Disability and employer not providing equipment needed to do job

Owain_Moneysaver

Try contacting Ability Net, they are very helpful and may know of a UK source for the equipment. But buying from the US really isn't difficult.

shopndrop

Thanks for all your suggestions. Have looked at the links posted but they are large print or not a full keyboard. The one I have found is here

Racheldevon wrote: »

Hi,

Have you had an access to work assessment to recommend particular equipment?

The only assessment I have had was a risk assessement and was done by HR

Judith_W wrote: »

Could you arrange for them to reimburse if you purchase, you could buy it from US on your UK CC, this would show a UK £ value which you could then submit as expenses?

They will not let me buy and reimburse, already asked that question weeks ago.

Owain_Moneysaver wrote: »

Try contacting Ability Net, they are very helpful and may know of a UK source for the equipment. But buying from the US really isn't difficult.

Will contact them and report back.

shopndrop

Owain_Moneysaver wrote: »

Try contacting Ability Net, they are very helpful and may know of a UK source for the equipment. But buying from the US really isn't difficult.

No reply from their contact phone no so sent them an e mail. Thanks

t0rt0ise

Don't forget that if you buy from the US you probably have to pay customs duty on it upping the price somewhat.

teajug

Do not forget also that you can have access to work to your employment for them to make an assessment and they will recommend what you need to carry out your work.

You will not have to pay for equipment either. It is well worth it to give them a ring.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/RightsAndObligations/DisabilityRights/DG_4001068

paulwf

So it's $69...have you contacted them to see if they can ship to the UK?

Providing you have the money to do so (and I understand not everyone does) I'd just buy it myself and get it over with.

teajug

It may not be just the keyboard that OP conditions needs for his/her condition it may be a desk and chair as well. Therefore it is worth getting access to work involved or be referred to the company's OHA if they got one.

shopndrop

Thanks all. Have spoken to AbilityNet this afternoon and they also suggested Access to Work. Will speak to my manager and see where we go from here.

My employer will not let me use something I have bought so I do not have the option of buying it myself, otherwise I would have done. They insist on buying any equipment.

Racheldevon

Access to work will usually fund the full costs - for example mine came to about £1500 in total for various things - the total paid depends on a number of factors such as the number of employees in the company. Having worked for both a local small charity with few employees, and currently a large national organisation in both cases access to work have met the full costs. Your HR team aren't properly trained to assess your needs, nor will they be as up to date as an OT who has trained in this area and can recommend. You are entitled to request an access to work report - so I would strongly recommend following this up and arranging the appointment as others have suggested. Hope it goes well.

Sambucus_Nigra

shopndrop wrote: »

Thanks all. Have spoken to AbilityNet this afternoon and they also suggested Access to Work. Will speak to my manager and see where we go from here.

My employer will not let me use something I have bought so I do not have the option of buying it myself, otherwise I would have done. They insist on buying any equipment.

Have you asked
a - why they don't want to pay in $ and
b - why they won't let you claim it on expenses
and
c - why they won't let you actually buy it yourself

I can't see any of these being 'reasonable' when the solutions are so simple it beggars belief that anyone has blocked any of the above 3 actions.