Who pays for adjustments
In most countries that have equality or disability laws, the employer is responsible for making reasonable adjustments, sometimes called reasonable accommodations. Many effective adjustments, such as written instructions or notice of changes, cost little or nothing. You shouldn’t usually be charged for them.
Some governments also fund support that goes beyond what employers have to provide. This can help with things like coaching, assistive technology or a support worker.
What support can include
Type of support
- Workplace needs assessment
- Coaching
- Assistive technology
- Support worker
- Mental health support
Examples for neurodivergent people
- An expert looks at your role and recommends what would help
- Neurodiversity or job coaching on organisation, time management or communication
- Text-to-speech, mind-mapping, noise-cancelling equipment
- Help with specific tasks, such as reading or note-taking
- Short-term support to help you stay in or return to work
Examples of government schemes
| Country | Scheme |
|---|---|
| Great Britain | Access to Work: a grant for disabled people, including many neurodivergent people, that can pay for coaching, equipment and support workers. You don’t need a formal diagnosis. |
| Northern Ireland | Access to Work (NI), run separately by the Department for Communities |
| Australia | The Employment Assistance Fund, through JobAccess, which can pay for workplace changes, assistive technology and training such as specific learning disorder support |
| United States | The Job Accommodation Network gives free, confidential advice on adjustments. State vocational rehabilitation services may fund equipment or training. |
| Elsewhere | Ask your country’s employment service, a national disability organisation, or your union whether a similar scheme exists |
Seafarers should check eligibility carefully. Whether you can get support may depend on where your employer is based, how you’re employed, where you live and where you actually work. Ask the scheme about your situation before you apply.
Other places to look
- Your employer or manning agency: larger companies may have a budget for adjustments and coaching.
- Training providers and colleges: most offer exam and course adjustments, such as extra time, and some fund assessments.
- Unions and seafarers’ welfare organisations: some offer grants, advice or wellbeing support.
How to ask for support
Prepare
Write down how your condition affects you at work, ashore and at sea, and what you think would help. Our adjustment builder can help.
Ask your employer
Start with the adjustments your employer can make. Share your written request with your manager or HR.
Check for extra funding
If you need more, such as coaching or equipment, check whether a government scheme or other funder can help where you live or work.
Keep a record
Note what was agreed, by whom and when, and review it when your job, ship or needs change.
Tips
- Apply early. Schemes can have long delays.
- Think about everything: work at sea and ashore, training courses, travel to joining ports, and exams.
- Keep copies of everything, and note the date, time and name whenever you speak to someone.
- If you’re turned down, ask for the reasons in writing and whether you can ask for a review.