Petition To Extend Access To Work Scheme To Voluntary Work, Internships And Apprenticeships
UK readers may already have heard of the Government’s Access To Work scheme. For those who haven’t yet heard of it, Access To Work is a programme which helps disabled people of working age pay for “practical support” so that they can get to work and have their needs met while they are doing their job.
The scheme covers things like the cost of transport to the workplace for those who can’t use public transport, and any speciallist equipment which may be required by a disabled person at work.
So far, so good.
However, there has always been one thing wrong with Access To Work. It is linked to paid employment.
When I had a part time, paid job outside my home, the scheme was a great help to me. I have supported it ever since I first heard of it.
However, when my paid job ended, I felt discouraged from looking for voluntary work outside my home, because Access To Work could not cover any travel costs.
That’s why I’m so pleased to have just found this e-petition, calling for the Government to “extend Access to Work to all work experience, placements, internships and traineeships undertaken by disabled people of working age.”
I know I am not the only disabled person of working age who feels discouraged from voluntary work because of the costs involved. If you live in the UK, and agree that Access To Work should cover the costs of voluntary work placements, please join me in signing the petition.
Same Difference 