Technical Assessments

Technical assessments are normally carried out on individuals (or departments) in an organisation that may be suffering from some form of disability. Typically, these disabilities could range from dyslexia, RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury), Carpel Tunnel Syndrome, WRULD (Work Related Upper Limb Disorder) or other disabilities that make using computer equipment (i.e. a PC) difficult, painful or unproductive.

Freedom of Speech staff have over 10 years experience delivering technical assessments to clients across the UK, including private clients & clients assessed under the 'Access to Work' scheme.

Disability Act
The Disability Act 1995 puts a duty on employers to take any steps that are reasonable to reduce or remove any substantial disadvantage that a physical feature of their premises or their employment arrangements causes a disabled employee or job applicant compared with a non-disabled person. This is known as ‘reasonable adjustment’.

Freedom of Speech is able to carry out technical assessments for you or your organisation either:

a) On a private basis where you or your company pays for the assessment & subsequent report
OR
b) Via the Access to Work scheme funded by Jobcentre Plus (part of the Department forWork & Pensions). A PDF of this scheme can be found here AtW information sheet

What is involved in a technical assessment?
A technical assessment is normally carried out the clients place of work, takes approximately 1 hour & involves one of our technical assessors having a private conversation with the client to determine:

1) What difficulties they having at work.
2) How their disability is affecting their work.
3) What solutions can be suggested that will reduce or overcome the client's disability.

Their current workstation & hardware/software provisions are assessed. We then write a detailed report summerising their difficulties & our suggested solutions (that may involve PC software, hardware or training amongst other solutions). This report is either sent to the client's line manager (in the case of a private assessment) or the Access to Work officer (in the case of an assessment through the Jobcentre Plus).

If you are an employer, this will go towards ensuring that you are adhering to the Disability Discrimination Act.

If you are an employee, this will facilitate a way forward for you to reduce the impact that your disability has on your job.

Please feel free to contact us to confirm pricing & availability of technical assessments
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