Marvin OnumonuOver a third (37%) of British Sign Language (BSL) users had their Access to Work award changed at renewal, despite no change in work or access needs, according to research released by RNID and DeafATW.
37% said they now attend fewer work meetings or events and 41% reported missing training or development opportunities.
Nearly three quarters (73%) of respondents and 76% of BSL users said their latest award helped them stay in work.
7% said their award allowed them to start a new job.
People described the scheme as transformative when delivered well, enabling equal participation in meetings, decision-making, client work, management, and professional development.
Half of BSL users whose award changed at renewal said they did not receive a written explanation for these changes, leaving people unclear about why their support had been reduced.
Delays were common, with 37% of respondents waiting four months or longer for a decision and 13% waiting over 10 months.
Renewal delays often created gaps in support, leaving people unable to book interpreters and unable to work on a par with their hearing colleagues for months.
Almost half (46%) of respondents rated their case manager experience as ‘poor’ or ‘very poor’.
About one third (32%) said their communication needs were rarely or never met, and 22% were not given the reasonable adjustments they requested.
RNID and DeafATW urged people to contact their local MP to ensure Deaf people’s needs are firmly on the agenda.
