Action for Blind People Action Works Access to Work Action for Blind People's Employment Development Teams provide a free, impartial service to support blind and partially sighted people of working age with a range of employment related concerns. Access to Work is a scheme run by Jobcentreplus. The scheme provides advice and practical support for disabled people in, or about to start, work and also provides assistance to organisations that employ someone with a disability. Access to Work provides financial support towards the extra costs that may arise because of an individual's disability and is accessed by the disabled person themselves. It can help people in any paid job, whether full time or part time, permanent or temporary. It can provide grants towards the cost of: A communicator at a job interview. A support worker to help at work. This could include a personal reader; a communicator or interpreter to attend meetings, work related training courses or conferences; a job coach to support someone while they familiarise themselves with the tasks of a new job; an assistant to help with the personal needs of someone in the workplace; or an escort to and from work. Travel to work costs to help towards taxi fares or other transport costs, including adaptations to a vehicle, if someone cannot use public transport to get to work or to travel during work. Special equipment, or alterations to existing equipment, to help a disabled person function effectively in the work place. Alterations (to premises or a working environment) to make premises and equipment accessible. Mobility and / or specialist training if required. How the Access to Work Scheme works: The disabled person makes the application direct to the Access to Work team. An assessment is carried out at the workplace, usually by a specialist contractor within 20 working days. A report is then produced outlining a list of specific recommendations including costs about equipment, training, mobility and workplace adjustments. This report is then forwarded to the Access To Work team and the employer for consideration and information. If approved the employer will be required to purchase and provide the support required and then reclaim costs. This process can be achieved within six weeks but can take as often as three months or more. How Action for Blind People can help Action for Blind People works to ensure that blind and partially sighted people are fully supported from the date they start work until the Access to Work recommendations have been fully implemented. We have a limited supply of specialist equipment for blind and partially sighted employees, which we will loan out on a temporary basis if required and subject to availability. For more information call 020 7635 4800, email info@afbp.org or visit our website www.afbp.org Action for Blind People enables blind and partially sighted people to transform their lives through work, housing, leisure and support. Action for Blind People 14 - 16 Verney Road London SE16 3DZ Action for Blind People has been accredited the Investors in People and Positive About Disabled People quality marks. Registered Charity no. 205913 © Action for Blind People September 2003