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

Complete neurodiversity passport

Complete a neurodiversity passport with the individual and upload this to their care record.

Ensure to add an alert to their care record to make other clinicians aware of this.

Send a photo

Send a photo of yourself with and without PPE to the individual. Make sure you look like you.

Preferred method of communication

Establish individual’s preferred method of communication. For example, text, email, letter or phone.

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.

Individual code

Consider offering the individual a code system/word.

For example, if the individual does not want to proceed with the agreed contact / appointment that day, an agreement may be put in place that they can text a full stop (.), which means they are okay, but do not wish to proceed with the call.

We do not require an explanation. An agreement would be needed on how soon they can be contacted to reorganise the call. For example, one day.

About this leaflet

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