Part 1: Let's talk about the 'Department for Work & Pensions: Access to Work Scheme (AtW)'...
This month’s blog is an extended one split into two parts, the first, provides a brief overview of the Access to Work Scheme, along with me sharing my own experience of applying for the AtW scheme as someone who is neurodivergent. The second part distinguishes between ‘reasonable adjustments’ an obligation under the Equality Act 2010, and the Access to Work scheme application. The second part also includes some helpful suggestions for neurodivergent teachers on what to request as a reasonable adjustment, and, relevant auxiliary aids and services that could be part of an AtW application.
If you haven't heard of the scheme, the DfW&P describe it as a "…publicly funded employment support programme that aims to help more disabled people start or stay in work."
You can apply for Access to Work if you:
▪ are normally resident in, and working in, Great Britain
▪ have a disability or health condition that means you need an aid, adaptation or financial or human support to do your job
▪ have a mental health condition and need support in work
▪ are aged 16 or over
You also must be in paid work, about to start paid work or self-employment, or have an interview for a job lined up. There is also support offered to those about to start a work trial or work experience.
“I can’t in all good conscience in my work with neurodivergent educators talk about the benefits of the AtW and not apply myself. ”
In practice applying for the AtW can feel like a daunting task, one of the reasons why I have not reapplied since my last application in 2014. I can't in all good conscience in my work with neurodivergent educators talk about the benefits of the AtW and not apply myself.
So...
Finally with the support of an ADHD Certified coach, I reapplied to the scheme, and what a game changer it has been to go through the application with someone who is experienced at guiding applicants through the process. Going through the application with a coach made me think about my neurodivergence in the round, both in terms or axillary aids, like a 'Remarkable tablet' for note taking, but also the difficulty I have with waking up in the morning (I set three/four alarms that go off in 15-minute intervals) which could be aided in the use of a sunrise alarm clock.
In addition, applying for ongoing support in the form of a virtual assistant, and coaching services if approved, will make my life so much easier and manageable. In short, having the support provided by a coach meant my application was done and dusted in less than 1.5 hours. I would have taken days or even months to apply myself, (or even years - it has been 10 years since my last application) and I wouldn't have approached it in a holistic way.
I am pleased to say my AtW application is in. Hurrah!!! However, with the current wait times it will take 18 weeks to be assigned a case worker. Boo!!!
However, if you are reading this, don't let that put you off. Below I have shared some take away points from my own experience:
Seek support to assist you in completing the application form, drop me a line if you would like to find out more about how to access a coach.
Think about your disability/neurodivergence in the round. What are your neurotraits, and how can they be supported to enable you to not only carry out the duties of your role, but make you feel more comfortable in your working environment e.g. noise sensitivity could be aided by noise cancelling headphones.
Don't give up and don't be put off by the long wait time.
I hope by sharing my own experience, you will be encouraged to apply to the AtW scheme. If you are a neurodivergent teacher or an education employer, please do read the second part of this extended blog, where I distinguish between ‘reasonable adjustments’ and the AtW process, as well as providing some examples of auxiliary aids and services that may be of benefit to neurodivergent educators.
Please do reach out via the ‘Contact Form’ or email me at a.odwyer@neurodivergentinsider.co.uk if you would like to find out more about neuroinclusive policy and practice.
Resources:
Department for Work and Pensions, Access to Work Scheme, Accessed: 19/05/24, 13.32pm. https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work/apply
