Linda Hartley

I am a Food Technology teacher, aged 54. I have always enjoyed my job and been very actively involved until the onset of my SCI in January 2008.

I am such an independent person and was determined to return to work so I followed the advice I was given and contacted Access to Work. From then on I have not looked back, they have been very supportive and helpful. One thing I must stress is that they do not provide support retrospectively so timing is important. It was just right for me but could so easily have been wrong if I had already ordered a lightweight wheelchair.

As I knew which wheelchair I wanted, Access to Work wasted no time in approving my application. They also approved partial payment of having hand controls fitted to the car. Their contribution was based on funding five sevenths
of the cost (because I use the chair and car five out of seven days for work). We had to contribute the first £300.

They then sent someone from an ergonomics company to assess me in the work
situation. She went through all the jobs I would be doing and then made  recommendations to Access to Work as to what I would need to be able to carry
out my job. The company suggested a very technical and fancy chair which Access to Work then arranged for me to trial in school. I didn’t go for this as I felt I could move around more efficiently in my wheelchair. Had I decided it was suitable Access to Work would have funded 80% of the cost which was over £6,000. In negotiation with my head teacher Access to Work have contributed 80% of the funding (school paid the other 20%) for the following equipment and
facilities needed so I could return to work:

Ramping at the door of the building I work in.

Marking out of a disabled parking space near to the building I work in.

An adjustable work bench which incorporates an electric hob so I can continue to do demonstrations in my lessons.

A hand-controlled electric sewing machine

Finally, Access to Work has also funded the cost of support in the classroom to do the jobs that I cannot physically do, eg. carrying books, getting equipment and ingredients out of cupboards etc. This is initially for one year but the lady who guided me through everything from Access to Work tells me that unless my
circumstances have changed it will be approved for another two years and then I will have to re-apply.

I am delighted at the assistance I have had and the way in which everything has been organised. I am extremely thankful to the gentleman at da Vinci wheelchairs who told me about Access to Work because without that conversation I would have missed out on so much which has made my return to work easier both physically, emotionally and financially.

I am now back at work full time and able to do the same job as I did prior to January 2008 with a little help from my right-hand person, provided by Access to
Work.