My IB - ESA interview....the date has been set...

Richie-from-the-Boro

Prinzessilein, what did they offer, if anything, when you rang them yesterday ? Last Activity: Today 5:47 PM

TAG Mon 14th +

stig

Oh, for goodness sake - a colleague of mine is a wheelchair user and works on the 9th floor- he knows there are processes in place to ensure non-mobile staff and visitors are evacuated where necessary.

Your problem here is not your lack of mobility - it is your belief that because something in the real world would, in your words, "make you feel really uncomfortable" then it shouldn't happen and special arrangements should be made for you.

Try applying an objective test (i.e. it isn't reasonable to expect anyone to...) instead of a subjective one (i.e. i don't feel comfortable doing.....) and you'll have a better idea of whether your problem is one you should be adapting to or one others should be making adjustments for.

Because in this case, a very quick sense check will tell you that restricting those of limited mobility to ground floor access only in every circumstance, just because they can't come down stairs on foot isn't reasonable.

Prinzessilein

Thanks for the comments - especially the helpful ones!

I rely on my mother to make phone-calls for me - as I do not use the phone (another side to my ASD).

It took a couple of calls but eventually she spoke to someone who was able to help. She was told that there is a ground floor room that can be used for people such as myself. My appointment will be re-booked so that I can make use of this facility. They seemed to take my request as being more than reasonable - I have physical and mental reasons for not being able to use the 2nd floor room. It was also acknowledged that this should have been noted earlier by ATOS when booking the original appointment.

The request to have the interview recorded was a little more problematic. Due to a lack of equipment they are unable to guarantee that they can record the interview.They will be able to confirm this on the day.

Now I just have to wait fir a letter confirming the new time of the interview and possibly a different date. It should arrive within the next day or so.

Richie-from-the-Boro

"""They will be able to confirm this on the day"""

This presents the fait accompli, as refusal to undergo the interview can lead to an immediate suspension or worse of benefits. You therefore have two choices (1) record it furtively for your own personal records, or (2) gently insist on a recorded interview in a mutually acceptable venue only when appropriate recording facilities are available and with a reasonable minimum of one weeks advance notification.

They have softened their stance on recording of recent months, and are requiring their staff to 'accommodate' recording, however the 'on the day' is going to leave you deliberately looking like a 'refusenik'

I'd just get the sodding thing over with and record it anyway, just do not tell them you are doing so or have done so. At least that way you have a verbatim record of the spoken word. Best of luck !

Prinzessilein

I will not record the interview myself - as I am aware that if discovered this can lead to the end of the interview.....also I am almost compulsively honest, I don't really 'do' secretive!

I am really pleased with the offer of a ground-floor room for the interview. This was the important factor. Despite what people may feel, I could not manage the 2nd floor. As it is, the interview will be stressful, but I have every hope I will get through it!

I would really like the interview to be recorded, but accept that this is looking unlikely. Whilst it is disappointing, it is not a factor that would prevent me attending.

Contrary to what some posters seem to believe, I am not trying to avoid the interview, nor am I trying to make things difficult. However, I have a medical condition that causes me difficulties. I am both surprised and pleased that ATOS seem to be trying to accommodate reasonable requests.

Brassedoff

krisskross wrote: »

There would always be an escape route. I am sure you would be carried down the stairs if the need arose.

There would be a carry chair at certain points in the building. If there was a person of limited mobility, two people who have been trained in the chairs operation would be tasked with the evacuation.

Richie-from-the-Boro

Prinzessilein wrote: »

I will not record the interview myself - as I am aware that if discovered this can lead to the end of the interview.....also I am almost compulsively honest, I don't really 'do' secretive!

I am really pleased with the offer of a ground-floor room for the interview. This was the important factor. Despite what people may feel, I could not manage the 2nd floor. As it is, the interview will be stressful, but I have every hope I will get through it!

I would really like the interview to be recorded, but accept that this is looking unlikely. Whilst it is disappointing, it is not a factor that would prevent me attending.

Contrary to what some posters seem to believe, I am not trying to avoid the interview, nor am I trying to make things difficult. However, I have a medical condition that causes me difficulties. I am both surprised and pleased that ATOS seem to be trying to accommodate reasonable requests.

"""Whilst it is disappointing, it is not a factor that would prevent me attending.""

- good that's the spirit, some times you just can't win without cost and disproportionate stress in other area's
- regardless of rules / law and caselaw they have every powerful government department contriving against you

You just do the best you can with what you've got and don't let the bu&&ers get you down, best of luck !