Disability & Neurodiversity

What do we mean by Disability & Neurodiversity?

Disability refers to a long-term physical or mental impairment that significantly affects an individual’s daily life, encompassing a range of conditions like mobility issues, sensory impairments, or mental health disorders. Neurodiversity, however, acknowledges the inherent variation in human brain function and processing, viewing neurological differences, such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and dyspraxia, as natural variations rather than deficits or disorders.

What is the law on Disability & Neurodiversity when it comes to workplace, recruitment and careers?

In the UK, the Equality Act 2010 is the primary legislation that protects individuals with disabilities, including those who are neurodiverse, from discrimination in various aspects of life, including recruitment and career progression. Employers are legally obligated to ensure equal opportunities for candidates and employees with disabilities, making necessary adjustments to accommodate their needs and ensuring that they are not treated less favourably due to their disability.

During the recruitment process, employers must avoid using discriminatory language in job advertisements and ensure that application procedures are accessible to all. Employers should also be prepared to make reasonable adjustments during interviews or assessments for candidates with disabilities. For example, this might involve providing additional time for completion of tasks, offering alternative formats for written materials, or ensuring the interview location is wheelchair accessible.

In the workplace, the law requires employers to make reasonable adjustments for employees with disabilities to enable them to perform their job duties effectively. This may involve adjusting work schedules, providing assistive technology, modifying workspaces, or offering additional support and training.

Employers should also be mindful of fostering an inclusive work environment, promoting understanding and awareness of disability and neurodiversity among all staff members, and providing equal opportunities for career development and advancement for employees with disabilities.