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What help is available?

Access to Work support covers a wide range of interventions beyond ‘reasonable adjustments’ associated with overcoming work-related barriers resulting from disability. The support package is agreed based on individual need.

Examples of the kind of help available through Access to Work are:

• A communicator, advocate or BSL interpreter for a job interview, if you’re D/deaf or have communication difficulties
• A support worker, such as a reader for somebody with a visual impairment; communicator for a D/deaf person; a specialist job coach for a person with a learning difficulty; or a helper for personal care needs at work
• Specialist equipment (or alterations to existing equipment) to suit your particular need.
• Help towards the additional costs of taxi fares if you cannot use public transport to get to work
• Support via Access to Work’s dedicated Mental Health Support Service (see 4 below).

Young people who start a work placement with an employer as part of the Department for Education supported internship programme or a traineeship will be able to apply for Access to Work support for the time of their work placement only.

Access to Work will fund additional travel, job coach and other support, including costs of equipment if appropriate, and promote the smooth transition into paid employment.

No other types of unpaid internships or traineeships will qualify for Access to Work support.