Introduction to Reasonable Adjustments
The Equality Act 2010 states that organisations must make Reasonable Adjustments for individuals with a disability to make access to services equitable. The legal duty for Reasonable Adjustments is anticipatory (which means changes must be made in advance or in expectation of a future event or outcome).
The need for Reasonable Adjustments is based on impairment and not on diagnosis, where a person may be entitled to Reasonable Adjustments if they have:
A physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term negative effect on ability to do normal daily activities.
Further details can be found in the section below on Reasonable Adjustments Digital Flag.
Autism and sensory differences
Environmental Adjustments
Environment Checklist for Autism Spectrum Conditions
Checklist for Autism Friendly Environments
Reasonable adjustments for employment
NHSE - Reasonable adjustments in the workplace
Employment Autism - Resonable adjustments in the workplace
Reasonable adjustments in healthcare
NHSE - Sensory friendly resource pack
AutIsm Org - Varying support needs
Sensory differences
Autism Speaks - Sensory issues
NAS (2020) - Sensory differences - a guide for all audiences
The Learning Disability Clinical Toolkit
This toolkit demonstrates a reasonably adjusted clinic. It was developed to support healthcare professionals to embed reasonable adjustments in their working practice. This also includes anyone organising or managing services for people with a learning disability.
This toolkit will provide you with practical resources, guidance and information to change your working practice and better support patients with a learning disability. Although focused on adults with asthma, the learning and materials can be adapted for use across other long term condition areas (Equality Act, 2010).
This guide is not intended to replace national guidelines, local guidance or professional judgement but aims to complement and spread awareness of the legal requirement to provide reasonable adjustments (Equality Act, 2010).
Reasonably Adjusted Clinics Toolkit
Resources
The NHS Long Term Plan tells us we must flag a patient to indicate they have a learning disability or are Autisitc (Reasonable Adjustments Digital Flag).
The information Standard Notice tells us we must also flag reasonable adjustments.
The flag held on the NHS Spine will enable health and care professionals to record, share and view details of reasonable adjustments across the NHS , wherever the person is treated. The flag means to enable clear identification of all patients for whom reasonable adjustments may be required.The flag is about Needs v Wants with information about need made through contact with the individual. Consent must be obtained to share information.
Further information can be found below:
Reasonable Adjustment Flag - NHS Digital