RNID is calling on the Government to ensure the Access to Work scheme is fully accessible. 

Will you join us?

For people who are deaf or have hearing loss, an Access to Work grant could help pay for assistive devices or communication support they need at work. This scheme is vital to getting the communication support they need to do their jobs. Changes to Access to Work are making it harder for deaf and deafblind people and people with hearing loss to get the support they need at work. 

Recent research by RNID and DeafATW shows that over one third (37%) of deaf British Sign Language (BSL) users had their Access to Work award changed at renewal despite no change in circumstances. This has resulted in new restrictions and people being unable to cover essential support at work, such as BSL interpreters. 

Access to Work requires urgent changes to be fully accessible and meet the needs of deaf people and people with hearing loss in the workplace. Having access to the tools and support needed to work is essential, not optional.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is looking at reforming Access to Work and wants to know how the scheme can better support disabled people into work. 

By contacting your MP, you can help put deaf people’s rights firmly on the agenda for change.

Answer the question below and click ‘next step’.