Access to Work

emmalloyd123

My Son has Cerebral Palsy and autism and has volunteered at a local animal sanctuary for 2 years. They have now offered him a full time job via a local employability scheme and we have applied to the DWP for a Support Worker on the Access to Work scheme. My son needs constant supervision in case he falls etc but he also needs help with a lot of the jobs required. His autism means that he needs constant reminding of what he's doing etc. Access to Work have advised that they don't provide any kind of support, this is classed as a body double which they don't fund! They are saying it is the employers responsibility to make adjustments but the sanctuary is a charity run by a couple who take no wage. They offer day opportunities to vulnerable adults and are therefore not available themselves to supervise my Son full time. We had been advised that Access to Work would supply funding for them to employ a support worker to assist my son full time. I just don't understand why it's been refused as without the support but son is unable to work there or anywhere else.

poppy123456

Yes, ATW can indeed provide funding for a support worker in work. See link.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/access-to-work-factsheet/access-to-work-factsheet-for-customers#what-you-will-get

You can challenge that decision by requesting the Mandatory Reconsideration. See link.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/access-to-work-factsheet/access-to-work-factsheet-for-customers#reconsideration-review-and-complaints-procedure

Albus_Scope

Hey there @emmalloyd123 and welcome to hte community.
It's great that your son is getting to volunteer for an animal rescue, I'm a bit jealous! As Poppy has said, it's worth asking for a MR and I really hope it goes in your favour.