'Reasonable adjustments' aim to remove or minimise the disadvantages experienced by Disabled people.
The public sector
Public sector organisations, such as schools, colleges or your employer might have to make adjustments to help you to:
- study
- use facilities in your school or college
- make sure you aren't substantially disadvantaged when doing your job
The NHS
The NHS also has to make it as easy for Disabled people to use health services as it is for people who are not Disabled. The Equality Act 2010 calls these ‘reasonable adjustments’.
They can be changes to:
- recruitment process
- working practices
- physical working layouts
- providing extra equipment and support
What 'reasonable' means
What is 'reasonable' will depend on the size and nature of the organisation.
A large employer will be more likely than a small shop to have the resources to make very expensive adjustments. However, many adjustments will be simple and inexpensive.
Some examples of reasonable adjustments might include:
- a special chair because of back problems
- a special keyboard because of arthritis
- a ramp for a wheelchair user
- changing working hours or patterns of work
- a phased return after sick leave
- a designated car park space
- modifying sickness absence triggers – these are the number of days' absence when managers consider warning, and possible dismissal, unless attendance at work improves
- modifying performance targets
Learn more
For more information go to:
- asking for adjustments in your home to help with your disability - Citizen Advice
- asking your employer for changes to help you if you are Disabled – Citizens Advice
- the public sector's duty to make reasonable adjustments for Disabled people – Citizens Advice
- reasonable adjustments for people with a learning disability – GOV.UK