What are reasonable Adjustments
Some people or organisations like employers, shops, local authorities and schools must take positive steps to remove the barriers you face because of your disability. This is to ensure you receive the same services, as far as this is possible, as someone who’s not disabled. The Equality Act 2010 calls this the duty to make reasonable adjustments.
The Equality Act says there’s a duty to make reasonable adjustments if you’re placed at a substantial disadvantage because of your disability compared with non-disabled people or people who don’t share your disability. Substantial means more than minor or trivial.
While each child is different, here are some examples of reasonable adjustments under the equality act that can be provided in a school setting. Please note these should be provided with or without an EHCP
- Exception or reduction of uniform policy
- Exception or reduction of start/end times
- As and when, (or regular) toilet breaks
- Access to disabled or staff toilet
- Regular sensory breaks
- Access to a sensory tent
- Access to a quiet room
- Accommodation of type of food allowed in lunch
- Exception or reduction of haircuts policy
- Additional help with writing and given additional time to finish writing tasks
- Help with holding pen or pencil
- Use pen or marker without getting a pen license or pen certificate first
- Access to IT equipment (for example a Laptop, iPad and a drawing tablet)
- Additional audio visual supports etc
- Relaxing expectations and demands