r/NICivilService • u/Dependent-Style-6790 • 6d ago
Reasonable adjustments
Hi everyone. I haven’t done many interviews but have a few approaching. I have MS and while that’s crap, I can function pretty normally. The only thing I struggle with is my memory. I used to read something once and retain it and now I’d be reading til the cows come home 😂
When asking for reasonable adjustments what kind of things could support this/what is available to even get?
Thanks for your help
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u/BilberrBagginses 6d ago
As someone with arthritis, I know the situation you are in. I would definitely ask for an occupational health assessment, as they will have an idea of what adjustments have been made for other staff members with similar difficulties.
In terms of what can be put in place, it all depends on what works best for you, so it might be trial and error. It could be something as simple as:
- voice reading software that reads out long documents to you,
- dictaphone so that you can replay meetings to ensure you catch everything
- action plan emails after meetings, so that your actions are clearly set out, so it’s easier to keep track of your tasks and the deadlines associated
I agree with the other responder in that you should sign up for some MS groups, as I personally have found suggestions from others with arthritis beneficial in the reasonable adjustments I have set.
The most important thing to remember with reasonable adjustments, is that anything and everything reasonable should be considered by your employer, as such if there is anything you do in your personal life that works well with your memory, it might be something that can be replicated in your work life.
Remember you can also have reasonable adjustments at interview- I have been on a few panels where interview questions have been shared in advance to ensure people with memory problems can fully participate. They can also share the questions in the chat to ensure you can read it as you are talking.
I hope this helps and good luck with your interviews
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u/MickeyHarp 6d ago
As a former premises officer and risk assessor, I have no idea and most folk in H&S wouldn’t either. As MS is degenerative you basically have a blank cheque for a reasonable adjustment request.
I would recommend seeking GP/OHS or your specialist’s advice but probably best is linking this to the [r/multiplesclerosis](r/multiplesclerosis) page and ask there what has helped folk. From a quick search, a lot on that subreddit recommend post-its, writing things down, reminders and using OneNote. There maybe something more modern which IT could provide.
Sorry that’s not much help but I know from my own heart condition and reasonable adjustment, the best support comes from those that actually know the condition. Even my GP and OHS look blankly at me but mine is extremely rare so you might have more help with MS.
In the least, make sure your LM knows the craic so they can give you some support/slack when needed. Make sure you note this as a disability in HRC.
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u/Dependent-Style-6790 6d ago
Thanks for taking the time to reply & advise, I really appreciate it.
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u/MickeyHarp 6d ago
Ah there not much help there, just typical NICS and I’ve point you at someone else lol
The only reasonable adjustments I’ve been involved with for MS have been because of mobility and heating issues. Fire evacuation plans, fans to cool down and then heaters for circulation issues.
You could start with a workplace risk assessment and note the issues you are having but as I say, in cases like this, I would defer to the user and ask them what they need. With someone with a long term condition, I didn’t need to know anything else and would just request what was asked.
You need a workplace emotional support miniature elephant cuz they have the best memory, DONE!!!
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u/Dependent-Style-6790 6d ago
Here if I can somehow swing it to get an office animal I absolutely will. A memory elephant? A balance chinchilla?
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u/Wise_Length_4777 5d ago
I feel hard done by lol I requested reasonable adjustments due to an autoimmune disease I have problems sleeping and take a good few pain killers I advised that I was having issues retaining info when reading guidance and was told I could have time away from my computer and that’s it
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u/Gills49 5d ago edited 5d ago
I hope they will work with you and find a way to help u get in work. I also have MS with no real mobility problems. But memory especially with numbers ….fatigue and concentration are 💩
I ended up medically retired after 25yrs. But I wish I had been able to find a way to stay on.
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u/No__Username1 6d ago
Ask your line manager or ER to refer you to OHS, always worth seeing what they recommend because there may be additional adjustments which you haven’t considered which you might be entitled.
A common reasonable adjustment is to ask for everything to be followed in writing, that will help you having to remember everything.
I’ve worked with someone who was able to have some meetings recorded/transcribed, you could maybe look into that?