Useful contacts outside the University
Access To Work
Access to Work is a scheme run by the Department of Work and Pensions that supports disabled people in overcoming work related obstacles resulting from their disability or health condition. It provides both the disabled member of staff and the University with advice and support that may arise because of an individual's needs.
If you or your employee is eligible for Access to Work, you may be able to secure funding to pay for a range of support needs including support worker and transportation to work costs. Unemployed or employed disabled people who need help with a communicator at a job interview can also get help from Access to Work.
It is important for a disabled staff member who thinks that he or she is eligible for Access to Work support, to contact the school/institution's Human Resources Business Manager or Adviser as soon as possible upon starting employment at the University—in order to receive the maximum support from Access to Work an application should be made within 6 weeks of starting work. It is recommended that a discussion with their line manager is also held.
Any members of staff who are or become disabled under the criteria of the Equality Act are eligible to apply for a grant from Access to Work irrespective of the length of time at the University, though in these cases the Access to Work Scheme may not meet 100% of the costs.
External support services/websites for disabled staff and those managing them
These websites are provided as useful reference points for disabled staff and those managing them. Please note, however, the University is not responsible for the content of the sites. The inclusion of a link to an external website should not, therefore, be interpreted as an endorsement of that site, its content, or any product or service it may provide.
We recognise that this is not an exhaustive list, if you are looking for information on a specific disability that is not listed here please contact Occupational Health.
General advice and information
- Civil Service Disability Network
- Abilitynet (tel. 0800 269 545) Information on specialist IT for disabled people
- Disability Cambridgeshire
Mental Health difficulties
The term mental health difficulties is used to include a range of diagnoses from temporary depression or anxiety to longer term issues. These sites have information covering the full spectrum of diagnoses, including Bi-polar disorder, Schizophrenia and Eating Disorders.
Overview organisations and information
- MIND (The National Association for Mental Health) (tel. 020 8519 2122; information Line 0845 766 0163) MIND is the leading mental health charity in England and Wales. It provides a wide range of information and support to people with mental health difficulties
- Rethink (tel. 0845 456 0455)
- SANE
- The Mental Health Foundation provides information on mental health issues and undertakes research into mental health
Depression
- Depression Alliance (now part of MIND)
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Learning Differences/Neurodivergence
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD)
- AADD-UK
- National Attention Deficit Disorder Information and Support Service
- ADDers.org Employment Accommodations
Dyslexia
- DyslexiaAction (tel. 01784 222300; formerly the Dyslexia Institute) can provide more information on help available both locally and nationally
- British Dyslexia Association
- Professional Association of Specific Learning Difference Specialists in Higher Education (PASSHE)
Dyspraxia
Autism
- National Autistic Society (tel. 020 78332299)
A–Z of organisations
Asthma
- Asthma UK (tel. 020 7786 4900; helpline 0800 121 6255 9am–5pm Monday–Friday)
Cancer
Cerebral Palsy
Diabetes
Deaf and Hearing Impairment
- RNID
- Cambridge Campaign to Tackle Acquired Deafness (tel. 01223 416141)
- Cambridgeshire Deaf Association (tel. 01223 411 801)
Sign Language Interpreting Agencies:
HIV and AIDS
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn's Disease)
M.E. Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome)
- Action for M.E. (tel. 0845 123 2314 11am–1pm Monday–Friday)