Reasonable Adjustments

Reasonable adjustments are changes that can be made, to ensure everybody has equal access to education, health care and their wider community. These changes make sure that everyone can be treated fairly.

The Equality Act 2010 is a law to make sure that people are treated fairly. The act protects you from discrimination. Discrimination is when someone is treated unfairly because of their race, disability, sexuality or something else about their identity. The law says that reasonable adjustments should be put in place.

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All You Need to Know

Reasonable adjustments are changes that can be made to help you feel comfortable and able to access services or places.

Every person is different and will need different changes but there are some which are more common. Here are some examples:
- In schools, teachers can give extra time or help for tests if you need it. They can also alter lessons to make learning better for you.
- In workplaces, employers can make changes to help you feel comfortable. They might make your workspace easier to use or give you special tools to help.
- During medical appointments, you are able to have more time with the doctor or nurse.
- In public places, they can have ramps or elevators so everyone can go inside easily. They can also give information in different ways, like big print or using pictures.
Easy read guide - reasonable adjustments
Schools have a duty to work with you and your family, along with any other helpful people, to agree on the support you need. They will then make a list of the changes they will make to help you. All the teachers and staff who work with you will know about these changes.

It's a good idea to check regularly if the support they're giving you is working well. If your needs change, they should change the support to help you better.

If you are on the Special Education Needs (SEN) register, these check-ups will happen during your regular SEN review. They will write down all the important things about the support you get.
Reasonable adjustments in hospital are helpful changes to the way that the hospital works for someone with a learning disability. They mean that people with a learning disability can get the healthcare that they need.

Some changes are big, such as installing ramps to stairs in order to make it easier to move around. Some changes are smaller, but equally important, like longer medical appointments or giving information in ways that are easy to understand with pictures or less writing.

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Who Can Help?

You can talk to your parents or carers, or a trusted adult within your school or setting, or any trusted friend.

If you live in Norfolk:

If you're 11-19 you can text ChatHealth on 07480 635060 for anonymous and confidential advice from a health professional. ChatHealth is available Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm.

You can also contact the Norfolk Healthy Child Programme by calling Just One Number on 0300 300 0123. Our opening hours are 8am-6pm Monday-Friday (excluding bank holidays) and 9am-1pm on Saturdays.

If you live in Waveney:

You can call the Suffolk School Nursing service on 0345 607 8866 or email childrenshealth@suffolk.gov.uk.

Norfolk SEND Local Offer provide information and advice on services for young people with additional needs in Norfolk.

Suffolk SEND Local Offer provide information and advice on services for young people with additional needs in Waveney.

Mencap is a national charity who support people with learning disabilities. They offer a free Learning Disability Helpline with advice and guidance. Call 0808 808 1111 to speak to a trained professional.

Ambitious About Autism are a national charity aimed at supporting autistic children and young people in the UK.

Kooth offers online counselling, advice and emotional well-being support 7 days a week until 10pm.