Minty & Friend - Case study 9: Workplace adjustments and dyslexia

How Minty & Friend helped

• Minty & Friend recommended that a workplace assessment was required to enable the appropriate equipment be purchased to ensure her effectiveness in the workplace.
• Minty & Friend approached AbilityNet who agreed that an assessment by them could be undertaken.
• Minty & Friend compiled an interim report to include recommending that AbilityNet be approached and a purchase order for the AbilityNet assessment should be drawn up. The line manager was informed that the cost of the assessment could be charged against the client's central Reasonable Adjustments budget.
• However, the case management process showed the referral and purchase order had not been raised. Minty & Friend reminded the line manager of the need to action the referral and purchase order. She explained she did not know how to issue a purchase order. Minty & Friend researched this and assisted by relaying details of how advice could be obtained via the client's Intranet.
• Minty & Friend again requested that the line manager action the recommendations but Minty & Friend were informed that the line manager would seek another person within the client's organisation to action the recommendations. To date, the recommendations have still not been carried out. The case has been escalated accordingly and Minty & Friend are monitoring closely.

Outcome

The client and the Line Manager are both at risk of an action being taken against them under DDA. DDA requires that action be taken to ensure the person with that condition is not subject to any detriment once the condition is known. So far, the line manager has failed to respond to the identified needs despite assistance. Without continued pressure, this case could fall through the net.

Benefit to the client

• Client is aware of their duties under the law
• Costly legal proceedings can be avoided if the line manager carries out the recommendations
• Cost and time could be saved through Minty & Friend involvement.