Access to work

[Beemer]

What a joke Access to Work is.

I want to work for several reasons, but currently struggle to get to work.
I have been riding a motorbike to work on a daily basis for the past 6 years, come rain or shine, very rarely using my car.
The main reason is parking and traffic in Sheffield. I live 5 miles from work, I have also cycled it before.
I am in the early stages of PMA, diagnosed at the beginning of Jan 2020, affecting my arms / shoulders.
I stopped cycling (2019) after my arms gave way and tipped me over the handlebars, and stopped motorcycling because I could not hold up the bike and I now drive my car, although DVLA have requested my licence and will be taking off my motorhome category (over 3.5t).
I was advised to contact Access to Work, which I did, and they rang me and basically said I need a letter from my doctor stating that I am unable to Walk, Drive, Cycle or catch a bus to work.
Walking 5 miles to work surely is not expected? Cycling not possible, driving is getting more difficult, but everyone surely can catch a bus, so what is Access to Work for?
If I was that disabled that I could not catch a bus, how would I work? Seems like a catch 22?

[Ellie]

Beemer, I don't know much about this scheme but I'm quite sure it's a bureaucratic exercise which an applicant must wade through, before an accommodation is reached.

There are some Forum members availing of the scheme - hopefully one will post - and I knew one man who had a taxi provided to travel to & from work.

Best of luck in getting a satisfactory outcome.

Love Ellie.

[Beemer]

Thanks for replying Ellie, I am still waiting (with baited breath) for answers on PIP and Blue Badge applications, and wonder if I am not yet disabled enough to qualify for either.
I am an ex soldier, having completed 24 years service, so in receipt of an Army pension, which may also stop me getting benefits.

[Ellie]

Whenever you have to describe your abilities, do so for your worse day, not your best or average day - think of how you'd manage on slippy pavements, on a cold wet day having had not much sleep and with below-par limbs...

If you can't get your head around what you're entitlements are, the MND Connect Helpline may be able to give you benefits advice or Citizens Advice?

Also, don't be afraid to appeal a declined application.

[Banned]

like u say, AtW are a joke.

you must use your MP to get any sense out of 'em.

I have had massive battles with 'em thru my MP but won.

[Lynne K]

I had help from Access to Work when I worked years ago. I had and still have a severe back problem. I also have RSI and nerve damage in my right arm making typing cause pain and unbearable using a mouse. So they got me a specialised chair with the correct shape and type of foam for my back. It had moveable armrests that moved with me. The aim of these was to take some strain from my arms. They organised a special large ergonomic mouse. The aim of all of this was to make it possible for me to keep working. In most cases they do a really good job. But MND is another beast of a condition altogether. Most people have no idea about it, GPs included. So they wouldn’t be equipped to offer any useful aids. It wouldn’t be part of their training. So if someone with MND wanted to work and would be able to do so with some particular equipment it’d be up to the person with MND to teach them about it and be knowledgeable enough to know what items would make it possible for them to do that particular job. They were great with me back in the day. Lynne

[Lynne K]

About PIP. Having a pension won’t affect it. Good luck. Get your OT to contact the Blue Badge scheme on your behalf. Mine did after I had been refused. Then it arrived pretty soon afterwards. Lynne

[Beemer]

About PIP. Having a pension won’t affect it. Good luck. Get your OT to contact the Blue Badge scheme on your behalf. Mine did after I had been refused. Then it arrived pretty soon afterwards. Lynne

Thanks Lynne, PIP has arrived with enhanced rate for both daily living and mobility, just waiting for Blue Badge now. I have decided that ATW can shove it, well done ATW, you saved some money, hope you sleep well.

[Jacquij]

Hi there, my MND affects my legs significantly I have had lots of falls can not work independently and have terrible fatigue. However I decided that I wanted to work as my brain was fine just the body not wanting to cooperate so started on the access to work journey. I too had to get my GP to sign a form about my condition and why I could not use public transport or drive which I did putting the reasons for my worse day down. I had an assessment and they have agreed to a wheelchair taxi and a support worker to help me. Access to work is a good resource yes you do have hoops to jump through but for me having some normality even if for a little while is important. You also need to remember MND is covered under the equality act

[Ellie]

Good for you, Jacqui!! Thanks for the encouraging and upbeat post.

You're so right, one should not have to jump through hoops to get Access to Work

Stay safe.

Love Ellie.