AbilityNet offering Access to Work assessments in Scotland.

07/08/2006

Access to work

Do you have an employee with a disability or other limiting condition? Are you are thinking about recruiting a disabled person? You will know they have the skills and potential to do the work, but there may still be practical problems to overcome.

A great deal can be done to overcome the barriers faced by disabled people in gaining and maintaining employment. Adapting the employee’s workstation and IT requirements is often the first thing which needs addressing. Getting this right can also lead to a healthier employee, less time off, DDA compliance and greater employee productivity.

Access to Work (AtW) is a scheme run by Jobcentreplus which can provide a grant towards the approved costs that arise because of an individual’s disability – including the costs of adapting the employee’s IT and workstation.

The scheme operates differently across the UK:

Scotland

An assessment of your employee’s IT and workstation access needs is an essential element of the AtW process. The quality of this assessment is key in ensuring that a successful outcome is achieved first time.

AbilityNet can deliver this quality assessment and the Access to Work programme in Scotland can provide a grant towards the costs of this.

Following the assessment, Access to Work Scotland will then be able to contribute towards the cost of any equipment recommended. For people who are starting a job with you, the grant is up to 100% of the approved costs. For those who already work for you, the grant is up to 80% of the approved costs over the first £300.

Contact enquiries@abilitynet.org.uk or call us on 0800 269545 for more information about our assessment services.

England and Wales

Access to Work provides similar services in England and Wales. IT assessments are provided by agreed contractors (of which AbilityNet are one in many regions). Contact your local Jobcentreplus for more information.

Why should you choose AbilityNet for your Access to Work assessment?

AbilityNet’s assessment service focuses on helping individuals overcome any difficulties they may experience using a computer. If computer use is uncomfortable or difficult in any way, AbilityNet will find the solution. We can introduce you to a whole range of specialist features and adaptations (many of which cost very little) to get round these problems – whatever your disability, discomfort or difficulty.

AbilityNet’s view is impartial. There is no limit to the range of equipment we can look at during the assessment and what we can recommend as a result.

We will take the time to understand the needs of both the employer and the employee, and the solution will be tailored to match the working environment, the IT systems in place and the individual.

We always give the employee the opportunity to try the hardware and software solutions during the assessment and we can even loan equipment for longer periods if necessary to ensure best fit.We have years of experience of difficulties with IT access in the workplace. All of our assessors are fully trained and have a wealth of experience to bring to ensure the right outcome.

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