Support with work

Reasonable adjustments are changes that an employer and organisations can make to meet the needs of a disabled employee and allow them to do their job in a reasonable and safe manner. You and your employer should discuss what adjustments would benefit you and how to meet these.

Examples of reasonable adjustments include:

• Office equipment adjustments, such as a brighter screen or a footrest
• A parking space that’s nearer the office entrance
• Flexible working hours (to attend hospital appointments, for example)
• The option to work from home
• Regular breaks
• Moving your desk to a more accessible area in the office

Employers are required to make reasonable adjustments by law, however there is no set definition of ‘reasonable’ and it will depend on each situation. Failure to make reasonable adjustments can be a form of discrimination.

Disability Law Service has a digital, legal platform that gives information and guidance on reasonable adjustments in the workplace. WorkRights will ask you questions to understand your rights and may provide a template letter that can be shared with your employer.

Our Employability Service will help you get into employment that works for you. Or if you’re already employed, we can provide advice and support to help you continue working in a way that is safe and sustainable.

Who our service is for

Our service is for anyone with a muscle wasting or weakening condition, who is looking for employment advice and support.

This may include:

• People looking for their first job
• People who are newly diagnosed and worried about how their condition could affect their work
• People whose needs are changing and who need help to continue to work in a safe and sustainable way

How we help

Whether you’re at the start of your employability journey or years into your career, we can work with you to:

• Identify suitable job roles
• Write or update a CV
• Write a job application and/or cover letter
• Improve your confidence
• Prepare you for interview
• Give you the information and tools you need to successfully advocate for your needs in the workplace
• Identify any Reasonable Adjustments you might need to be successful in your role

To access the service, or for any questions, email employability@musculardystrophyuk.org or call 020 7803 2891.

Access to Work is a government initiative that offers employment support for people with a disability or mental health condition. It aims to help more disabled people start or stay in work.

The support you will get depends on your needs. You can apply for Access to Work even if you receive benefits and regardless of how much you earn or how much you have in savings.

Grants are awarded to help pay for things such as specialist equipment, a job coach, the cost of travelling to work if you can’t use public transport or adaptations to your car. Access to Work can also pay for communication support at an interview, such as if you need a BSL (British Sign Language) interpreter or you have a learning difficulty and need support with communication.

You may be eligible for support from Access to Work if you’re:

• 16 or over
• about to start a job, apprenticeship, internship, work trial, or you’re returning to work
• already in a paid job or self-employed

Access for Work will not pay for reasonable adjustments, as these are changes that your employer must legally make to help you to do your job. You cannot apply for Access to Work if you’re a volunteer. Having a muscle wasting or weakening condition shouldn’t stop you from becoming employed or from working in your current job. With the right support, you can have a rewarding and successful career.

There are many charities offering employability support and opportunities for disabled people.

For people with learning disabilities, Mencap can support you to find work.

Young wheelchair users can receive support from Whizz Kidz to develop their employability skills and gain work experience.

Leonard Cheshire helps people with disabilities to find work and remain employed through their different programmes.

For people with Autism, Ambitious about Autism offer work experience placements.