Chair Lift For Stairs

Following proper disability etiquette is one of the best ways to make persons with disabilities feel welcome and comfortable in any setting.  Disability etiquette also makes good business sense – helping you to expand your practice and effectively serve your customers.

Tip #1 – Respect the individual

Persons with disabilities have families, jobs, hobbies, hopes and fears.  They are people first and even though their disability is an integral part of who they are, it is not what defines them.  Don’t turn persons with disabilities into heroes or a faceless “they,” but respect them as individuals who have much to offer.

Tip #2 – Always ask, never assume

Ask before you help.  If a setting is accessible, persons with disabilities can usually get along on their own.  If you are uncertain in any situation – just ask.  Don’t assume.  Persons with disabilities are the best judge of what they can or cannot do and will also be able to let you know how you can be of assistance.

Tip #3 – Respect private space

Persons with disabilities consider their equipment part of their personal space.  Don’t touch any assistive device or push a wheelchair without permission.  If a person uses a guide dog, don’t pet or distract the animal.  Remember, the animal is working. If you need to make physical contact in order to assist a person, always ask first.  Never grab a person without warning as this may cause them to lose their balance.  In the case of a person who is blind – offer your arm rather than taking his.

Tip #4 – Communicate effectively

Always address a person with a disability directly.  Don’t speak to his companion, assistant or sign language interpreter.  The use of common expressions such as “see you later” or “it was good to hear from you” are also perfectly acceptable.  When communicating with a person who is blind, make sure you keep them well oriented.  If you are providing directions, be specific.  If you are in a group, verbally introduce everyone so that the person can take part in the conversation and always let them know before you leave their side.

When speaking to a person utilizing a wheelchair or to a person of short stature, the conversation will be much more comfortable if you face them on the same level.  You can pull up a chair for longer conversations or kneel down.

A person who is deaf or hard of hearing may use a combination of lip reading and / or American Sign Language (ASL).  While many individuals who are Deaf utilize ASL, it is not used by everyone and is not universal across cultures.  For instance, someone in Mexico may utilize a different type of sign language than someone in the United States.  When speaking, make sure to face the person during a conversation.  Speak clearly and be sure not to cover your mouth or shout..  If the person is hard of hearing, their hearing aid will be calibrated to normal voice level.  Your shout will only distort it and also make you look foolish.  If a sign language interpreter is not available or the person is not a native signer, a low cost and immediate alternative, if the customer is comfortable, is to type back and forth on a computer or to use instant messaging.

For those individuals that have difficulty speaking, never pretend to understand what someone is saying.  Ask them to repeat their sentence.  Most people won’t mind and will appreciate your effort to listen.

Tip #5 – Use empowering terminology:

Always use person first language when referring to someone with a disability.  Say “person with a disability” not “disabled person”.  Avoid negative disempowering words which focus on the impairment rather than the individual – such as “wheelchair bound”, “crippled” or “handicapped”.  Some persons with disabilities dislike jargony euphemistic terms like “physically challenged” or “differently abled”.  If you are unsure of which words to use – ask.

Tip #6 – Ensure accessibility:

Ensuring your facilities are safe and accessible to a wide variety of persons is one of the best ways to communicate an open and accepting attitude towards persons with disabilities.

Tip #7 – Be sensitive to hidden disabilities:

If a person makes a request that seems out of the ordinary, it may be related to a hidden disability.  Hidden disabilities including a variety of conditions such as a learning or psychiatric disability.  Be sensitive to needs that may not be apparent.

Thank you for visiting Chair Lift For Stairs, we hope you found what you were looking for.

Disability insurance facilitates physically challenged individuals who are unable to pay for their medical bills or maintaining their standard of living. This kind of insurance is a boon for them. It replaces a part of their income. It can help in maintenance of their present lifestyle and protect them from bad debts.

In some states the law requires employers to provide staff with disability insurance.
Attorneys are properly equipped and skilled in handling cases concerning the two kinds of disability insurance employees can have:
* Short term Disability
* Long term Disability
These two kinds of insurance may be given as a part of employee benefit program.

Short Term Disability Insurance plan
This is often a part of employee package. Short term disability plans substitute or replace income for the early period of a person’s disability. Generally, plans provide disabled people with benefits that range from as small as two weeks or as long as two years. However, there is a waiting period often called as elimination period. This period ranges from the time a person become disabled until the time he/she receives the benefits.

Waiting periods in short term disability places usually takes from 0 to 14 days. If a person has a short term disability plan with a waiting period of 14 days, and a disability he/she has prevents him/her from working for the period of three weeks, benefits will be provided in the third week of disability, not in the first two week. These two weeks is the waiting period.

Long Term Disability Insurance plan
Calling this kind of insurance as the most significant insurance plan is often justified by experts. This may be attributed to the advances concerning medical care or because some injuries and diseases are disabling rather than deadly, which means that a person’s incapacitation can last for a longer time.
This insurance is purchased to replace 50-70% of the salary. There are employers who let their employees purchase an extra insurance, raising a total of about 80%. Certain policies have monthly maximum payouts. It lessens the salary percentage the policy owner acquires.
Benefits provided by this insurance replace a person’s income for an extended period. It may be for five years or until the disabled individual reaches the age of 65. Plans that provide owners with longer periods wherein benefits may be received are more expensive. These plans can have varying waiting periods.

There is nothing worse than being unable to move about freely for months on end, especially for somebody addicted to sports. When my friend was unfortunately injured during his motor car racing accident, fracturing both his legs and his backbone, he could only stay at home with the least possible physical movement. He was almost a person paralyzed with

Since it was mandatory for us to leave for work every morning, he was left alone at home for the entire day. The only person who he managed to have for company was this depressing nurse. She would come, serve him and then leave. The days were a drag and he complained that he was ‘beginning to forget what the rest of the house looked like’! The situation was sad, and we all felt sorry for him. But how could he be helped? The only way to recover after the operation was to restrict body movement, especially the movement of his legs, since they were badly affected in the accident.

However, it was only after two weeks of staying bed ridden when he had had enough. He could not take it anymore. Although he didn’t have any other option except for staying on the bed for another six months as prescribed by the doctor, the mental trauma was already reaching its peak!  The worst case scenario was whenever he needed the nurse to help him in the bathroom and the toilet. He was losing his head, and it was only the very beginning of the six months of hardship.
Finally we decided that there ought to be a way out. If he had to go on for as long as six months this way, he would definitely start suffering from depression. And who wouldn’t? Six months is a long time to have to stay in bed in the same old position, and having to depend on somebody else for something as basic as the bathroom and toilet. So we started searching the internet to find out if there was any way to save his sanity!

Finally one of us came across this thing called a manual wheelchair. It promised to help him move about easily around the house, however, the problem was that it needed human muscle power to move around, and our friend was quite weak following the surgery. The nurse suggested that we could opt for an electric wheelchair, but the prices were high. Eventually we managed to get a  that could be wheeled around with the use of electricity, at an affordable rental price and representing great value for money. Gradually we learnt about the wheelchair  that could be used to help solve my friend’s bathroom and toilet troubles to a great extent.

Though I would not say that the wheelchair was easy to use during the early phases of recovery, my friend was definitely feeling a lot more liberated and mobile than he had felt in the last few weeks. Also, as his health improved, so did his mobility on the wheelchair. He soon got accustomed to using the remote control, and his trauma subsided! It was amazing how the electric wheelchair could provide mobility aid to somebody who could hardly turn his body from left to right even while sitting upright on it.

The patient handling features were nothing less than excellent. A perfect grip enabled swift movement almost everywhere. The battery had a long life and we could take care of that for him, the rest of the wheelchair control and operation was up to him.
When he could finally walk around a bit, we hired from the same place walking aids in the form of walkers. He used them for another month after he progressed from the ‘electric wheelchair’ phase. These walking aids were very well designed to give strong stability. It hardly took him any time to get accustomed to them, and he was walking around with great ease and comfort. Not a single slip, not a single jerk in the entire three weeks of use! He was using the walkers for the first time in his life, but it felt like he had been on them since his childhood!

The best thing was that in spite of his very high medical and hospital bills, the hiring charges didn’t hurt his pocket. The prices were very reasonable, and the products were excellent. We were also assured that if we had any problems with the equipment we would get immediate assistance as part of their service. However, this need never arose.

To know more about this great concept, check this link www.hospitalathome.com.au. This is the great place where we found a solution to all our, and not forgetting our friend’s, problems. You can find out all you want to know about their products, and also get in direct contact with their friendly staff – who can guide you through understanding the products available and also help you make the best product choice. Here you have all kinds of options to choose from starting from  to access ramp, to trolley to pressure care, to scooters to recliner.
These can be availed for serving the purpose of nursing home / hospital equipments at home and the best part is that they allow Homecare medical equipment hire / rental and sale, as per your requirements. Regardless of whether the person at your home is a person with a minor physical disability or is someone who is permanently disabled, life can be made a lot more enjoyable!

It is amazing how little things become great things when a person is in trouble and more so when he is afflicted with any kind of disease or medical problem. It is very difficult and traumatic for a once healthy person to be confined to a life of limited or zero mobility. It can drive him to a host of mental and emotional problems, thus creating additional new problems. Take care of these little/big things and see them speed up their recovery!

Disability made easier

22 Tips on how to do it

After years of experience I can still never say that I have arrived and know everything about disability or how to cope with or combat it. One thing I have learnt is that disabilities vary vastly from person to person, even if diagnosed with the same disease, disability or condition (we won’t pursue the other synonyms in this article. That is an article on its own.)

I was once told by a very wise doctor that the reason for my sudden and unexplained falling was that I was tripping over my own pride. You see pride was getting in the way of me using the numerous aids at my disposal in order to avoid these sudden mishaps. Once I overcame my pride and removed the perceived stigmas attached to these devices, I fell less often, until eventually I parked my stubborn backside in a wheelchair. Hey Presto ———– no more falling.

Some tips to help cope with disability………

Ascertain the problem e.g. (can’t open jars or bottles etc) Seek the solution on the net on sites for disabled and disabled aids and equipment or get someone to open the problem container for you, then decant the contents into manageable containers. Use an 8mm dowel stick approximately 1 metre or shorter in length with rubber cap on both ends (use thick rubber bands wrapped around and glued if necessary). Useful to get to light switches, TV buttons, front door bells, set alarms, stretch for papers on desks, pushing or pulling tool, backscratcher. (NO it’s too thick to serve as an ear bud for itchy ears). Anyway I was told never to put anything smaller than my elbow into my ears. Eating utensils too thin in the handle. Use short lengths of 12mm new garden hose to slip over the handle. Makes handle easier to hold. And can be removed for washing of both, utensil and hose. To avoid contamination soak handle in mild bleach solution. Bend the front of a fork or spoon to the left or right at 45 degrees, pending if left or right handed, makes for easier self feeding. Use a bowl instead of a plate. You won’t have to “chase” your food around your plate so much. Can’t pick up cups and glasses. Use clear PVC tubing of desired diameter (similar to medical tubing used in drips etc) also used by canoeists. Available at most hardware stores. Cut to desired length (longer than conventional straws) can be easily cleaned by washing and soaking in mild bleach and water solution. Can be carried in wheelchair bag. Wheelchair bag hanging on back of chair to carry equipment. I use a cloth bag from one of the supermarket chains. (wee bottle, eating utensils, drinking tube, change of undies, nappies if required, etc Each item in its own Ziploc bag to avoid contamination) A bag can also be hung under the seat behind the legs to hold things like cell phones, spectacles, tablets, medicine etc. if you can lean forward, or fit it somewhere else more suited to your requirements. Weights for exercising can be tins of food instead of barbells, socks filled with sand or beans to desired weight, bungee cord attached to chair or wall or door frame for neck, arm and leg exercises. I use one that was a luggage strap for my car. Extend your door handles with flat wood of appropriate width a length glued on with epoxy glue. The longer the handle the more leverage and less strength required. Also attach a loop of cord around handles for easier opening towards you as you reverse your chair. Vary the length to suit your needs. Cord loops are also handy for fridges, cupboards, drawers etc.    Same can be done with window handles. Push with stick pull with loop. With a lot of useful aids the aesthetics go by the board unfortunately but I’d rather struggle less than have it pretty and useless. Fit a thin cord or string or even fishing line through the hole at the end of difficult zips. Loop to desired length. Tuck into the top of pants when the zip is closed. Thread elastic of correct thickness and colour to shoes instead of shoe laces Men, make a small hole at back of the shoe and thread loop of strong thin cord through the hole. Tuck the thread into shoe once on. Sorry ladies nowhere to hide the thread for you. It shouldn’t irritate you if you use a wheelchair. Raise a comfy chair by standing it on ash or cement blocks. It’s easier to slide off the chair than get up from the lower position. Don’t use a kettle to heat water for tea or coffee boil required amount in microwave. Quicker and lighter. When sitting in a wheelchair at a table. Try sitting at a corner with the table leg between your footrests and legs, and the point of the corner towards your stomach. You can get closer to your plate, cup or glass. Wrap and glue stiff paper around a favourite pen or pencil with surplus piece extending off the pen in a glued together flap. Now pinch flap between thumb and index finger and teach yourself to write all over again. Wear your glasses (spectacles) around your neck on a cord loop. Attach to glasses using rubber bands. Will be with you when you need them. Hands free. Attach a PVC pipe 50mm dia or smaller, of desired length to the side of your chair once you’ve closed the bottom, (can use any strong plastic bag or packet and glue or elastic bands to do that). Use as a “quiver” for scratching pointing stick and other required long tools. Fix to chair with adjustable hose clamps. Attach a mobile alarm panic button to your chair or wear one around your neck, so that help can be summoned in case of emergency. Join disabled (or any other synonym) groups and ask questions. There are amazing people in the disabled fraternity with brilliant cheap workable ideas. Seek and you shall find. Don’t, and you will forever struggle.

For more articles on disabled and disability check my blog www.jestaday-wheelyboy.blogspot.com or blogs on www.disabledworld.com

Now getting instant loans approval for disabled people is no more difficult with Loans for people on disability benefits. These loans are really helpful for them to overcome from their urgent needs instantly. They can avail funds easily for any of their urgent needs without any hindrance. Whatever the circumstances…if need of cash is urgent and searching a source of financial aid directly apply for these loans and get instant relief from your entire fiscal emergency.

Getting instant loan approval is the difficult task for disabled people as their source of income is not same as others. Mostly lenders or institutions think that how can they repay the amount? But urgency can’t recognize the person it can occur at anytime with anyone. But it’s not like that; they are also normal human being. Not matter they are physically challenged but they have same needs like others. They also face financial crisis in their life and want instant solution of that. Now, they can also deal with their urgency on time with the assist of Loans for people on disability benefits.

These loans are chiefly proposed for the disabled people who are reliant on benefits from DSS. These loans can offer amount range of £30 to £1000. The disabled people can fetch amount according to its requirements and repayment capability. The general duration offered by the lenders can be 14 -31 days. Always be cautious in repaying the amount because delaying in payments can causes you high charges as late fee.

Loans for disabled are unsecured by nature and considered as the suitable option for availing funds. As no lenders will ask you to submit any kind of collateral against the loan amount at the time of applying for loans. You can use the loan amount for any kind of emergency expenses like:

Grocery bills Health check ups Home repairing Paying car loans installments Medical treatments, etc.

Those borrowers are suffering from worse credit situation can find these loans easily. Even those individuals may have numerous credit problems like CCJ, bankruptcy, defaults, late payments and having arrears can freely apply for these loans and have quick access on funds without distressing about credit check. At the time of sanctioning of loans the lenders will not verify credit ratings of the borrower. The interest rate of these loans can be higher due to its unsecured nature and short duration. But, for avail short term amount it can be the best option for availing funds.

Approval of the loan is fast and quick because online application system is in use for applying. In this process borrowers are supposed to rush to lender personally for obtaining funds. Now they directly apply form their place through online. A simple application is ask you to fill with obligatory details. Once it has submitted your application reviewing process will start. After approval your amount is directly deposited into your bank account.

Being disabled these loans can be the best source for availing quick funds at the time of urgency.  Online procedure can solve all problem related with applying process. Now you can directly apply online and have funds with least time period.

As the main purpose of disability aids products is to support the disabled and make them feel independent, these handicap products are technical designed and developed with care to meet the purpose. It is made sure that the design for each and every product is planned by experts who do not just design the products based on the style and pattern rather ergonomically. The need and expectations of the disabled from these adaptive devices are analyzed, examined and later designed and produced.

Thousands of disabilities persist in the world and so are the disability aids products. Varieties of such products are available in series of models and price ranges to best suit the requirements of its customers. Products are not only available for aiding people with basic ailments like blindness, hearing impairment and mobility problem but are also available for making the lives of patients and the old easy. These products are made available to support their normal day to day life which would include help with dressing, bathing, eating and performing other similar regular activities.

There are hundreds of other high end special needs products available which are used to enhance the normal lives of the disabled. These might include ergonomically designed equipments, workstations, keyboards and mice, furniture for increased support, specially designed vehicles for easy mobility, communicational devices, and so on. Some of these products, like furniture and workstation, are in cases used by normal people as well in order to get better comfort as they are ergonomically designed. At Independent Living Technologies, products are even designed and marketed for disabled children. The products include studying and classroom materials, special softwares for them to easily understand the educational concepts, toys and other recreational products and so on.

With years of experience in this dedicated field, Independent Living Technologies has gained enough knowledge about the needs of the disabled and gained their trust too. The online shopping facility available Independent Living Technologies’ official website http://www.iltsource.com has made their lives even simpler as it enables them to complete their shopping from where they are. The devotion and dedication has been the backbone of Independent Living Technologies’ success.

Everybody enjoys being out on the holidays. It is a merry making time and people want to enjoy it to the fullest. They want to have all the fun that has allayed due to their busy lifestyles. They want it to remain in their memory forever. They want nothing to come in the way of their enjoyment, be it their sorrows or any form of disability.

Yes, you read it right. People with disability can also go out on a comfortable holiday. They can also relax and have a good time sitting on some serene beach or beautiful valleys. They have some special needs that should be addressed to, to make this happen though. All in all, a lot of efficient planning is involved if you want to enjoy holiday with disability. But that is not a task if you follow some simple thumb rules.

The most important thing that goes while planning a holiday is planning in advance. This mean that you should not end up doing that last minute packing that might miss carrying important medications. Because, any negligence from can make your holiday a disaster.

The next thing that follows is the search for a good travel agency. Nowadays there are many travel agencies that specially cater to the needs of the disabled people. Such agencies offer a wide range of services that will definitely make your travel easier and enjoyable, without you worrying much about your disability. The best part about them is that they are so much equipped that you might not even find the need of carrying your disability gadgets like wheelchair, walking stand and support stand. These agencies will arrange everything for you. Thus you can lessen your luggage in this manner.

A good travel agency, who specializes in catering to the needs of disabled persons, will do almost everything for you. It will plan out the best possible holiday destination for you- from booking your comfortable mode of transportation to a tranquilizing resort site. A good travel agency will also make sure that you do not step out without travel insurance for yourself.

Besides this there are other small, important things that you should take care of, like making a note of the local health care institute near your resort as in time of grave emergency you might need it. Also carry important contact details such as of your physician, a friend and a close family member.

There is nothing impossible in this world. All you need to do is to suffice a will power and you can easily over come your disability.

As discrimination become widespread all over America, the government, particularly the law-making body, which is the Congress, came up with a perfect solution to promote fairness and equal opportunity to all its citizens.

In 1973, the legislature enacted the US Rehabilitation Act of 1973 which mandates that all federal agencies and other agencies which receive federal financial assistance should refrain from prejudicing persons on account of their disability.

In 1990, the Congress passed the 1990 Americans with Disability Act (ADA). This act, which took effect on 1992, directs both private employers and government agencies not to discriminate against disabled employees and persons. Labor unions and other private associations such as theatres and restaurants are included.

The main purpose for the enactment of the ADA is to put an end to the pervasive discrimination and give solution to the dilemma that the disabled people are experiencing.

Some people are insensitive of the disabilities of others that they tend to give preference to those who not physically or intellectually challenged.

As provided in ADA of 1990, Title 42, Chapter 126 (b):

It is the purpose of this chapter

(1) to provide a clear and comprehensive national mandate for the elimination of discrimination against individuals with disabilities;

(2) to provide clear, strong, consistent, enforceable standards addressing discrimination against individuals with disabilities;

(3) to ensure that the Federal Government plays a central role in enforcing the standards established in this chapter on behalf of individuals with disabilities; and

(4) to invoke the sweep of congressional authority, including the power to enforce the fourteenth amendment and to regulate commerce, in order to address the major areas of discrimination faced day-to-day by people with disabilities.

In addition, here are some of the aspects where disabled people are being prejudiced:

In employment, promotions, compensation, trainings, lay-offs and career advancement and development

In schools, organizations and other educational programs

In availing other people’s or firms’ services, equipments and facilities

In gaining access to establishments such as restaurants, gym, banks or

shops

In transacting with people, buying and selling food, necessities and other things

There are numerous lawyers based in Los Angeles, California who specializes in and handles Disability Discrimination.

If one person feels like he or she is being judged because of his or her disability, he must promptly avail the services of his lawyer in order to do something about it and to correct the wrongs of society.

Unlike other people who single out disabled people, Disability Discrimination Lawyers see through one’s deficiency and help him as he or she tries to fit in.

With the help of the lawyers and of the Disability Act, “challenged” persons are being protected from unfair practices in their workplace and in everywhere, they go.

The provisions of the DDA promote equality among all persons regardless of their appearances and capabilities. In addition, by enacting this Act, the government would be able to provide minimum requirements for employment and other aspects that disabled people may meet and use to their advantage.

Our professional http://www.mesrianilaw.com/>Los Angeles lawyers are capable of bringing positive results in http://www.mesrianilaw.com/Disability-Discrimination-Lawyers.html>disability discrimination claims concerning the employment sector. For more inquiries, do visit our website and experience maximum and expert assistance.

Having a medical condition or a disability does not necessarily mean that you can’t or won’t be able to drive. If you suffer with a mobility problem and you find that getting out and about is becoming a real struggle then you need to look at what your options are. There are many people whose quality of life has improved greatly since applying for a driving licence and buying disabled vehicles or having their current vehicle adapted; it can greatly improve levels of independence and confidence. If you are confused about how to go about getting a vehicle or what the rules and benefits are for disabled drivers then check out the guide below…

If you already hold a current driving licence and have a ‘notifiable’ medical condition or disability then you must tell the DVLA right away. You should also tell the DVLA if your medical condition or disability has become worse since your licence was issued or if you develop a new medical condition or disability. If you don’t hold a licence yet and want to have driving lessons then you need to apply for a provisional licence. You will have to undergo an assessment to see whether you will actually be able to drive and what sort of controls and equipment you would need. If you are elligible then you can get lessons from a specially trained instructor in a suitably adapted car. There are a number of organisations that you can contact to help with this. Once you have a licence, If you are looking to buy a car then you should do your research as you may be able to get a discount. Contact car dealers and ask if they operate any disabled drivers discount schemes. Some companies can offer discounts on new or secondhand cars to anyone receiving the higher rate mobility component of disability living allowance. Disabled vehicles or any vehicle which is used only for a disabled person (whether they are the driver or the passenger) will be exempt from road tax. To make sure that you get this benefit you need to ensure that the vehicle must be registered in the name of the disabled person or in the name of someone authorised to act on your behalf. The blue badge scheme allows certain groups of disabled people to park in parking restricted areas. For example the badge enables disabled people to park free of charge and without limit at on-street parking meters in some areas, you need to double check whether the scheme operates in your area though before parking. You could be eligible for a blue badge if you are a driver or passenger who receives the higher rate mobility component of disability living allowance, if you have a permanent and substantial disability which means you are unable to walk or can walk a little but only with considerable difficulty or if you as the driver suffer from severe upper limb disabilities.

If you feel that you could benefit from getting out and about more then you should consider the tips above so that you can enjoy more independence and variety in your life. F

DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYEMENT AND DISABLED WORKERS’ RIGHTS IN THE WORKPLACE

(Based on author’s site www.geocities.com/dsblty)

The Disabled Persons (Employment) Act 1944 requires the employers with twenty or more employees to employ a quota, approximately 30%, of disabled persons, and the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 section 4 makes it unlawful for an employer with more fifteen or more employees to discriminate against a disabled person on ground of his disability by treating him less favourably in the arrangements made for determining who to employ or in the terms on which to offer him employment or by refusing to offer him employment or by deliberately not offering him employment -except where justifiable on grounds of health and safety, and the Act requires the employers to make reasonable adjustments to and at the place of work as and when needed by the disabled employees.

Disability is defined as being such physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long term (twelve months or longer) adverse effect on a person’s ability to carry out the normal day-to-day activities -such as walking, lifting objects, speaking, hearing, seeing, concentrating, learning, understanding.

The Act does not provide for indirect discrimination, and case-law since have been on the lines that there is no duty on the employer of a disabled person to inquire into details of the disability, nor is he at fault in law for failure to take into account knowledge of the disability or of the details of it which he neither has nor ought reasonably to have, and it is for the disabled applicant or the employee to inform of them the employer at the earliest practicable time; but the employer of a disabled person must neither fail upon such knowledge to make reasonable adjustments needed for the applicant or the employee, nor disregard in relation to the disabled employee any medical advice or suggestion.

In Fozard -v- Greater Manchester Police Authority 1997 the applicant had ticked the relevant box stating that she had a special need of assistance due to disability which was not given her -it was held that the onus was on her to give details of it; the employers, the police authority, had not failed in their obligations to make adjustments under the Act…

In O’Neill -v- Symm & Co. 1998, the disabled employee dismissed for taking time off for treatment which she was entitled to do ought to informed the employer of her condition…

In Tarling -v- Wisdom Toothbrushes 1997 the disabled employee had been unfairly dismissed, for, a needed special chair for back-pain although looked into was not bought…

In Samuels -v- Wesleyan Society 1977 employer’s thinking the disabled employee was unlikely to recover was in disregard of medical advice to try him and see if could work.

Adjustments by the Act considered reasonable and expected to be made by the employer include ramps for wheel-chair users, allocating some of the disabled employee’s work to another, as needed transferring, assigning to a different place of work, altering working hours, allowing absences for treatment, giving extra training, modifying equipment or instructions or procedures, providing a reader or interpreter, and providing supervision.

The author has a website at: http://www.geocities.com/eoa_uk