Case study 11: Managing adjustments in relation to progressive visual impairment
The employee developed a progressive visual Impairment condition. The prognosis is that the employee will eventually lose his sight completely.
The employee also has acute dyslexia that affects his written work and his short-term memory - problems that can be overcome with equipment adjustments if knowledge and expertise is known.
- In the last 7-8 years, the employee has worked on a variety of different project work.
- Occupational Health reports clearly indicated that a return to CSE duties was not an option.
- The employee was moved to the Self Motivated Teams Appeals project.
- The move enabled a workplace assessment by AbilityNet (specialist IT assessors). However, the AbilityNet recommendations were not implemented.
- As his sight deteriorated, the employee was transferred back to another team who made the referral to Minty & Friend.
How Minty & Friend helped
A face-to-face case conference was held with the employee, his current and previous line managers and Minty & Friend to determined the way forward. This included:
- To look to securing suitable, permanent, alternative employment.
- Obtaining suitable equipment to allow the employee to undertake that job.
- Looking to identify a provider of Visual Impairment Skills Development training.
- Implementing workplace adjustments, utilising Government funded Access to Work scheme.
- However, Access to Work would not assist this employee since there was no job description.
Therefore, Minty & Friend liaised extensively with the employee's line manager. It became evident that there were major organisational barriers facing the potential re-deployment of the employee to suitable alternative work. This posed a very serious threat of DDA action. Minty & Friend escalated the case internally within the client organisation.
Outcomes
The results of Minty & Friend input and meetings led to:
- Identifying a position within the SMT Appeals team.
- Although initially Access to Work were not keen to provide financial support to assist this employee, Minty & Friend liaised closely and secured some financial assistance.
- AtW funding of £3500 would be set aside for travel to work for the employee.
- Minty & Friend undertook task analysis of the job as well as equipment needs.
- On Minty & Friend advice, a job description with built-in reasonable adjustments was created.
- After SMT accreditation, the client is to move to an exchange close to his home.
- Minty & Friend advised on suppliers of relevant equipment needed, along with costs.
Benefits to the client
- The client avoided being vulnerable under the DDA.
- Cost and time benefits from avoiding the case dragging on without being addressed.
- Improved internal relations as a result of speedy and satisfactory resolution.
