What does it mean?

Under the Equality Act (2010), services must make ‘reasonable adjustments’ for autistic people and people with learning disabilities.

Reasonable adjustments mean making changes to services and the way we work with individuals so that this is accessible.

Checklist

Appointment letter

Send the individual the Oxford Health Accessible appointment letter template.

Travel considerations

Some individuals may find travelling to face-to-face appointments to meet you very difficult and tiring.

For example,  changing their routine for the appointment, allowing time to get to the appointment, dealing with the public and possibly navigating public transport, etc.

The individual may be overwhelmed by the time they arrive, and this would not be a good time for the individual to be able to advocate for their needs and talk about their health and wellbeing.

Introducing new staff

When introducing new professionals or staff, this should be done through an introductory one-page profile sent before the new person is introduced face to face.

This should be shared through their preferred method of communication. For example, email or post photo with glasses on/off, hair up/down.

Advance notice

To agree with individual how much advance notice they require to attend a meeting / appointment.

To arrange and inform me ahead of time how I will be informed when you are ready for my appointment.

For example, will you ring me, will my name appear on a screen or a receptionist call my name

Book a room

Ensure you book a room, that is in a quieter area, and where possible, is a larger room.

Reasonable adjustment passport

Check ahead of the appointment if the individual has a reasonable adjustment passport. This will inform some of the person-centred adjustments required for a successful appointment. These need to be in place as they will be expected.

If the person does not have a reasonable adjustment passport in place, consider the following adjustments: remove background noise distractions (ticking clock, turn off phone), lighting may be difficult, wear bland clothing, offer options around waiting area.

Waiting on arrival

If the individual finds waiting rooms difficult, they can wait in their car or outside. They will be contacted, e.g. via text, that the professional is ready and they will meet you outside the building or in reception.

Notifying the receptionist ahead of the appointment, so they can offer the individual a quiet room to wait in, for example.

AccessAble guides

Provide AccessAble link to the person. Where this is not possible, ensure they are given clear description about how to find the service entrance or reception area. Where possible, include a picture of the outside as a visual prompt. Include information about parking facilities or close transport links.

About this leaflet

Developed by Robyn Darby (RNLD) and Simon Tarrant (RNLD). Updated January 2022.