{"id":47573,"date":"2024-04-16T10:34:07","date_gmt":"2024-04-16T09:34:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/?p=47573"},"modified":"2026-03-20T12:43:15","modified_gmt":"2026-03-20T12:43:15","slug":"how-to-ask-for-reasonable-adjustments","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/blog\/how-to-ask-for-reasonable-adjustments\/","title":{"rendered":"How to ask for reasonable adjustments"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"940\" height=\"788\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/BSL-cafe-1.jpg\" alt=\"Two ladies sign language with a mug and saucer in front of them in a cafe.\" class=\"wp-image-39035\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/BSL-cafe-1.jpg 940w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/BSL-cafe-1-600x503.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/BSL-cafe-1-768x644.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/BSL-cafe-1-500x419.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 940px) 100vw, 940px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-intro\">The law says that every disabled person has the right to \u201creasonable adjustments\u201d to meet their needs at work.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this blog, we\u2019ll break down some of our most commonly asked questions about reasonable adjustments, and how to ask your boss for them.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What are \u201creasonable adjustments\u201d?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Equality Act 2010 says that employers have a duty to provide reasonable adjustments for disabled people.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What counts as a \u201creasonable adjustment\u201d really depends on the person and their job. Basically, it\u2019s a way of meeting your needs so that you can do your job effectively.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It could be something physical, like a wheelchair ramp. Or it could be a piece of software, or even a change in your working hours or responsibilities.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s anything that makes sure a person is included and supported in their workplace.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What counts as \u201creasonable\u201d is a big grey area. Everybody\u2019s perspective is different. You might have to negotiate with your employer to work out what a \u201creasonable adjustment\u201d might look like for you.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/life-with-complex-disabilities\/adult-life-and-planning-for-your-future\/disability-discrimination-and-your-rights\/#reasonable-adjustments\">Find out more about the legal definition of reasonable adjustments.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Who can ask for reasonable adjustments?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Anyone with a disability has the right to ask their employer for reasonable adjustments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You might have a physical disability, or an invisible disability, or a long-term health condition. It doesn\u2019t matter: if you need some extra support or accommodations in your role, you\u2019re entitled to ask for it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/life-with-complex-disabilities\/adult-life-and-planning-for-your-future\/disability-discrimination-and-your-rights\/#disability\">Find out more about the definition of disability in the Equality Act 2010.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What reasonable adjustments can I ask for?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There is a huge range of reasonable adjustments you can ask for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These are just a few examples of reasonable adjustments in the workplace:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A ramp into the building, for wheelchair users.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A ground floor desk.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Space for a guide dog to be at your desk, and to go outside when they need to.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fire alarms that can alert D\/deaf people, with flashing lights or pagers that vibrate.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Telephone amplifiers for people who are hard of hearing.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Screen readers for people with visual impairments.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A buddy system, particularly in environments like warehouses, where \u201cbuddies\u201d can watch out for each other\u2019s health and safety.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Reasonable adjustments aren\u2019t just about physical features. For example, neurodivergent people might ask for adjustments in communication or work style.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This could look like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Job interview questions provided a couple of hours ahead of time, so you have some time to think about your answers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Meeting notes to be sent to you at the end of meetings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A change in the way your manager communicates tasks to you.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote alignleft is-style-primary-tint-10\"><blockquote><p>&#8220;Whether it\u2019s a change in language, behaviours, equipment or software, it\u2019s just about having that support when you need it.&#8221;<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Reasonable adjustments are all about matching the employee\u2019s needs.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It might be a case of raising awareness in your workplace, so that everybody is aware of how to make it an inclusive place to work.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, colleagues of a blind person should know to visually describe what is happening in a room, and to state the names of people taking part in a meeting.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>People with D\/deaf colleagues should be aware of how to communicate through a BSL interpreter. For example, talking directly to the D\/deaf person and not saying \u201cCan you tell them\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether it\u2019s a change in language, behaviours, equipment or software, it\u2019s just about having that support when you need it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why are reasonable adjustments important?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Everybody deserves the support they need to get their job done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Employers should be supportive and open to conversations with their staff.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It might be that somebody has an invisible disability that their employers are totally unaware of. It might be somebody who\u2019s worked at a company for years and years, and has now developed a health condition.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Conversations should always be ongoing with staff, to find out what support everybody needs to do their jobs. It should be about preventing fires, not putting out fires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even really small adjustments can make a big difference to how comfortable someone feels doing their job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It might cost nothing, but it improves retention rates, and overall makes a happier environment to work in.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>When should I disclose my disability and ask for reasonable adjustments?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In a perfect world, it shouldn\u2019t matter if or when you disclose your disability to your employer. Ideally, your employer should focus on you as an individual: your skills, experience and knowledge.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The only person who can decide when and how you talk to your employer about your disability is you.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I would encourage you to do it as early in the journey as possible. It\u2019s always best to have the right support in place for your job from the very start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you don\u2019t say anything about your disability, it could potentially make it more difficult to make an application or get a job.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Again, it shouldn\u2019t be like that in a perfect world. But as things are, it\u2019s important to make sure you\u2019ve got the right support in place to be the best candidate and employee you can be.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Asking for reasonable adjustments at work<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Ask for reasonable adjustments during the application process if you can<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote alignright is-style-secondary-tint-10\"><blockquote><p>&#8220;You don\u2019t have to be sidelined. Be assertive. Remember that you are important.&#8221;<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>These days, I\u2019m seeing a lot more employers asking if you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This can be helpful, for example if you need more time for your interview, or documents to be sent to you in a certain format.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s great to start the conversation about reasonable adjustments before or during the interview stage.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you already have a job but your needs change, or you\u2019ve realised that you need reasonable adjustments to cope, the best thing to do is speak to your manager.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Talk to your manager first, then HR<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The first port of call for any questions or requests you have at work should always be your line manager.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They\u2019re there to support you, and to make sure that your work is going as smoothly as possible.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you need more support or things aren\u2019t moving quickly enough, you can go to HR (a bit more on that below). But the first thing to do is have an informal chat with your manager.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Go in prepared<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s always a good idea, when you\u2019re making any kind of request at work, to go in prepared with what you want.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before chatting to your manager, it might be helpful to reflect on what reasonable adjustments would be helpful for you.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But, while it is partly your responsibility to think about what you need, your line manager should also support you with that.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They should be able to talk you through the resources and options that are available.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They\u2019re there to make sure that you\u2019re being looked after, so you don\u2019t have to handle it all on your own.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Remember that you deserve support to be your best at work<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It can be scary to tell your employer that you need some adjustments to do your job.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t ever see yourself as a pest. You have so much to offer your workplace with your unique skills and knowledge, you just need the right support.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You don\u2019t have to be sidelined. Be assertive. Remember that you are important.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And remember that everybody needs to change something or ask for something at work sometimes, regardless of who they are.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your voice should be a priority in your workplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How long does my employer have to make reasonable adjustments?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s no exact timeline set in law for employers to make reasonable adjustments, but once you\u2019ve requested them, they have a duty to act as soon as possible.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your employer is taking a long time to respond, or is refusing to make reasonable adjustments for you, then you have a few options.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can start by writing to your employer. If they\u2019ve told you that your adjustment is too expensive, you might suggest that they can look into <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/access-to-work\">Access to Work<\/a>, or charities associated with your disability, who might be able to provide financial support.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re not having any success with speaking to your manager, you might want to escalate your problem to HR. You should follow the procedure for grievances and complaints in your workplace.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re still having problems, it\u2019s best to get legal advice. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.acas.org.uk\/\">ACAS<\/a> can provide advice and support with workplace disputes.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/information-and-advice\/life-with-complex-disabilities\/adult-life-and-planning-for-your-future\/disability-discrimination-and-your-rights\/#failure\">Find out more about what the Equality Act 2010 says about failure to make reasonable adjustments.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Getting support with asking for reasonable adjustments<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There is support out there for you when you\u2019re asking for reasonable adjustments at work.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You might be able to get funding from the government\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/access-to-work\">Access to Work<\/a> programme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.acas.org.uk\/\">ACAS<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.citizensadvice.org.uk\/\">Citizens Advice<\/a> can offer legal advice.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The law says that every disabled person has the right to \u201creasonable adjustments\u201d to meet their needs at work.\u00a0Find out what to ask for and how to start the conversation.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":39035,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_searchwp_excluded":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"display_author":[90],"class_list":["post-47573","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","display_author-sense"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47573","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/14"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=47573"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47573\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/39035"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=47573"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=47573"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=47573"},{"taxonomy":"display_author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sense.org.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/display_author?post=47573"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}