Access to work assessment

nearlybionic

Hi
I have been back at work since November, on phased return. I am now on my usual hours, but with reduced duties til I kn ow more about my hip/THR from my bone scan. I had to check up on my boss re the referral to occy health and have referred myself into Access to Work to hopefully help me adress some of the more difficult issues at work.
After a long telephone call to AtoW, when they took lots of info, I got a written copy of phone call to sign. I sent this back last week and I have had 2 calls yesterday, one to talk in detail to a local adviser and one to arrange my assessment next week. I am a bit nervous about it as it is another `acceptance` of my limitations moment, but also keen to see what they can advise.
Anyone else had experience of this?
NB

ritwren

I don't have any experience of ATW as I went back to work without one and just discussed with OH and my manager what I felt I could and could not do. I just wanted to wish you all the best and say I hope it goes well for you. Hopefully someone else will be on to help.
rita

nearlybionic

Hi Rita
Thanks x
I will let you know how it goes.
How are you doing?
NB

ritwren

Hi NB, I'm up and down and have'nt been around for a while. Things could be so much worse. Thanks for asking NB.
big hugs, rita

nearlybionic

Hi Delboy
Did your employer pay for all of the equioment or was it subsidised by ATW? I was told the threshold has been raised to the first £1000 to be paid by your employer from £300. I`m not sure how that will go down as office equipment dos=esn`t come cheaply!
NB

speedalong

HI NB, I had ATW assessment and 3 pieces of recommended equipment. My head had to fund them all as although our school is small - my employer is the LA and that is big!!

However as a colleague pointed out the cost of the equipment is only equivelent to a few days cover (to pay someone to do my job if I'm off) so worth its weight in gold!!

I now have two of the pieces of equipment and they have really made a difference last week ... now waiting for the third ... though have my suspicions over whether it has been ordered and need to do some digging ..

SPeedy

nearlybionic

Hi Speedy
Thanks for your reply. I`m glad your equipment is helping, just hope the other one arrives soon!
I am a bit nervous about my assessment tomorrow, don`t know why!! I am back on my normal hours now, well its my first full week of them, and have started on some more duties today. I tried to manage with usual equipment but am paying for it tonight! :roll:
I`ll let you know how I get on.
Take care
NB

nearlybionic

Hi
I have had my assessment. The assessor was an ex physio and was really nice. It lasted 2 hours in total. She took a full medical history/background. Then took a full assessment of my job role/duties. We discussed things which cause me difficulties and looked at solutions re equipment.
She will complete a report which will include a `shopping list` of suggested equipment for me to use at work.
The report will take about 2 weeks. Some of the equipment , including a multi height desk so I can stand to do work when I am in discomfort when sitting, look very expensive!!
I will wait for this report with interest!
NB

Aisling

Hi

I had an access to work interview (over the phone) a while back but it was after seeing out occupational health nurse who was lovely. She had already identified equipment for me (specialist seating, keyboard, vertical mouse etc). Access to Work will fund some of the cost but only if it is over a certain amount. My equipment didn't hit the target cost so my employer had to fund it all but they kept a note of the cost so if I need further equipment within the next couple of years they will take that into account.

Franki

Emily

I had access to work in 2010, they said I should have specialist chair that cost £400 but my firm has not purchased it. They will not purchase until I prove I got a disability. This is not a small employer they employ over 50,000 :x :x :x