Access to Work Support

We understand that acquiring and then maintaining a job, whether that be full-time or part-time, can be difficult. Here at Complete Independence, we aim to work with our clients to support them on their employment journey and provide them with a high-quality service whilst in employment. 

Aimed at supporting deaf and disabled people to take up and remain in work, Access to Work (ATW) is a government programme that offers support based on your needs, which may include a grant to help cover the costs of practical support in the workplace. 

There is a wide variety of support available through us, including, but not limited to: 

  • Time management 
  • Diary management 
  • Notetaking for meetings or training courses 
  • Organising meetings 
  • Email organisation 
  • Assistive technology and training
  • Organisation techniques  
  • Job coach 
  • Specialist equipment and software
  • Deaf and disability awareness training for colleagues 

How it Works

Are you in need of support?

If you believe that you are in need of support within your workplace that isn’t covered by reasonable adjustments from your employer, you will first need to apply to Access to Work. We understand the application process can be daunting, so we have a team of experts on hand who are available to provide you with support throughout the entire process. 

We offer support throughout the entire process, free of charge, starting with an initial consultation whereby a member of the team can meet with you virtually and talk you through the entire process, providing advice and guidance on receiving support through the Access to Work scheme, help you through the application process and answer any questions or concerns you may have. We understand this can be a daunting and stressful process – so we are here to alleviate this for you. 

Book a consultation with us!

Following the consultation, the team will then be at hand for you to get in touch with us throughout the entire process. 

Why not take a look at some of our case studies created by our clients who have benefited from Access to Work Support?  

To find out more about the Access to Work scheme and what support is available to you, or to book a consultation, please complete our contact form and a member of the team will be in touch. 

Case Studies

Executive Producer

This client, employed as an Executive Producer for a theatre company, sought our assistance with diary management, email organisation, and inbox maintenance. 

After a couple of meetings to understand their specific needs and requirements, we commenced our support services. 

Now, the client receives support three times a week. During these sessions, their support worker organises and sets up meetings, manages their inbox, filing emails into appropriate folders and converting content to actions. We’ve implemented an email organisation system that streamlines the client’s inbox, making it easy to manage and clearly identifying emails requiring their attention. This ensures that important tasks are not overlooked. 

Given their access needs, the client also faces difficulties attending meetings and retaining information. To address this, we have introduced an electronic notetaker who accompanies them remotely to meetings. This ensures that the client can focus on the task at hand without worrying about remembering action points and who said what. 

When discussing their support, the client said, “The support I receive from Complete Independence has really helped me to work more efficiently and to lead our team with confidence, knowing that the details are being taken care of and that nothing will be missed.” 

Dyslexia Assessor

This client is self-employed and runs two businesses, meaning they have a lot of admin. They indicated to us that they struggled with time management, organisation, technology, and personal skills such as procrastination and confidence.  

They now receive in-person support where their support worker works closely with them, setting up systems that help with organisation and integrating strategies to help with personal skills outside of their booked time together. It is important to us that clients learn the skills to be able to develop and grow independently, as well as alongside their booked support.  

“Complete Independence could not have been more helpful, understanding and supportive. It is such a relief to have found them and their support enables me to be more effective in my work and less stressed. Thank you” 

BSL/English Interpreter

This client works as a BSL/English Interpreter, specifically within the arts sector, so requires comprehensive assistance in organising their busy schedule, preparing for shows, and managing the administrative aspects of their profession. 

Their support worker works closely alongside them day to day to ensure that all aspects of their busy work life are managed. One of their main duties is managing the client’s diary and booking performances. Staying on top of their availability and ensuring they have enough time between each show to prepare can be difficult, so their support worker manages this aspect. Before a show, they will confirm the booking, ensure the prep is provided and remind the client of the show to ensure they are prepared. Preparing for a show takes a lot of time and effort, so having a support worker available to organise the prep and ensure they have all the documents they require prior to a show allows this person to focus all of their attention on what really matters, the show!  

We asked this client how their Access To Work support helped them and they said “Having my support worker has been a game changer for me. It has reduced the administrative stress that prevents me from focusing on a show and means I have time to breathe! I would urge anyone who is eligible for the support to utilise it as it has made a massive difference to my day-to-day life.”

Managing Director

As the Managing Director of three companies, this client is pulled in all different directions and has an extremely busy schedule.  

To assist with this, his support worker organises his diary, books meetings, ensures he is prepared for meetings, informs him of the following day’s diary and of course, ensures he has time to breathe! This style of support means that their day is structured in a way that works for them and their access needs.  

As well as diary management, their support worker also attends meetings as a notetaker, creating a set of notes for each meeting. These notes are then transferred into an action log, providing the client with a clear to-do list after each meeting. This is helpful when you have back-to-back meetings! As well as providing an action log, having a notetaker means they can be present in the meeting and not worry about remembering exactly what was said.  

The support worker assists with many other aspects of the job, such as email management, proofreading and legal compliance. The client said “Having my support worker allows me time to be present in my role, without worrying that I have forgotten something or that I have a million other things to be doing. Not only does it help massively with practical aspects of my role, but it gives me the brain space to be able to be creative and engage with my team, which is invaluable.”  

Senior Research and Insight Advisor

This particular client is deaf and visually impaired and requires diverse forms of support. They benefit from a combination of in-person and remote assistance tailored to accommodate their evolving work requirements. 

In-person support enables them to actively participate in face-to-face meetings, fostering meaningful workplace relationships alongside colleagues. Given the hybrid nature of their role, which involves both on-site and remote work, they receive additional support while working from home. During remote sessions, the client can fully engage in meetings, reassured by the presence of a notetaker who diligently records the discussions. In addition to notetaking, the support provided extends to modifying documents and materials, ensuring they are fully accessible to the client. 

“I find the combination of online remote and in-person support useful and valuable in accessing and conducting my work. The notetaking and communication support is particularly valuable in enabling me to undertake my job with confidence and success.” 

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