> with sections on the Equality Act and on Autism and Neurodivergent conditions as disabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have an interview, are about to start work or are already in employment, we recommend contacting Access to Work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Access to Work is the organisation set up by the government to provide grants to employers to cover reasonable adjustments, that actually recommends adjustments and could provide a job coach, a coach for the manager and training for the colleagues, and recommend frequent 1:1 meetings with the manager to  align on tasks, get feedback and this way alleviate anxiety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You are best served by contacting Access to Work yourself. You don&#8217;t need to go via your employer. However Access to Work can only help you if you disclosed your disability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4>The DARE reasonable adjustments toolkit<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>This section draws primarily from DARE report on reasonable adjustments by Heasman, <em>et all<\/em> (2020). <a href=\"https:\/\/dareuk.org\/dare-adjustments-toolkit\">https:\/\/dareuk.org\/dare-adjustments-toolkit<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This resource contains a structured approach and a 9 question framework of identifying and implementing reasonable adjustments. It also contains a comprehensive list of reasonable adjustments from the experience of neurodivergent respondents to the DARE study.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is the digest of the key points from the report.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In spite of need only less than half the responded had their reasonable adjustments accepted and implemented well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"940\" height=\"391\" src=\"https:\/\/ndsa.uk\/content\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Picture17.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-976\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ndsa.uk\/content\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Picture17.png 940w, https:\/\/ndsa.uk\/content\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Picture17-300x125.png 300w, https:\/\/ndsa.uk\/content\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Picture17-768x319.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The main issues with reasonable adjustments are three-fold:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol><li>Identification of suitable adjustments<\/li><li>Implementation of adjustments<\/li><li>Consequences of non-implementation on the neurodivergent\nemployee<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>The problem with <strong>identification<\/strong> of reasonable adjustments are :<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Lack of knowledge and &nbsp;information &nbsp;and <\/li><li>Lack of understanding of support needs by the\nemployer<\/li><li>Placing the burden on the employee<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2018Placing the burden of responsibility of identifying adjustments upon neurodivergent individuals who themselves may lack the communication skills required to introspect or speak up about concerns\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Challenges reported with <strong>implementing<\/strong> reasonable adjustments:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Stigma<\/li><li>Adjustments not keeping up with changes over\ntime<\/li><li>It is unclear whom to talk to, which provokes\nanxiety<\/li><li>Refusal<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2018Adjustments being refused, which was reported by participants for various reasons, including in cases where the line-manager explained the adjustment would impact other employees.\u2019 <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u2018Participants felt that managers and employees often differ as to whether an adjustment is seen as \u201creasonable\u201d, reflecting ambiguity and potential inconsistency in adherence to the Equality Act 2010\u2019 (Heasman et all, 2020, <a href=\"https:\/\/dareuk.org\/dare-adjustments-toolkit\">https:\/\/dareuk.org\/dare-adjustments-toolkit<\/a>)  .<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"940\" height=\"389\" src=\"https:\/\/ndsa.uk\/content\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/REasAdj2.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-977\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ndsa.uk\/content\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/REasAdj2.png 940w, https:\/\/ndsa.uk\/content\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/REasAdj2-300x124.png 300w, https:\/\/ndsa.uk\/content\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/REasAdj2-768x318.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Consequences of poor implementation of reasonable adjustments  affect:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Employee wellbeing;<\/li><li>Employee retention; <\/li><li>Legal processes where employees have been dismissed and reasonable adjustments have not been provided.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How\nto identify reasonable adjustments<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The\nreport notes that managers often don\u2019t have the information and understanding\nnecessary to identify reasonable adjustments<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This\ncan be particularly problematic if there is not centralised process and\nstructured approach to communication and decision about making reasonable adjustments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Often\nthe onus is put on the employee to identify the reasonable adjustments and speak\nup about their concerns. Understandably many neurodivergent individuals do not\nhave the information, experience and skills to identify and advocate for their\nown adjustments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Heasman et all propose an extensive list of possible adjustments that respondents of their study have reported<a href=\"https:\/\/dareuk.org\/dare-adjustments-toolkit\">:<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-wordpress wp-block-embed-wordpress\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"OmvW49jIB8\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dareuk.org\/dare-adjustments-toolkit\">DARE Adjustments Toolkit<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);\" title=\"&#8220;DARE Adjustments Toolkit&#8221; &#8212; \" src=\"https:\/\/dareuk.org\/dare-adjustments-toolkit\/embed#?secret=OmvW49jIB8\" data-secret=\"OmvW49jIB8\" width=\"500\" height=\"282\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p> <strong>Structured framework<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Authors propose a framework to structure the process of identifying and implementing the reasonable adjustments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>First\nthe authors propose to distinguish possible adjustments in three types:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Adjustments to job role and management processes (including communication)<\/li><li>Adjustments to physical space and equipment<\/li><li>Adjustments to social\/cultural practices within the organisation<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Second,\nit would be helpful to clarify the <strong>areas of needs<\/strong>, which play an\nimportant part in the success of adjustments:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol><li>Physical mobility and access \u2013 to make workspaces and tasks accessible.<\/li><li>Social \u2013 to reduce difficulties in social situations.<\/li><li>Cognitive \u2013e.g. processing times, memory and organisation skills.<\/li><li>Sensory.<\/li><li>Mental health and wellbeing.<\/li><li>Skill and experience \u2013 \u201cto recognise the extent to which neurodivergent people may have been previously disadvantaged by the education system\/prior work experiences. Such adjustments involve establishing a targeted structure for supporting the growth of skills and experience\u201d, i.e. training, mentoring, promotions.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Third, the <strong>intended outcomes<\/strong> of reasonable adjustments<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, some adjustments could minimise discomfort while other could improve focus, some adjustments like regular meeting with the manger could help to align priorities, agree on next steps, improve the organisation and reduce anxiety. Facilitating transitions emerged in Heasman et al. report as one of important outcomes of reasonable adjustments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Clarity and agreement on the intended outcomes are also important for the acceptance by managers and the effectiveness of the adjustment a they helps to demonstrate how an adjustment makes a difference. We think this factor should be extensively discussed with the management to come to a joined clear understanding of the intended purpose of the adjustment and the difference it could make to the employee and benefit the organisation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"940\" height=\"614\" src=\"https:\/\/ndsa.uk\/content\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/ReasAdj3.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-978\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ndsa.uk\/content\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/ReasAdj3.png 940w, https:\/\/ndsa.uk\/content\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/ReasAdj3-300x196.png 300w, https:\/\/ndsa.uk\/content\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/ReasAdj3-768x502.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Implementation\nof reasonable adjustments<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cImplementation refers to embedding an\nadjustment within organisational practice so that the adjustment is sustainable\nover time and tailored to individual needs and working patterns.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cSuccessfully implementing an adjustment\nrequires more than accurate identification of support needs, it also requires\nan iterative and continuous approach to evaluating effectiveness and\nunderstanding how to improve support.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For\nsuccessful implementation of reasonable adjustments, it is important to\nconsider <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Establishing a structured clear process of\ncommunication and decision making.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Proactively addressing the resource implications\nby for example drawing as much as possible on good business practices and\nmethods that improve productivity for all, implementing quick wins and\nreporting on their success to build management confidence with adjustments.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Embedding the adjustments sustainability over\ntime by for example informing and training new people in employees needs and\nadjustments. Iteratively addressing the changing needs as the role or the\nworkplace changes. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Overall,\nHeasman et all proposed the following 9 question framework for requesting\nreasonable adjustments<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"904\" height=\"654\" src=\"https:\/\/ndsa.uk\/content\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/ReasAdj4.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-979\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ndsa.uk\/content\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/ReasAdj4.png 904w, https:\/\/ndsa.uk\/content\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/ReasAdj4-300x217.png 300w, https:\/\/ndsa.uk\/content\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/ReasAdj4-768x556.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 767px) 89vw, (max-width: 1000px) 54vw, (max-width: 1071px) 543px, 580px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>DARE report by Heasman et all (2020) contains a helpful bank of possible adjustments for neurodivergent emploees:  <a href=\"https:\/\/dareuk.org\/dare-adjustments-toolkit\">DARE Adjustments Toolkit<\/a> <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Please note all of our materials, videos and webinars are provided for general information only. Their contents do not represent legal advice.&nbsp; Their content represents original work and are protected by copyrights and are intellectual property of NDSA Partnership C.I.C. Reasonable adjustments The Equality Act as described in this government guidance puts an obligation on &hellip; <\/p>\n<p class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ndsa.uk\/content\/reasonable-adjustments\/\" class=\"more-link\">Read more\u2026<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"rttpg_featured_image_url":null,"rttpg_author":{"display_name":"Marie","author_link":"https:\/\/ndsa.uk\/content\/author\/marie\/"},"rttpg_comment":0,"rttpg_category":null,"rttpg_excerpt":"Please note all of our materials, videos and webinars are provided for general information only. Their contents do not represent legal advice.&nbsp; Their content represents original work and are protected by copyrights and are intellectual property of NDSA Partnership C.I.C. Reasonable adjustments The Equality Act as described in this government guidance puts an obligation on&hellip;","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ndsa.uk\/content\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/974"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ndsa.uk\/content\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ndsa.uk\/content\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ndsa.uk\/content\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ndsa.uk\/content\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=974"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/ndsa.uk\/content\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/974\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1861,"href":"https:\/\/ndsa.uk\/content\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/974\/revisions\/1861"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ndsa.uk\/content\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=974"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}