Many employers are keen to support their Deaf employees. But the cost of doing so is often a big concern.
However, many businesses don’t take advantage of Access to Work, a Government scheme designed to support employers in covering the costs associated with making adjustments to allow disabled employees equal access and opportunities in the workplace.
The process for obtaining the funding is more straightforward than people often expect, and grants can usually cover the entire cost of the required provisions, meaning there’s no additional financial outlay for employers.
At Sign Solutions, we’re experienced in guiding Deaf people through the application process and helping businesses obtain the necessary funding to effectively support their Deaf employees. This blog explains how we can help.
What is Access to Work?
Access to Work is a Government‑funded scheme available across England, Scotland and Wales, with a slightly adjusted version offered to employers in Northern Ireland. It’s designed to make sure disabled people, or those with a long‑term health condition, can start work, stay in work, or move into a new role with the right support in place.
Employers have a legal duty to provide reasonable adjustments, but Access to Work can step in to help cover the additional costs that go beyond those everyday adjustments. This might include funding for specialist equipment, travel to work, job‑coaching support or adaptations that remove practical barriers. The scheme aims to ensure that disability is never a reason someone is excluded from employment, and that organisations of all sizes can confidently create an inclusive, accessible working environment.
Who is Access to Work funding for?
Funding through Access to Work is available to anyone over 16 years old with a disability or long-term health condition who is participating in paid employment. This includes Deaf people.
The funding can cover a wide range of situations, including those in full-time and part-time employment, those who are self-employed and even those in apprenticeships, work placements and internships.
The support can begin from 12 weeks prior to employment, meaning that grants can be awarded to cover the cost of adjustments at the interview and recruitment stages, as well as once a position has been allocated.
What does Access to Work funding cover?
The nature of the support available will depend on the needs of the individual.
For Deaf employees, it might include the provision of BSL interpreters for meetings, interviews or training. may also be an option for some employees, especially when support is required at short notice.
There is a range of technologies available to aid communication, including speech-to-text software for live communication, or adapted phones and similar tools with visual instead of audio alerts.
Transport to and from the workplace, as well as other work-related trips, may also be covered if the employee’s disability prevents them from being able to travel independently.
How do employers apply for Access to Work support?
Applications are usually made by the Deaf employee, not the employer, though they may require support and guidance in doing so.
They’ll be expected to provide some basic information about themselves and the nature of their employment, including the challenges they’re likely to face in accessing the workplace.
Having made an application, an Access to Work adviser will contact the employee to assess their needs further. In most instances, there’ll be no need to provide evidence of a condition, provided the applicant can explain the challenges and barriers associated with work.
A workplace assessment may take place, then a letter will be issued stating the amount of money that will be granted, and what it can be used for.
How Sign Solutions supports employers and Deaf employees
At Sign Solutions, we offer comprehensive support throughout the application process for Access to Work for Deaf employees.
Our experienced team can guide you through every step of the process, including the initial application, preparing for the assessment and advising on the likely challenges faced by Deaf colleagues. Our wealth of experience means that we can also provide specific guidance for roles across a whole range of industries. We can signpost you to helpful resources, including our trusted network of over 1,000 NRCPD-registered BSL interpreters across the UK, available to interpret remotely and in person.
We also offer a full range of complementary services and support under one roof, so you have a single point of contact for all your ongoing queries.
Ultimately, creating an inclusive workplace is in everyone’s interests. It can improve productivity, confidence and engagement, and develop teams who work together effectively and efficiently.
Financial barriers shouldn’t be an issue when it comes to providing support to all your colleagues and hiring the best people at every level of your organisation. So, get in touch with one of our advisers today to find out more about how we can support you and your employees.
