The University must make reasonable adjustments for people who have a disability; that is, a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on their ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. This wide-ranging definition includes conditions that are difficult to see e.g. dyslexia, epilepsy, diabetes, learning difficulties, some mental health conditions, as well as many that we might not necessarily think of as a disability e.g. cancers, long-term back injuries and arthritis.
A reasonable adjustment is a change to a working arrangement, equipment, physical feature or policy that enables a disabled person to overcome substantial barriers to work. Occupational Health will work with employees and their managers who are considering reasonable adjustments for employees who have a disability.
In some cases employees may be advised to contact Access to Work. An Access to Work grant can pay for practical support if you have a disability, health or mental health condition to help you:
- when starting work
- to stay in work.