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.

If you are disabled and need extra help when seeking employment then you have the right to speak with a disability employment adviser, the advisor can offer you support and help regardless of your position.

The advisor is there to give you advice on gaining new skills or re training, whether you have been out of work for a long time or just a short while.

What can the disability advisor do?

* If you are finding it difficult to get work because of your disability then an advisor can help you find one.

* The advisor will know suitable jobs and those employers that have a good policy for employing disabled people.

* The advisor will be able to give you advice about any specialised support you may be entitled to receive.

* If you have recently become disabled or your disability has gradually got worse then they will be able to provide specific advice.

* Make the use of occupational therapists specialising in working with disabled people.

You will be able to work closely with the disability employment advisor to help you find work or to enable you to keep your existing job. If you think you might be about to lose the job you already have then an advisor can work with both you and your employer and give advice on practical ways that would help you keep your job.

What services are provided by the advisor?

A disability employment advisor can offer you:

* A complete assessment to identify what work you would be most suited to or the kind of training you might need for finding work.

* Refer you to individually tailored programmes that are specially designed for helping disabled people find work.

* Give you access to programs such as Access to work, Workstep and other job introduction schemes.

* Access to occupational psychologist for a more detailed assessment for the kind of work that is more suitable to your particular needs.

* Information on employers that are known to give positions to disabled people.

Employment assessments

An assessment will bring out your particular skills and strengths to help decide what work you are most suited for applying for, at the end of the assessment you will have a clear plan set out towards steps you can take to achieving your goals.

During the assessment you will be asked to talk about your skills and abilities, your strongest points and talk about any previous work you may have done and also set reasonable goals for the work you are capable of doing now.

You will be asked to carry out practical tasks and some written work which various types of work may involve. After the assessment you and the advisor will agree on a plan of action for which should help you achieve obtaining a position of employment.

Filed under: Disability & Employment