Disability Information UKPlain-language information, rights and support

Reasonable adjustments: a catalogue by barrier

Practical examples of reasonable adjustments grouped by the type of barrier they address, to help you describe what might help rather than starting from a blank page.

Guidance, not legal advice. This page summarises official UK sources listed below. What applies to you depends on your circumstances and nation.

Last reviewed
1 August 2026
Next review due
1 February 2027

Mobility and physical access

  • Adjusted or additional parking, or a parking space closer to the entrance
  • A ground-floor workstation, or reliable lift access
  • An adjustable-height desk, supportive chair, or other specialist furniture
  • Reduced or restructured travel for the role, or support with commuting costs through Access to Work

Vision

  • Screen reader or screen magnification software, and documents provided in accessible formats
  • Adjusted lighting or monitor settings
  • A support worker or reader for specific tasks

Hearing

  • A British Sign Language interpreter or lipspeaker for meetings
  • A hearing loop or captioning software for calls and video meetings
  • Written instructions to back up verbal briefings

Energy, pain and fatigue (including chronic illness)

  • Flexible start and finish times, or the ability to work in shorter blocks
  • Permission to work from home on high-symptom days, where the role allows
  • Extra or longer breaks, and reduced or restructured physical tasks

Mental health

  • A quiet space to use when overwhelmed
  • Clear, written task priorities and regular, predictable check-ins with a manager
  • Phased changes to workload during a difficult period, agreed in advance

Neurodivergence (including autism, ADHD and dyslexia)

  • Written instructions and agendas in advance of meetings
  • Noise-cancelling headphones or a quieter desk location
  • Assistive software for reading, writing or organising tasks
  • Advance notice of changes to routine where possible

Communication

  • A choice of communication method: email, phone, video or in person
  • Extra time to process information and respond in meetings
  • Written summaries of verbal discussions and decisions

Checklist

  • Describe the specific task that is difficult, not just your diagnosis
  • Suggest an adjustment if you can, but it's fine to ask your employer or an occupational health adviser to suggest one
  • Ask for a trial period and a review date if an adjustment is untested

Where to get help