I have a ‘hidden disability’ which would not require the provision of any specialist equipment or adjustments for me if I applied to study on the Bsc (Hons) in Occupational Therapy or when I applied for a job as an Occupational Therapist. Do I have to disclose my disability to the university/employer, and if so at what stage should I declare it?
Your disclosure, is a personal choice and it is up to you whether you wish to disclose it. However, It is advisable to inform your employer/university of your disability, perhaps giving further supporting information from your GP or specialist if you feel this is required.
Under the DDA a person does not have to tell (disclose to) their university or their employer about their disability if they do not want to. If you do decide to tell your university or future employer, it is your decision to do this. There are reasons why it can be helpful to advise the university/employer. It may be to your advantage if you disclose as there are requirements/obligations that need to be met under the Health and Safety at Work Act. If the university/employer are aware of a medical condition that you may have, they can make changes i.e reasonable adjustments to the environment/the way you work to assist you.
When going for a job interview, you may wish to discuss it at the interview, or you may prefer to wait to disclose your disability until after an employment offer has been made.
I am a an Occupational Therapist (OT) working in Social Services, I have a disability and feel quite isolated at times. It sometimes feels like I am the only O.T. that has a disability, I feel quite isolated and wish I could meet/talk to others in a similar situation. Do you have any advice for me?
There are other O.T's with disabilities; The disability forum has a panel of members who are O.T's and have a disability and they are currently employed in either the NHS, Social Services and Education. Their disabilities are wide ranging - sensory impairment, physical limitations, dsyslexia
The members moderate the discussion forum, add articles to these web pages and meet and keep in contact on a regular basis. If you would like to find out more about the disability forum then please email Laraine Epstein - Chairperson of the Disability Forum l.epstein@coventry.ac.uk
I have recently qualified as an Occupational Therapist and know I will need some support when starting employment as a 'basic grade' OT. Please could you tell me how I can arrange assistance and what support I may be able to receive in my new job?
There is a scheme called 'Access to Work' (ATW) which provides advice and practical support to people with disabilties and their employers. Access to work's aim is to help with work related obstacles, by providing advice and grants.The scheme can assist with costs towards 'travel to work', 'travel within work' , provide support workers,specialist equipment and adapatations to the work environment. It is advisable to apply prior to commencing employment so that 'systems/equipment' can be in place once you start work.
ATW can offer a grant , for up to 100% of the approved costs when starting a new job, and for people who are already in employment and need assistance, the grant is up to 80% of the approved costs over the first £300.
If you would like to apply for Access to Work, you need to contact your local Disability Employment Adviser (DEA) through your nearest Jobcentre Plus Office or Jobcentre. The DEA will put you in touch with an Access to Work Adviser who will discuss your particular circumstances with you. You can also access information on the interenet by typing 'Access to Work' into a search engine.
I have been a member of the British Association of Occupational Therapists for the last ten years, and I am aware that my subscription covers my membership to Unison. I recently went onto the Unison website and read about Unison's disability section. Is the Disability Forum involved with the disability section of Unison?
Yes, we have recently made links with the Disability Section of Unison and are looking at ways we can work together on various projects. In 2007, members of the Disability Forum panel attended the Unison Disability conference in Harrogate and some members will be attending the 2008 Unison Disability conference.
We have also recently been notified that the Head of the Unison Disability section has kindly agreed to talk at the Disability Forum Fringe meeting at the College of Occupational Therapist's annual conference in Harrogate 2008. If you would like to find out more about the links you could attend this fringe meeting, which will be held at 8.00a.m. on Thursday 12th June 2008. See you there!
There will also be up to date information placed on the Disability Forum current news web page.
I am studying on the BSc (Hons) course in Occupational Therapy and I have recently been diagnosed with Dyslexia. I am going on placement this year and I am worried about how I am going to manage writing in the medical notes when working on the medical wards?
When I was working on placement on the medical wards in an NHS hospital, I negotiated with my practice placement educator how to manage writing in the medical notes and asked what reasonable adjustments could be made during my time on placement. I advised my practice placement educator that my notes/ writing improved greatly by typing my thoughts rather than hand writing them. My educator agreed that I could type my reports, sign and date them and then place them into the medical records.
(This question and answer has been written by one of the Disability Forum Panel Members, drawing on personal experience)
