Did you know that only 3 in 10 Autistic people are in work in the UK?
Access to Work funding is a cornerstone in building inclusive work environments, particularly for autistic people. It bridges crucial gaps between the unique needs of autistic employees and the conventional setup of workplaces not made for neurodivergent people.
Let’s take a closer look into how Access to Work funding can help you in the workplace if your Autistic, and make working a more enjoyable, inclusive experience.
An Overview of Access to Work
If you’re struggling with managing Autism at work or any other conditions, including mental health, Access to Work could be a valuable resource for you. This public employment support programme is dedicated to helping individuals like you by providing practical advice, support, and funding to make necessary adjustments in your workplace.
Perhaps you find it challenging to perform your job duties, interact with colleagues, or even commute. That’s where Access to Work steps in. The scheme may help you cover the additional costs of specialist equipment, modifications, and assistive technology required to perform your job effectively. Moreover, it can provide support with mental health services and the unique transport needs you may have. This means that if public transport is not accessible or feasible for you, Access to Work may fund alternative solutions.
Remember, these adjustments are not just to help you cope; they’re about empowering you to thrive in your role. By accessing such support tailored towards disabled employees, you can continue to contribute your skills and talents to the workplace without being hindered by your neurological or physical conditions.
Eligibility Criteria
Navigating eligibility requirements can be daunting, but Access to Work has clear criteria to determine if you can benefit from its support. You’re considered eligible if you have a disability, mental health condition, or a long-term health issue that impacts your work. This includes support for conditions such as ADHD, learning disabilities, physical disabilities, and more.
To qualify, you must be over 16 and also fall into one of the following employment categories: paid employees, self-employed individuals, apprentices, participants in work trials promoted by JobCentre Plus, or if you have a confirmed job offer with a start date.
How to Apply for Funding
Applying is straightforward—complete an application form online with your personal and employment details, as well as specific information about your disability and the support you require.
If you have communication difficulties or prefer another method, you can reach out via the given phone numbers and complete the application form over the phone or with guided support.
By meeting these criteria and following the application process, Access to Work funding could potentially bridge the gap between your unique challenges and a fulfilling career.
How Access to Work Benefits Autistic People
If you’re an autistic employee facing work-related challenges, Access to Work can tailor adjustments in your workplace to suit your specific needs. They can provide invaluable assistance such as recommending autism awareness training for your colleagues, which can lead to a more inclusive and supportive work environment for you.
Access to Work can put in place supports for employees in the form of a Job Aide. A Job Aide is there to help you with organisational tasks or provide an advocate to assist during job interviews. And, to accommodate your sensory needs, they can fund specialist equipment which could make a significant difference in how comfortably and effectively you can perform your job duties.
For your daily commute, if public transportation causes you much distress, Access to Work is there to assist with alternative solutions, such as covering the cost of taxi fares. This ensures you have equitable access to your workplace without added stress.
Specialist Equipment and Additional Costs
When it comes to the practical aspects of performing your job, Access to Work can help bear the financial burden of specialist equipment. For autistic workers, this might include assistive technologies like Ayoa, or even screen filters to reduce monitor brightness, helping to minimise sensory overload and maintain focus.
Recognising that cost can be a barrier, the government programme offers up to £66,000 annually to fund not only equipment but also support services such as support workers. This dedication to providing necessary assistance extends to unique transport requirements; if using public transport poses a challenge, Access to Work can cover taxi fares or other suitable alternatives.
For those needing support with mental health, Access to Work also provides a Mental Health Support Service, which offers up to nine months of tailored, work-focused support, helping you to manage work-related stress and maintain employment.
How a Job Aide Can Help Autistic People at Work
As an autistic employee, you may find that a Job Aide can make a substantial difference in your work life. A Job Aide is there to help you complete tasks you struggle with as a disabled person. One example would be one-to-one meeting support if you find communicating your feelings with your manager difficult.
When combined with the use of time management apps, mind mapping software and text-to-speech assistive software, for example, a Job Aide can assist you in organising your tasks and improving communication. Don’t worry if you don’t have technical skills – That’s where your Job Aide can help!
Coping Strategies and Workplace Training
The Access to Work scheme recognises the importance of workplace training and personal coping strategies for autistic workers. Such programmes are designed to help you understand your role and flourish in your job, capitalising on your innate strengths such as attention to detail and exceptional memory.
Stress management and the development of a personalised toolkit based on neurodiversity and coaching theory are integral components of these coaching programmes. They enable you to hone your skills, reduce workplace anxiety, and leverage your distinct capabilities for optimal performance.
Workplace coaching is another aspect of support that can significantly benefit neurodiverse employees. These programmes are crafted to help you succeed by acknowledging how your Autism presents itself at work, and how you can best manage your symptoms at work.
Reasonable Adjustments in the Workplace
At the heart of Access to Work is the ability to access help that goes above and beyond reasonable adjustments. Reasonable adjustments are a legal requirement of employers as outlined in the Equality Act 2010. Examples include altering equipment to suit your needs to making sensory-friendly changes in your office space.
These adjustments aim not only to help you cope but to remove barriers entirely, enhancing your productivity and making your workplace a place where you can truly thrive. Access to Work does not fund these, but instead funds any additional support you may need that an employer is unable to implement with reasonable cost.
Types of Reasonable Adjustments That Can Support Autistic Employees
There are specific aids and changes that can make a world of difference for you in the workplace. For example, you may require longer break times at work, or extra time to complete tasks.
Access to a quiet workspace keeps you away from overstimulating noise and movements, while the use of time management and project management apps could aid you in organising your tasks, keeping your workday smooth and manageable.
These adjustments are designed to support your unique way of processing sensory information and to help balance your workload.
The Importance of Providing Clear and Accessible Contact Detailss
As an autistic employee, smooth communication channels with your Access to Work advisor are vital. Ensuring that contact details are clear and accessible enables you to confidently express your needs and gives you a straightforward path to request and receive workplace assessments and coaching.
It’s important for you to feel supported and understood throughout this process, which might involve seeking assistance from friends, relatives, or Access to Work team members, especially if communication barriers are a concern.
Employers should make sure this reasonable adjustment is accommodated for and supported, wherever possible.
Importance of Addressing the Unique Needs and Strengths of Autistic People
Employers and colleagues benefit from recognising the unique skills and strengths that you, as an autistic individual, bring to the team. Qualities like exceptional attention to detail, precise language use, and creativity are advantageous in many roles.
The UK government, through strategies like the Autism Strategy of 2021-2026, commit to helping you find employment. Partnerships with organisations that facilitate inclusive job opportunities underline the importance of creating workplaces where your talents are acknowledged and nurtured by tailored support and workplace coaching initiatives. These government-run programmes are key to not just accommodating you but enabling you to thrive.
By understanding the importance of reasonable adjustments, types of supports available for people with Autism, navigating contact details, and embracing your unique contributions, your workplace can become a much more autism-friendly environment. Remember, you have valuable abilities and support systems ready to help you shine in your career.
Public Transport Support
If you’re autistic and find public transport overwhelming or unmanageable, Access to Work funding may provide you with vital support for your work commute. Recognising that getting to work is part of your job success, this funding can help cover the additional costs of taxi fares when public transportation isn’t an option for you.
Bear in mind that this doesn’t extend to standard business expenses, but specifically addresses your transport challenges as an autistic employee.
How Access to Work funding can assist with travel adjustments for Autism
Access to Work steps in to mitigate your extra travel costs by funding a significant portion of taxi fares, tailored to your unique circumstances. Depending on your employer’s size, you could see Access to Work covering from 80% of these costs for smaller businesses, to fixed amounts for larger employers.
This support directly addresses the barriers you might face and actively works to ensure that your commute isn’t a barrier to your professional opportunities and success.
Examples of public transport support available for autistic people
Here’s exactly how the Access to Work funding can aid you if you’re an autistic person who has difficulties with public transport:
- Taxi Fare Contribution: Access to Work can cover costs for taxi fares so you can travel to and from work stress-free.
- Equipment Modifications: If alterations to existing equipment are necessary for your travel, Access to Work may provide funding for this.
- Extra Travel Expenses: For the additional expenses beyond the usual cost of commuting, Access to Work offers financial support specific to your needs.
Remember that these assists are designed to alleviate the stress of commuting, allowing you to focus your energy on what you do best at work.
If you think you could benefit from this type of support, take a moment to fill out an Access to Work application form and start the conversation with your workplace contact. Your skills are indispensable, and getting to work shouldn’t stand in the way of showcasing them.
Apply for Access to Work Today
If you’re on the autism spectrum and find work challenging, Access to Work could be the helping hand you need. Imagine getting funding for awareness training that helps your colleagues understand your unique perspective. With Access to Work, this possibility becomes a reality, creating a more inclusive workplace for autistic employees like you.
If you need extra support applying but aren’t sure where to start, contact us today and we’ll put you in touch with someone who can guide you through the process.