Access to Work is a Government scheme designed to help those with disabilities to get into, and stay in, work.
It offers financial assistance in paying for arrangements such as BSL interpreters, providing specialist equipment, travel support and workplace adaptations.
Receiving a grant through Access to Work won’t affect any other benefits the individual might be entitled to and they won’t need to be paid back. Here’s how it can be used to support your Deaf employees.
Who’s eligible for Access to Work?
To be eligible for Access to Work grants, you must be 16 or over, live and work in England, Scotland or Wales, and have a disability which requires you to have support to either attend your workplace or carry out your role. To apply, you must be in paid work now or within the next 12 weeks. This includes the self-employed and those in internships, apprenticeships or even on work experience or placements.
How do I apply, and what happens next?
You can apply for Access to Work online or by phone, and it’s best to do this as soon as you start a new job or know you’ll need support.
You’ll be asked about your role, your hearing loss and the type of help you need, for example, regular BSL interpreters, communication support workers or specialist equipment. You can find more detail about the application process here.
You’ll receive a letter with a decision and an explanation, and hopefully a grant offer. This will outline what’s covered and how to claim costs, so you can put the right support in place quickly.
If phone calls aren’t practical for you, you can request for all communication to happen via email.
What types of support can Access to Work fund for Deaf employees?
Support could include, but is not limited to, funding for BSL interpreters, speech-to-text reporters or communication support workers to aid interactions in the workplace.
The grants could also be used to fund equipment such as alerting devices for phones and alarms, video relay services and closed loop systems.
It may even cover additional transport costs if you aren’t able to drive or access public transport to attend the workplace.
Employer responsibilities
Even with Access to Work funding, employers still have a duty to make reasonable adjustments for Deaf staff, with the aim of providing equal opportunities to all employees.
This could mean considering background noise in the workplace and where a Deaf member of staff is situated. Open spaces that allow for lipreading can also make a huge impact.
Providing technology to allow all members of staff access to information or flexible working to account for additional medical appointments may also be necessary.
Employer costs
Access to Work is designed to remove cost as a barrier to choosing to employ a Deaf colleague. Communication support such as BSL interpreters is almost always fully funded, meaning there’s no direct cost to the employer.
Larger employers may be required to make a small contribution towards specialist equipment, but a skilled employee with the right knowledge will more than make up for this minimal outgoing.
This scheme is specifically designed to relieve both the employer and the employee of the financial aspect of accessing work.
Isn’t the system complicated to navigate?
One of the biggest myths about Access to Work is that it’s difficult or time-consuming to apply for. It’s actually a very straightforward process, especially if you already know what support you need.
For Deaf employees, applications for BSL interpreters or other communication support are common and well understood by Access to Work advisers. Many people are surprised to find that approvals can happen quickly.
Where to find help
If you need further information on the application process or the types of funding you might be eligible for, there are plenty of places to look.
You can find full details of the Access to Work scheme, including eligibility criteria and application forms, on the Government’s official website.
The RNID also offers specific advice for Deaf or hard of hearing people.
And for Deaf applicants, Sign Solutions can make the process even easier by explaining the options, helping you complete the forms, and advising on the right communication support for your role.
You can contact us at any time, via phone, email, WhatsApp, or BSL video.
