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Reasonable adjustments in the workplace

Oakling

Hello everyone.

I just wondered if anyone had any information, or could point me towards some information, on reasonable adjustments in the workplace.

Many of the adjustments that I am aware of are not possible for me, as I am a teacher. Or perhaps it is that I am unaware of the options that there might be for someone in my role. I know my leadership team will be supportive of adaptations where possible, but I would like to approach a conversation in as informed a way as possible.

Thanks in advance

Parents

  • One of the courses I teach is about Autism for a major British trade union. It's a difficult area that requires specialist advice from a trade union equality rep, from the NAS or another charity.

    what do you need, by way of adjustments? Could the employer reasonably give them? The risk of asking for reasonable adjustments is possible discrimination, or being moved sideways or suspended, until it is considered you can work safely. Get advice from someone able to give it...

    Flexible hours

    Changes to the physical environment 

    these should be possible, but as to what you need, only you know how your Autism affects you, which is the starting point for seeing what you might need.

  • in reply to Hectorz

    This is interesting to read. My concern is understanding the word ‘reasonable’ in this context. I hope to read into this a little bit, this links above are useful, in order to come to an understanding.  

Reply Children
  • in reply to Clumsywitch

    That you so much for this kind response. I really appreciate the help you’ve offered here- please don’t feel like you need to go out of your way and through the effort of copying that document for me though. The explanation of reasonable was a very useful idea to think about too- it has again framed things differently and in a wayI’d not managed to consider. I think I can get stuck on the meaning of a word and over think it slightly, so a fresh perspective here has been very helpful.

  • in reply to Oakling

    I was given a document from an OH referral following my diagnosis to share with work about supporting someone. It’s a little old as it refers to ‘supporting someone with asperger syndrome’ but it had some useful tips for employers on. I only have a hard copy and not sure if we can upload documents here but would be happy to share it with you if you like. I can scan it to make an electronic copy when I’m next in the office on Friday.

    For reasonable, it was explained to me that it was ok for me to think about what I thought would help and ask and explain it to work then it’s really up to the employer to see if they think they can make the adjustment or not and that they decide if they think it’s reasonable; generally this seems to come down to cost, space and impact on others. The worst that can happen is that they say no and you’re no worse off than you are now but appreciate that not every employer will have the same way of looking at it and there might be consequences for you. I suppose though that if you’re not saying you can’t do your job without the adjustments then there shouldn’t be any grounds for them to suspend you etc. My employer has been very good overall but wasn’t able to provide everything as it just wasn’t possible; I too would like somewhere quiet to be able to go when things get too much but there isn’t any space to be had so I have noise cancelling headphones, a desk in a quiet (ish) corner in the office and am encouraged to go for walks whenever possible to get away. I’m also able to work from home everyday if I choose to, though am encouraged to go in to the office at least 1 day a week to help with my socialising skills and stay part of the team better. I realise this will be different for you teaching but maybe there could be some flexibility for you?

    Maybe an OH referral could help you as well as they can discuss with you what adjustments could help and then your manager has it officially and it’s not just you asking?