Written question asked by Mark Lazarowicz (Labour) on Tuesday, 18 September 2012, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 15 October 2012. It was answered by Esther McVey (Conservative) on Monday, 15 October 2012 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Access to Work Programme

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps his Department is taking to ensure that access to work support packages involving assistive technology for newly recruited employees with a visual impairment will not be delayed by issues of software compatibility with the employer's own software.

[121981]

Answer

Access to work assessments carried out by Access to Work external assessment partners should always include checks and confirmation with an employer of compatibility where IT solutions are being considered.

AtW Guidance to external assessment partners states that they must address issues of compatibility with employers IT systems.

There will be occasions where bespoke systems will require scripting to ensure accessibility by visually impaired or blind customers. This process can take some time to complete and in such cases Access to Work will always provide interim solutions such as a support worker where this is appropriate.

All AtW partners are required to undertake continuous professional development and as part of this keep up to date with changes and availability of new IT solutions for all disabled people.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 551 cc1-2W; 121981
Session: 2012-13
Subjects: Software Visual impairment Access to work programme Assistive technology
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk

Access to Work Programme

Secondary information

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