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<p /> <p>Access to Work provides practical and financial support with the additional
costs faced by individuals whose health or disability affects the way they do their
job. The support provided is tailored to individuals needs and can include travel
to work, support workers, and specialist aids and equipment. Access to Work does not
replace the duty an employer has under the Equality Act to make reasonable adjustments.
Instead it provides support that is over and above that which is a reasonable adjustment.
Access to Work can pay for communication support workers and British Sign Language
(BSL) Interpreters where these are required to enable deaf people to work.</p><p>Access
to Work is delivered by Jobcentre Plus in accordance with Department for Work and
Pensions Access to Work guidance. The amount of help an individual may receive from
Access to Work depends on their individual needs and personal circumstances. The award
will also vary depending on how long they have been employed, what support they need,
the size of the employer and whether they are self-employed.</p><p>The Department
does not provide alternative financial support for communication for deaf people who
are in work.</p><p>Where necessary, the Department can provide British Sign Language
Interpreters and in some cases other non-spoken language interpreters to enable deaf
people to communicate with our staff and to participate in job interviews. Where it
is appropriate and where they are able to do so, deaf people and people with hearing
impairments can utilise lip reading in face to face communications. The Department
also provides induction loops and textphones. Our staff can also communicate by e-mail
or through a representative, with the claimant’s permission.</p>
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