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Want to stay on the right side of the law? We support businesses and public authorities and help them to promote good practice.
 
 

Reasonable adjustments

What you need to know

 

The Reasonable Adjustment Duty and The Disability Discrimination Act


In responding to employers’ queries, we stress the need for the employer to talk initially to the disabled person about the adjustments they require, after all, it is the disabled person who is managing their disability and may have been doing so for some time.

The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) requires that employers introduce reasonable adjustments in respect of applicants and employees who are disabled. This is with a view to ensuring that disabled people are not disadvantaged and enjoy equality of opportunity in employment. There are a number of factors that employers should consider when determining what is a reasonable adjustment.
 
These include the:

Effectiveness of the step in preventing disadvantage

 

Practicality of the step

 

Financial/other costs required, and the extent of any disruption it may cause

 

Extent of the employer’s financial and other resources

 

Availability of financial or other help

 

Nature of the employer’s activities, the size of his/her undertaking and the effect on other employees

 

Adjustments made for other disabled staff

 

Extent to which the disabled person is willing to co-operate

 
 


Assessing and balancing these factors will call for the employer to exercise his or her judgment. It will not necessarily be easy, but it may be made easier by taking these steps:
 
  • Consult the disabled person about his or her needs
  • Obtain expert advice, where appropriate;
  • Refer to the guidance given in the DDA Code of Practice issued by the Equality Commission
  • Use trial periods to test the effectiveness of potential solutions
  • Keep an open mind to possible solutions
  • Review adjustments periodically

Further guidance is available by contacting our Employer enquiry line 028 90 500 600 or email enquiries@equalityni.org

 

New Guidance: Recruiting People With Disabilities


We have produced new guidance on recruiting people with disabilities. This includes useful information about the reasonable adjustment duty, good practice and taking positive action. Read our guidance


Further information:
 


 
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