Access to Work: Supporting Accessibility in the Workplace with MyClearText

Ensuring an accessible workplace is essential for creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. For employees with disabilities, particularly those with hearing loss, having the right support can make a significant difference in their ability to contribute effectively. One of the ways that employers and employees can ensure equal access to communication and information is through the UK government’s Access to Work programme, which provides funding for workplace adjustments and support.

We’ll explain what Access to Work is, how it benefits both employees and employers, and how MyClearText can support accessibility in the workplace with our professional captioning services.

What is Access to Work?

Access to Work is a government initiative designed to help disabled individuals enter and remain in work. The programme provides funding for various types of support and adjustments that may be required in the workplace, including assistive technology, communication support, and adaptations to the work environment. Access to Work funding is available to employees with a disability or health condition that affects their ability to perform their job effectively.

According to the latest Access to Work statistics, funding for the programme reached £257.8 million in 2023-24, supporting thousands of employees across the UK. This demonstrates a growing commitment to improving workplace accessibility and supporting diversity in the workforce.

The Importance of Accessibility in the Workplace

For individuals with hearing loss, workplace accessibility often involves communication adjustments, such as live captioning for meetings, conference calls, and training sessions. However, despite the availability of programmes like Access to Work, many employees do not request the accommodations they need. A report by the Business Disability Forum found that 28% of disabled employees had not requested workplace adjustments, even though they believed they would benefit from them. This highlights a significant gap in workplace accessibility and the need for more awareness around Access to Work funding.

By making workplaces more accessible, employers can foster a more inclusive environment, improve employee productivity, and ensure that everyone has equal access to communication and information.

How MyClearText Can Support Accessibility with Access to Work

At MyClearText, we specialise in professional live captioning services that provide real-time access to information for individuals with hearing loss. Our services are designed to meet the needs of diverse workplace settings, offering solutions that are both accurate and reliable.

Here’s how MyClearText can help:

1. Live Captioning for Meetings and Calls

   • Our expert captioners provide real-time captions for meetings, conference calls, and team discussions. This ensures that employees with hearing loss can follow along with conversations and actively participate in discussions, regardless of the platform used.

2. Captioning for Training Sessions and Workshops

   • Access to training is essential for career development. With MyClearText, employees can access live captions for training sessions, workshops, and professional development courses, allowing them to fully engage with the material presented.

3. Onsite and Remote Support

   • Whether the employee is working in the office or remotely, MyClearText provides flexible solutions. Our remote captioning services connect seamlessly with virtual platforms, while our onsite support ensures accessibility in physical meeting spaces.

4. Individualised Support Funded by Access to Work

   • Our services are eligible for Access to Work funding, making it easier for employers to support employees with hearing loss. We work with employers and employees to tailor our services to their specific needs, ensuring compliance and effective support.

For more information on how Access to Work funding can cover the cost of workplace adjustments, visit the official Access to Work page.

The Benefits of Working with MyClearText

By choosing MyClearText, organisations can be confident that they are providing employees with the highest standard of accessibility support. Our services offer several key benefits:

• 99% Accuracy in Real-Time: Our captioners deliver up to 99% accuracy in real-time, ensuring that every word is captured and conveyed accurately.

• Expertise in Accessibility: With years of experience in accessibility services, MyClearText understands the unique needs of employees with hearing loss.

• Flexibility and Customisation: We offer both onsite and remote support, tailored to each organisation’s requirements, and work directly with Access to Work to streamline the funding process.

• Supporting Workplace Inclusivity: By providing accessible solutions, employers demonstrate their commitment to inclusivity, enhancing their brand reputation and promoting a positive workplace culture.

Access to Work is a vital programme that helps employees with disabilities, including those with hearing loss, gain equal access to the workplace. By using this funding to support captioning services from MyClearText, employers can ensure that all employees have access to the communication tools they need to thrive.

If you’re looking to make your workplace more accessible, contact MyClearText at enquiries@mycleartext.com or visit our website for more information on how we can support you with professional live captioning services.