Occupational Health

[Andrew MacLean]

Just a footnote to the above.

Some people with KC are registered either blind or partially sighted. This registration gives them protection under DDA and qualifies them for the dubious advantages of being considered 'disabled'.

At one time I was registered blind. successful surgery has meant that this registration is no longer either necessary or apprpriate.

Even without registration, people with KC can attract support from 'access to work', by the provision of specially modified computers, keyboards, readers, etc.

Andrew

[Anne Klepacz]

K - I think you've answered the question yourself in the way you've described the KC person at 2 ie one who is beyond glasses and who has periods when lens wear is impossible. In other words, there's no way everybody with KC could be regarded as disabled - lots of people with the condition have it mildly and don't think of it as a disability at all as John has said. But that doesn't mean help isn't available. Access to Work can offer help in the workplace regardless of whether someone is officially classed as 'disabled' - as many on this forum can testify, all that's needed is an assessment of whether additional help is required and if it is, the scheme will cover 80% of the cost of any additional equipment etc for an existing employee and 100% for a new employee.
The husband of one of our committee members is currently drafting a new 'Health and Safety' leaflet for employees and employers which we hope will make the position clearer for everyone. This should be available in the next few months and we'll post it on the website as soon as it is.
One of our recent new members is an employment lawyer, so she may have additional comments on how DDA can help us.
Anne

[K Man]

Thanks Anne,

One reason for asking was due to one post stating "we are covered by DDA" which I did not believe correct.

As you say case 2 is a good example, but one where you probably would have to argue on an individual basis especially if you have driving standard vision. It is this scinario that I would like to see the law cover without doubt once that type of experiences have been assessed and qualified. An employer for instance may argue that well they could drive the other week but now tell us not this week, so we will not consider them under the DDA.

A "KC and your rights" is welcome, thanks.

Whether you consider yourself disabled or not (whatever the condition or degree), an employer WILL. The implications of not knowing your rights matter more and more in a world where human resource risk avoidance is an issue. Thats why it is important.

K

[GarethB]

I do not consider my self desabled regardless of if I am wearing lenses or not.

However to get what is necessary to do my job or live normally I am unashamed to admit I have a disability compared to others.

Since having KC I have acieved things prevously I would not have made the time to try a result of which I am proud to say I have KC and I am disabled.

However in some cases things only become debilitating if you allow them to.