If you have a disability and there are problems in the workplace then you have certain rights and support is available for you. Many counrties have in place agreements within the workplace for finding solutions to problems in the workplace that can occur and many will work alongside both you and your employer to help resolve these issues.

Training for Disabled Employees

All disabled people by law have the same access rights to a company’s training programs as do any other individual. It is down to your employer to make sure that you are not stopped from taking part in these training courses just because of your disability. As such the employer should take certain considerations into account when organising training events. They should be sure that:

• They provide adequate training for any special equipment that is to be used in the workplace.
• If the disabled person is limited to the number of hours they can attend a training course then training should be given over an extended course.
• Re-train employees that have become disabled since taking the job to enable them to remain in their current position.
• Have sign language interpreters available if needed and provide material in different formats.
• Be aware of problems with locations of the training course, for example does it have wheelchair accessibility.

The disability act in the workplace must be taken seriously by your employer and the employer has to make sure that they:

• Make sure that any other staff fully understand the policy towards disabled people and their rights in the workplace.
• Carry out any obligations in the training to make adjustments for disabled employees.
• Set standards within the organisation or workplace by giving examples of good practise.
• Provide accessibility to services for disabled people.
• Make sure all staff who come into contact with the public have disability equality training.

Workplace Disability While Employed

If you are currently working and become disabled for any reason then you have certain rights and your employer will probably keep you in your position but your employer also has to consider the responsibility of the employment arrangements or any features of the workplace that might now put you at a disadvantage because of your disability.

If there are problems then it is your employer’s duty to make reasonable adjustments to the working environment. The disability discrimination act states that it would be within reason for your employer to spend at least as much money on making changes to the working environment as it would cost them to recruit and train a replacement.

Making Workplace Disability Adjustments

Simple and often effective adjustments could include:

• Offering a staggered return to work policy.
• Allocating some of the duties you would find hard to other employees.
• Providing practical aids and tools to help you.
• Moving workstations if you need more room say for wheelchair access.

There is absolutely nothing to be ashamed about about being a disabled employee in the workplace. If your employer makes no provisions for your disability, it is important than you have a chat with them about the possibilities and if they are unwilling to make any adjustment for your disability in the workplace, then you can always seek legal action as well.