Daniel Williams of Visualise Training and Consultancy examines the misconceptions surrounding reasonable adjustments for employees with sensory impairments.
You’d think by now we’d have cracked the concept of reasonable adjustments—a simple, fair, and legally required way to make sure disabled employees can do their jobs effectively. Yet, here we are, in the 21st century, and some managers and HR teams still act like making a small change will bankrupt them personally.
Honestly, the way some people react, you’d think they were being asked to remortgage their house to provide a screen reader or an accessible desk setup. Newsflash: It’s not your money!
The Art of Making Excuses
I’ve seen some real masterpieces in the excuse department. Here are a few classics:
“It’s just not possible right now.” – (Translation: I don’t feel like figuring it out.)
“We don’t have the budget for that.” – (Despite the company spending £10k on a new coffee machine.)
“We’ll look into it soon.” – (Otherwise known as never.)
Meanwhile, the employee is left struggling, working twice as hard to overcome barriers that don’t even need to exist.
It’s Not That Hard.
The reality is that most adjustments are quick, simple, and low-cost. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of tweaking software settings, providing a better chair, or—heaven forbid—actually listening to what an employee needs.
And yet, instead of just doing the right thing, some people actively block the process. Why? Is it ego? Is it bureaucracy? Is it a secret game where they score points for making people’s lives harder?
Would You Like a Taste of Your Own Medicine?
Here’s a thought experiment: Imagine, just for a second, that you suddenly needed an adjustment at work—maybe due to an injury, illness, or change in circumstances. How would you feel if someone dismissed your request, delayed it endlessly, or made you jump through hoops to get something that helps you do your job?
It’s not so fun now
It’s 2025 – Let’s Do Better!
Making reasonable adjustments isn’t just a legal requirement—it’s a human thing. It doesn’t take much to be decent, listen, and create a workplace where everyone can thrive.
So, to those managers making life more challenging than it needs to be, stop overcomplicating things, stop making excuses, and get on with it. Trust me, your business, your team, and your conscience will thank you.