Disabled Guides

From Disability Action.org:
"Disability Action Employment Advocacy Service launches new 'Quick Guides'"

From telling your employer about your disability, to ensuring you are treated equally in the workplace, the Employment Advocacy Service at Disability Action is here to help. In 2011, Disability Action established a small but ambitious project called the Employment Advocacy Service. The service was set up in response to the many requests for short-term support, information and advice from individuals working in a wide variety of jobs throughout Northern Ireland. Disabled people using the service have welcomed the advice and support. The service has been commended for its efficiency and professionalism and for providing information which was detailed and in-depth. More than anything else, people value the fact that they are not dealing with issues alone. It became clear, when working with individuals, that there was an urgent need for information which employees could turn to quickly. While there is a lot of information available about employment legislation and sources of support; what people wanted was access to the right information at the right time. The Employment Advocacy Service has now begun to address this need with the creation of a series of easy to read 'Quick Guides'. These guides are intended to be informative yet brief, giving a solid overview of key points and contact information for further advice/clarification if necessary. The first two guides, released this month are 'Telling an Employer about your disability' and 'Reasonable Adjustments in the Workplace'.

 

Telling an Employer About Your Disability - One of the major concerns raised by individuals using the advocacy service has been, if and how, they should disclose their disability to current or prospective employers. A common argument that is regularly presented is, 'my disability is not visible - I don't need any reasonable adjustments at my interview so why should I tell an employer? Things are tough enough at the minute'. While disclosing your disability is ultimately a very personal decision, it is important that you have a good idea of the things you need to consider when taking this step.

 

'Telling An Employer About Your Disability' is a 'quick guide' which covers the law, advantages of and common fears surrounding disclosure of disability, and sources of support.

 

Reasonable Adjustments in the Workplace - A reasonable adjustment is something that can help prevent, or reduce, any disadvantage being faced in employment by a disabled person. Reasonable adjustments allow people with disabilities equality of opportunity in the workplace. Employers are required by law to make adjustments which are effective in overcoming any disadvantage you face and are reasonable in terms of the business (e.g. cost, disruption to business). The most common query raised with the Employment Advocacy Service concerns reasonable adjustments. People want to know what adjustments they can and cannot request; however, many also report being fearful of 'rocking the boat' at a time when workplaces are under pressure due to budget cuts. Avoiding talking about necessary reasonable adjustments can be negative not just for employees but employers also.

 

'Reasonable Adjustments in the Workplace' is a quick guide that aims to help employees with disabilities think through what sort of changes might help and how to go about asking for them.

 

Looking forward, the Employment Advocacy Service plans to extend the range of quick guides available in coming months. The next two planned guides will cover sickness absence, and positive actions in recruitment. Further guides will be developed in response to the queries received by our service. Both guides are available in printedand digital format. If you require a Quick Guide in an alternative format, please contact the Employment Advocacy Service with your requirements.

 

 

 ^ While this is a guide for people in Northern Ireland it can also be used to help any disabled person around the world since the views and concerns are universal. ^

http://www.disabilityaction.org/news/item/971/disability-action-employment-advocacy-service-launches-new-quick-guides/