Access To Work
Initial discussions from our monthly meeting in August:
Don't want to see reforms to A2W amount to combining it with other benefits like PIP to save money.
Employers won't install assistive tech due to workplace security concerns.
People are being pushed towards online resources rather direct access to physical or other tools.
It often takes over 1 year to process, so the need for a particular tool had already passed by the time it became available. Also people have trouble getting reimbursed for any perspnal outlays they made on equipment to overcome the delays in applications.
Many are puzzled why existing data from elsewhere is not used by the DWP to speed up assessments.
The assessors are outsources to many who are not regulated or familiar with the nature of the work in terms of particular needs and matching requirements.
Things like mindmap software to benefit neurodivergents who often need visual information to organise are dismissed as not assistive.
There should be far greater links with HR, who have a duty to help employees, they should be informed also as to why certain adjustments are valuable.
A statutory and mandatory timeline is required to address the infinite delays.