Access to Work...Unlocking Your Potential
Access to Work (AtW) is widely considered one of the UK’s best untapped resources for enabling disabled and neurodivergent individuals to work. Commissioned by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), this grant can provide the practical and financial support necessary to help you thrive in your role.
You do not need a formal diagnosis to apply for support. If you have a physical or mental health condition or disability that makes it harder for you to do your job or get to work, you may be eligible.
How Can Access to Work Help?
If your application is successful, an AtW grant can cover a wide range of needs, including:
Specialist Equipment & Software: Tools like voice-to-text programs, ergonomic hardware, or specialised monitors.
Workplace Adaptations: Adjustments to your physical office space or vehicle.
Workplace Coaching & Mentoring: Professional support to help with organisation, social communication, or sensory regulation.
Travel Costs: Funding to cover the extra costs of getting to work if you cannot use public transport.
Communication Support: BSL interpreters or support workers.
"Reasonable" Adjustments: Expert recommendations on how your employer can better accommodate your needs.
Why This Matters
The employment landscape for disabled people in the UK remains challenging. A recent ONS parliamentary briefing revealed that while 82.7% of working-age adults are employed in the UK, that figure drops to just 53.7% for disabled people [1].
Most alarmingly, research from Autistica shows that the autistic employment rate is even lower, currently standing at just 21.7% [2]. These statistics highlight an urgent need for better utilization of available support. If you are struggling at work, please do not hesitate to reach out for the support you are entitled to. It is not a sign of weakness; it is a vital step toward a sustainable and fulfilling career.
How to Apply
You can apply for an Access to Work grant online through the official government portal...
Apply for Access to Work
[1] https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-7540/
[2] https://www.autistica.org.uk/news/autistic-people-highest-unemployment-rates