How to Ask your Employer for Reasonable Adjustments for your Hidden Disability
Asking your employer for reasonable adjustments for your hidden disability can feel very uncomfortable. Many people choose not to disclose their hidden disability due to fear of discrimination, let alone even think about asking for reasonable adjustments.
You are not obliged to tell your employer anything about your disability or condition.
However, if telling your employer is a decision you want to make, here are some ways you can ask your employer for reasonable adjustments for your hidden disability. These suggestions will help you ask for what you need in an empowered way.
Write a letter or email
Asking for reasonable adjustments in writing means you have a paper trail of what you have requested. It also gives you the space to really think about what you need and what reasonable adjustments will really aid you.
This is a letter template from Mind, the mental health organisation. You can follow this as a guideline for how to set your letter or email out, and what to include.
It can be helpful to discuss with your GP or another health or social care professional who knows your disability what adjustments could help you in the workplace. A letter from this individual to attach to your letter or email can help back up your request.
Think about how much information you want to give. You don’t have to share anything that makes you feel too uncomfortable. If you prefer, only share how your disability can affect your job, and how the particular reasonable adjustments you are requesting would help.
Lastly, think about who you want to send this to. If you choose to send your letter to human resources (HR), they don’t have to tell anyone on your team.
Create a fact sheet document of your hidden disability (tailored to you)
Create a fact sheet for your employer to refer to when you ask for your reasonable adjustments, and beyond! It means they will always have this to refer to if they are struggling to understand how they can help you at work.
You can include information about your disability, how it affects you as an individual and the reasonable adjustments or boundaries that will help you do your job. Providing links of helpful resources at the end will point them in the direction of extra information and they can always look at this document if they are wanting to find something out.
Arrange a meeting with your manager
Make a few notes beforehand of what you would like to share in this meeting. If you’ve decided to create a fact sheet document of how your disability affects you, bring this, and anything else which you feel would help your employer understand your disability better, and the need for reasonable adjustments.
Having an honest, collaborative conversation about the positive impact reasonable adjustments would have on your work can be a great way to work with your employer on making your workplace an accessible environment for you.
Be sure to mention the financial help employers can get with making reasonable adjustments. The government’s Access to Work service can help with the cost of transport to make getting to work more accessible, or any equipment needed.
Asking for reasonable adjustments can be an empowering experience, and work does not have to feel like a constant uphill battle. Your employer is required to make adjustments that are reasonable under the Equality Act 2010, but if they are not, you can seek further advice and support at ACAS who offer free advice on employment rights, rules and best practices.
Here at SIC, we also offer work experience placements and training where we can help build your confidence to ask for reasonable adjustments, as well as build your skills, gain clarity on the direction of your career and help you get a job that’s ideal for you. If you’re interested, get in touch! We’re always happy to answer any questions you have!