Legal challenge to ATW cap
16th February 2018
David Buxton, Chief Executive of Action on Disability, with funding support from the EHRC (Equality and Human Rights Commission) has been given permission to take their case to the High Court.
The two key arguments are about the public sector equality duty, and indirect discrimination.
You can read more about it here.
David Buxton, Chief Executive of Action on Disability, with funding support from the EHRC (Equality and Human Rights Commission) has been given permission to take their case to the High Court.
The two key arguments are about the public sector equality duty, and indirect discrimination.
You can read more about it here.
URGENT - Ask your MP to go to the Westminster Hall debate on deafness and hearing loss - on 30th November 2017 - and ask questions about the cap to ATW
The All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Deafness has won a debate in Westminster Hall, 1:30 to 4:30 Thursday 30th November 2017.
This is a really good opportunity to ask the government questions about the cap to ATW awards, (or any other questions about deafness and hearing loss).
Debates like this are a chance for MPs to make sure the government knows how people are affected by its decisions and policies.
This is a really good opportunity to ask the government questions about the cap to ATW awards, (or any other questions about deafness and hearing loss).
Debates like this are a chance for MPs to make sure the government knows how people are affected by its decisions and policies.
So please write to or email your MP asap, to:
1) Tell them what your concerns are about the cap, how it will effect you and other Deaf people in work, and why it is so important that the government removes the cap on ATW awards.
2) Send them a copy of the results of the DeafATW survey into people affected by the cap. This explains how it is already affecting Deaf people at work.
3) Ask them to go to the debate on 30th November, to ask your questions, and say how the cap is and will affect you.
4) You can ask them to become a member of the APPG on Deafness. This helps because the more MPs in the group, the more it can do to help with issues like this.
5) You can also ask them to write to Sarah Newton, the Minister for Disabled People, to ask her to remove or raise the cap, because it is making it difficult for you to work. As she is a new Minister this is really important, to help her understand how important this is to Deaf people, and to MPs.
You can download a suggested letter / email here, and the results of the cap survey. It is best if you can to change the letter / email so it is in your own words. But if you can't, or don't have time, then just fill in the blanks, delete any paragraphs that you don't want, print and send, or copy into an email.
Click here to download a letter or email you can use with your MP.
If your MP doesn't answer, chase them, tell them it's really important!
If you have any questions, or need any help with the letter / email, contact DeafATW.
1) Tell them what your concerns are about the cap, how it will effect you and other Deaf people in work, and why it is so important that the government removes the cap on ATW awards.
2) Send them a copy of the results of the DeafATW survey into people affected by the cap. This explains how it is already affecting Deaf people at work.
3) Ask them to go to the debate on 30th November, to ask your questions, and say how the cap is and will affect you.
4) You can ask them to become a member of the APPG on Deafness. This helps because the more MPs in the group, the more it can do to help with issues like this.
5) You can also ask them to write to Sarah Newton, the Minister for Disabled People, to ask her to remove or raise the cap, because it is making it difficult for you to work. As she is a new Minister this is really important, to help her understand how important this is to Deaf people, and to MPs.
You can download a suggested letter / email here, and the results of the cap survey. It is best if you can to change the letter / email so it is in your own words. But if you can't, or don't have time, then just fill in the blanks, delete any paragraphs that you don't want, print and send, or copy into an email.
Click here to download a letter or email you can use with your MP.
If your MP doesn't answer, chase them, tell them it's really important!
If you have any questions, or need any help with the letter / email, contact DeafATW.
DeafATW survey - Important for you to do if you have had ATW budget capped, or will be capped in April 2018
7th September 2017
DeafATW is working with UKCoD to campaign about the cap to ATW.
To campaign well we need to understand more about your ATW budget, and more about how the cap will affect your work.
This survey is for you if you have an ATW award, are capped already, or will be capped in April 2018, and live in England, Wales or Scotland (not Northern Ireland). The survey is in BSL and English. If you want to answer in BSL, contact me.
You need to do the survey before Friday 22nd September.
If you know other people who are capped, or who will be capped, please send them the survey link.
To campaign well, we need this information.
Survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ATW_CAP
If you aren't sure if your ATW budget is or will be capped, look at the update below: Cap to ATW Awards / Budgets.
Thanks,
Darren
DeafATW is working with UKCoD to campaign about the cap to ATW.
To campaign well we need to understand more about your ATW budget, and more about how the cap will affect your work.
This survey is for you if you have an ATW award, are capped already, or will be capped in April 2018, and live in England, Wales or Scotland (not Northern Ireland). The survey is in BSL and English. If you want to answer in BSL, contact me.
You need to do the survey before Friday 22nd September.
If you know other people who are capped, or who will be capped, please send them the survey link.
To campaign well, we need this information.
Survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ATW_CAP
If you aren't sure if your ATW budget is or will be capped, look at the update below: Cap to ATW Awards / Budgets.
Thanks,
Darren
DeafATW survey about AtW problems. This finished 10th February 2017.
3rd February 2017
The DWP have said they are beginning a piece of work to look in detail at Access to Work and how it can be improved for their customers. (This could include people who use AtW, people who want to use AtW, employers, interpreters, etc.)
So they would like you to tell them about your experience of AtW, good and bad, to help them decide where to focus making improvements.
It is always useful to have real feedback from you, to make sure that they identify the most important things. So DeafATW has offered to help collect your feedback, and send it to them.
Because we know you’re busy, DeafATW has created a really, really short survey. Just three questions. And we don’t need the whole story, just a short explanation. If AtW want more information, then we can email you to ask if you can tell them more.
You can download the form below, type and email your answers.
Or answer the questions in SurveyMonkey.
Or if you’d prefer to answer in BSL, contact me ([email protected]), and we can arrange to Skype or FaceTime.
Please answer by Thursday 9th February, as I will send the report to DWP Friday 10th February.
The DWP have said they are beginning a piece of work to look in detail at Access to Work and how it can be improved for their customers. (This could include people who use AtW, people who want to use AtW, employers, interpreters, etc.)
So they would like you to tell them about your experience of AtW, good and bad, to help them decide where to focus making improvements.
It is always useful to have real feedback from you, to make sure that they identify the most important things. So DeafATW has offered to help collect your feedback, and send it to them.
Because we know you’re busy, DeafATW has created a really, really short survey. Just three questions. And we don’t need the whole story, just a short explanation. If AtW want more information, then we can email you to ask if you can tell them more.
You can download the form below, type and email your answers.
Or answer the questions in SurveyMonkey.
Or if you’d prefer to answer in BSL, contact me ([email protected]), and we can arrange to Skype or FaceTime.
Please answer by Thursday 9th February, as I will send the report to DWP Friday 10th February.
The questions are below:
1) What is working well with AtW at the moment? What has improved with AtW?
2) What problems do you have with ATW at the moment?
This can include problems:
- When you applied for AtW.
- With your current support.
- With reviews.
- With the cap if has affected you now or will affect you in the future.
3) If you could improve one thing with AtW, so that it supported you to work better, what would you change?
This could be changes that would support you with getting promotions and/or getting new jobs.
4) What is your email address?
This is useful because AtW may want more information about your problems. If they do, DeafATW will contact you. We WILL NOT give your email address to AtW or DWP, unless you tell us later that is ok.
5) Anything else you want to tell DeafATW, about the survey, AtW, etc?
1) What is working well with AtW at the moment? What has improved with AtW?
2) What problems do you have with ATW at the moment?
This can include problems:
- When you applied for AtW.
- With your current support.
- With reviews.
- With the cap if has affected you now or will affect you in the future.
3) If you could improve one thing with AtW, so that it supported you to work better, what would you change?
This could be changes that would support you with getting promotions and/or getting new jobs.
4) What is your email address?
This is useful because AtW may want more information about your problems. If they do, DeafATW will contact you. We WILL NOT give your email address to AtW or DWP, unless you tell us later that is ok.
5) Anything else you want to tell DeafATW, about the survey, AtW, etc?
Fantastic news - from early 2016 you will be able to contact DWP services using BSL
20th December 2016
This means that you will be able to go to the DWP website, click on the SignVideo link, and connect with DWP through an interpreter.
This is a trial (test), which means that after some time DWP will see how well they think this new service is working. Also they haven't yet said which DWP services will be included in this trial, but I have fingers crossed it will include AtW. (DWP includes AtW, PIP, all other benefits, Jobcentre Plus and the Pension Service).
When I know the start date, and what services are included, I'll post here, and send an update.
Having access in BSL is brilliant. But it also means there won't be a record of your conversation. This is because DWP can only record audio calls, and SignVideo aren't allowed to record calls. So I'll also post on how to record interpreted video conversations with DWP, so that you can keep a record of what was discussed.
Please let me know if you know of good ways of recording video calls.
This means that you will be able to go to the DWP website, click on the SignVideo link, and connect with DWP through an interpreter.
This is a trial (test), which means that after some time DWP will see how well they think this new service is working. Also they haven't yet said which DWP services will be included in this trial, but I have fingers crossed it will include AtW. (DWP includes AtW, PIP, all other benefits, Jobcentre Plus and the Pension Service).
When I know the start date, and what services are included, I'll post here, and send an update.
Having access in BSL is brilliant. But it also means there won't be a record of your conversation. This is because DWP can only record audio calls, and SignVideo aren't allowed to record calls. So I'll also post on how to record interpreted video conversations with DWP, so that you can keep a record of what was discussed.
Please let me know if you know of good ways of recording video calls.
Complaining to the PHSO before the General Election is easy.
13th April 2015
Normally if you want to complain to the PHSO about AtW you have to get an MP to sign your complaint before you send it to the PHSO.
But because of the General Election, if you complain to the PHSO before 7th May, you don't have to get an MP to sign it. You send the complaint straight to the PHSO, and they will get an MP to sign it after the election.
And remember if you want to complain but need some help, contact me.
Click here to read more about this.
Normally if you want to complain to the PHSO about AtW you have to get an MP to sign your complaint before you send it to the PHSO.
But because of the General Election, if you complain to the PHSO before 7th May, you don't have to get an MP to sign it. You send the complaint straight to the PHSO, and they will get an MP to sign it after the election.
And remember if you want to complain but need some help, contact me.
Click here to read more about this.
BDA runs General Election Question time, Wednesday 8th April, Westminster London.
DWP Select Committee - evidence session with Mark harper, Minister for Disabled people. Will be televised, with BSL and subtitles.
28/10/14 (Select Committee press release - sorry for the late posting)
Work and Pensions Committee announces evidence session with DWP Minister for inquiry into Access to Work
The Work and Pensions Select Committee has today announced the final oral evidence session for its inquiry into Employment support for disabled people: Access to Work.
The Committee issued terms of reference for this inquiry on 12 May 2014.
Details of the session are as follows:
Date/time: Wednesday 29 October at 9.30am
Location: Wilson Room, Portcullis House
Witnesses: Department for Work and Pensions
This final evidence session with the Minister for Disabled People is intended to explore the Government’s position on a range of issues highlighted during the inquiry, including:
Please note that this evidence session will be broadcast live on BBC Parliament and on theBBC’s Democracy Live website with British Sign Language interpretation and subtitles. There will also be British Sign Language interpretation provided for the public gallery in the Wilson Room.
Additional information
The terms of reference for the inquiry have also been issued in EasyRead format and British Sign Language.
Committee membership:
Dame Anne Begg MP (Chair) (Lab, Aberdeen South), Debbie Abrahams MP (Lab, Oldham East and Saddleworth), Graham Evans MP (Con, Weaver Vale), Sheila Gilmore MP (Lab, Edinburgh East), Glenda Jackson MP (Lab, Hampstead and Highgate), Kwasi Kwarteng MP (Con, Spelthorne), Paul Maynard MP (Con, Blackpool North and Cleveleys), Nigel Mills MP (Con, Amber Valley), Anne Marie Morris MP (Con, Newton Abbot), Teresa Pearce MP (Lab, Erith and Thamesmead), Mr Michael Thornton MP (Lib Dem, Eastleigh.
Specific Committee Information: [email protected] 0207 219 4835 or [email protected] 020 7219 2839
Media Information: [email protected] 020 7219 7556
Twitter: @CommonsWorkPen
Committee Website: www.parliament.uk/workpencom
Watch committees and parliamentary debates online: www.parliamentlive.tv
Work and Pensions Committee announces evidence session with DWP Minister for inquiry into Access to Work
The Work and Pensions Select Committee has today announced the final oral evidence session for its inquiry into Employment support for disabled people: Access to Work.
The Committee issued terms of reference for this inquiry on 12 May 2014.
Details of the session are as follows:
Date/time: Wednesday 29 October at 9.30am
Location: Wilson Room, Portcullis House
Witnesses: Department for Work and Pensions
- Mark Harper MP, Minister for Disabled People
- Colin Stewart, Work Services Director
This final evidence session with the Minister for Disabled People is intended to explore the Government’s position on a range of issues highlighted during the inquiry, including:
- The potential for substantially increased funding of AtW, in line with the recommendation of the Sayce Review;
- DWP’s general approach to the administration of the scheme, including its approach to self-employment and entrepreneurship;
- Specific administrative issues, including the paper-based application and invoicing processes and the recently introduced central call centre system;
- The clarity, transparency and consistency of the award decision-making and review processes;
- The level of disability awareness of DWP staff administering the scheme;
- The guidance on funding for full-time “support workers”;
- Referral routes into the Workplace Mental Health Support Service; and
- The AtW employer cost-sharing arrangements.
Please note that this evidence session will be broadcast live on BBC Parliament and on theBBC’s Democracy Live website with British Sign Language interpretation and subtitles. There will also be British Sign Language interpretation provided for the public gallery in the Wilson Room.
Additional information
The terms of reference for the inquiry have also been issued in EasyRead format and British Sign Language.
Committee membership:
Dame Anne Begg MP (Chair) (Lab, Aberdeen South), Debbie Abrahams MP (Lab, Oldham East and Saddleworth), Graham Evans MP (Con, Weaver Vale), Sheila Gilmore MP (Lab, Edinburgh East), Glenda Jackson MP (Lab, Hampstead and Highgate), Kwasi Kwarteng MP (Con, Spelthorne), Paul Maynard MP (Con, Blackpool North and Cleveleys), Nigel Mills MP (Con, Amber Valley), Anne Marie Morris MP (Con, Newton Abbot), Teresa Pearce MP (Lab, Erith and Thamesmead), Mr Michael Thornton MP (Lib Dem, Eastleigh.
Specific Committee Information: [email protected] 0207 219 4835 or [email protected] 020 7219 2839
Media Information: [email protected] 020 7219 7556
Twitter: @CommonsWorkPen
Committee Website: www.parliament.uk/workpencom
Watch committees and parliamentary debates online: www.parliamentlive.tv
Stop the Changes taking DWP to court
8th October 2014
Stop the Changes campaign, working with Leigh Day law firm, are working to take a case about AtW to court. They are also trying to raise some money to cover the legal fees, so the Deaf person doesn't have to pay for the legal fees. You can read more about this below.
Stop the Changes - information about the case and the fighting fund.
Limping Chicken - Why you should support the Access to Work test case (BSL).
Stop the Changes campaign, working with Leigh Day law firm, are working to take a case about AtW to court. They are also trying to raise some money to cover the legal fees, so the Deaf person doesn't have to pay for the legal fees. You can read more about this below.
Stop the Changes - information about the case and the fighting fund.
Limping Chicken - Why you should support the Access to Work test case (BSL).
Updated AtW Complaints process
21 September 2014 - Better to look at the DeafATW Complain page.
The AtW complaints procedure (as described in their response to the FoI request).
This is different to their Reconsideration process.
First stage:
AtW say that they aim to sort out any complaints (questions or problems) as a priority when you first contact them. This can be by letter, email or telephone, and can be call centre staff, an adviser or adviser manager.
It appears that this will not be recorded or treated as a complaint.
Second stage:
If when you first contact AtW they can’t sort out your complaint, then your complaint should be passed on to a dedicated ‘Complaints Resolution Manager’ (CRM), who deals with the complaint as a Tier 1 complaint. They will aim to resolve the complaint within 15 working days.
AtW say that if you are talking to the Call Centre, they can log and capture complaints through letter, email or telephone. ???
Third stage:
If you are not happy with the Complaints Resolution Manager’s response, you can complain to Noel Shanahan, Director General of Operations for the DWP. This is called a Tier 2 complaint.
They say that “where appropriate you will be notified of the outcome” of your complaint.
Although AtW’s response does not say this, the next stages of the complaints process are below:
Fourth stage:
If you are not happy with Director General of Operations for the DWP then you can complain to the Independent Case Examiner (ICE)
Fifth stage:
If you are not happy with ICE’s response, then you can complain to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO)
(The previous Complaints procedure on DeafATW was written based on AtW customer's feedback on their experience of the complaints process. This one is what AtW say they do.)
I will update the summary of the AtW Complaints process, and their Reconsideration process, on the How to Complain page.
Click here to download the current Complaints procedure
The AtW complaints procedure (as described in their response to the FoI request).
This is different to their Reconsideration process.
First stage:
AtW say that they aim to sort out any complaints (questions or problems) as a priority when you first contact them. This can be by letter, email or telephone, and can be call centre staff, an adviser or adviser manager.
It appears that this will not be recorded or treated as a complaint.
Second stage:
If when you first contact AtW they can’t sort out your complaint, then your complaint should be passed on to a dedicated ‘Complaints Resolution Manager’ (CRM), who deals with the complaint as a Tier 1 complaint. They will aim to resolve the complaint within 15 working days.
AtW say that if you are talking to the Call Centre, they can log and capture complaints through letter, email or telephone. ???
Third stage:
If you are not happy with the Complaints Resolution Manager’s response, you can complain to Noel Shanahan, Director General of Operations for the DWP. This is called a Tier 2 complaint.
They say that “where appropriate you will be notified of the outcome” of your complaint.
Although AtW’s response does not say this, the next stages of the complaints process are below:
Fourth stage:
If you are not happy with Director General of Operations for the DWP then you can complain to the Independent Case Examiner (ICE)
Fifth stage:
If you are not happy with ICE’s response, then you can complain to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO)
(The previous Complaints procedure on DeafATW was written based on AtW customer's feedback on their experience of the complaints process. This one is what AtW say they do.)
I will update the summary of the AtW Complaints process, and their Reconsideration process, on the How to Complain page.
Click here to download the current Complaints procedure
Update on Select Committees - last and next sessions, videos and next meetings
21st September 2014
The Work and Pensions Select Committee heard from AtW users and from user representative groups on 3rd September. Below you will find links to the Select Committee web page, a video of the session with in-vision interpreter, and english transcript of the session.
The last two sessions will be:
Weds 15 Oct at 9:30am – Providers and employers
Weds 29 Oct at 9:30am – DWP Minister and officials
Both are likely to be at the Houses of Parliament, and they are likely to provide interpreters their. If you want to go to see it, just queue on the day. Read more about watching Select Committee aural hearings below.
Click here for the Select Committee web page about the second oral hearing - AtW users and user representative groups
Click here for the second hearing Parliament TV Video including in-vision interpreting - AtW users and user representative groups
Click here for the English transcript of the the second hearing - AtW users and user representative groups
Click here to read about attending Select Committee oral sessions
The Work and Pensions Select Committee heard from AtW users and from user representative groups on 3rd September. Below you will find links to the Select Committee web page, a video of the session with in-vision interpreter, and english transcript of the session.
The last two sessions will be:
Weds 15 Oct at 9:30am – Providers and employers
Weds 29 Oct at 9:30am – DWP Minister and officials
Both are likely to be at the Houses of Parliament, and they are likely to provide interpreters their. If you want to go to see it, just queue on the day. Read more about watching Select Committee aural hearings below.
Click here for the Select Committee web page about the second oral hearing - AtW users and user representative groups
Click here for the second hearing Parliament TV Video including in-vision interpreting - AtW users and user representative groups
Click here for the English transcript of the the second hearing - AtW users and user representative groups
Click here to read about attending Select Committee oral sessions
Response to my FoI request re using CSWs
10 August 2014
I'll be writing back to ask that they provide the specific documents rather than asking the general question. I'm also checking with the organisations named if they are really currently providing this training.
Click here to read AtW response
I'll be writing back to ask that they provide the specific documents rather than asking the general question. I'm also checking with the organisations named if they are really currently providing this training.
Click here to read AtW response
Important information if you are sending in evidence for Select Committee:
3rd July 2014
1) If you look at the evidence published, the impact of the ’30 hour rule’ on Deaf BSL users is really clear. It may not be useful to send more evidence about this, unless you think you have something different to say about what happened, or how it affected you or your organisation.
2) It may be more useful to send evidence about the other issues with AtW that people have talked about: problems with the assessment and review processes, making up rules, inconsistent decisions, not understanding about Deaf people or communication preferences, retrospective decisions, etc.
3) Don’t put names or email addresses of AtW / DWP staff in your submission.
a) You can mention the Minister for Disabled People, as he is a public person.
b) It is better not to include correspondence (emails / letters) with AtW/DWP, but to describe the salient points in your submission if necessary. If you want to include emails, remove all names, email addresses, and contact details.
c) You can use initials (e.g. AM) if you need to show what different people say, etc.
d) If you are sending evidence in BSL, because we often initialise names, but mean the full name, you will have to be clear that you do not mean the person’s full name.
1) If you look at the evidence published, the impact of the ’30 hour rule’ on Deaf BSL users is really clear. It may not be useful to send more evidence about this, unless you think you have something different to say about what happened, or how it affected you or your organisation.
2) It may be more useful to send evidence about the other issues with AtW that people have talked about: problems with the assessment and review processes, making up rules, inconsistent decisions, not understanding about Deaf people or communication preferences, retrospective decisions, etc.
3) Don’t put names or email addresses of AtW / DWP staff in your submission.
a) You can mention the Minister for Disabled People, as he is a public person.
b) It is better not to include correspondence (emails / letters) with AtW/DWP, but to describe the salient points in your submission if necessary. If you want to include emails, remove all names, email addresses, and contact details.
c) You can use initials (e.g. AM) if you need to show what different people say, etc.
d) If you are sending evidence in BSL, because we often initialise names, but mean the full name, you will have to be clear that you do not mean the person’s full name.
DWP Select Committee will accept evidence in BSL by Friday 1st August
27th June 2014 (I've not done a translation of this information, because it's already in the information translated on the Select Committee website)
The Select Committee have said that BSL users (people and organisations) can send their evidence in BSL to arrive by Friday 1st August 2014.
They also have produced a BSL video (below) explaining about the inquiry and sending in evidence in BSL.
I've written a summary of this information below, as some of it is really important to understand before you send the video or share the video on social media etc.
Three quick things to clear up, as I've already been asked questions about these:
1. The Select Committee ask if possible that evidence in BSL is recorded with an interpretation into spoken English and/or subtitled. But if that’s not possible, they will get it interpreted.
2. The Select Committee website and translation says evidence a maximum of 3,000 words. They mean signs.
3. Also an important reminder: BSL users submitting evidence already translated into written English (e.g. working with an interpreter) must send their evidence by Friday 18th July. This date hasn't changed. Only BSL users sending their evidence in BSL can send it later, up to Friday 1st August.
Summary of key information about sending your evidence in BSL:
1) BSL videos should be about 3,000 signs. (Their website and video says words, but they mean signs).
2) They would prefer if BSL videos can be sent with an interpretation into English, either as a recorded spoken interpretation or as subtitles.
But if this is a problem and it means you won't be able to send your evidence, let the committee staff know and they will get it interpreted. (Contact details at the end).
3) Videos must contain your name, address and contact information.
4) Videos must be about one or more of the five things that the Select Committee are looking at, or they won't be accepted as evidence.
You can find out more about these on their video or on the DeafATW Select Committee Inquiry page.
5) If evidence is very similar to other evidence that's already been accepted, then it may accepted as background information and not new evidence.
The Select Committee will write to you and tell you if what you sent is being accepted as 'formal evidence' or 'background material'.
6) Evidence accepted in BSL won't be published in BSL on the website. Instead a transcription of it into written English will be.
7) Evidence accepted and published by the Select Committee is covered by parliamentary privilege. This means that you can't be sued for what you say in your evidence, for example, for slander or libel.
8) After you have sent your video you can show it to other people, or put it on face book etc.
But if you do share it remember that what you say in your video is not covered by parliamentary privilege, (it's the written version of your evidence that is published as evidence that is protected) and so it is possible people could sue you for slander, libel etc. You can share the written version of your evidence that will be covered by parliamentary privilege.
9) BSL videos should be emailed to [email protected].
10) To ask questions, talk about problems etc., you can contact the Select Committee staff: [email protected] or phone 020 7219 4835.
The Select Committee have said that BSL users (people and organisations) can send their evidence in BSL to arrive by Friday 1st August 2014.
They also have produced a BSL video (below) explaining about the inquiry and sending in evidence in BSL.
I've written a summary of this information below, as some of it is really important to understand before you send the video or share the video on social media etc.
Three quick things to clear up, as I've already been asked questions about these:
1. The Select Committee ask if possible that evidence in BSL is recorded with an interpretation into spoken English and/or subtitled. But if that’s not possible, they will get it interpreted.
2. The Select Committee website and translation says evidence a maximum of 3,000 words. They mean signs.
3. Also an important reminder: BSL users submitting evidence already translated into written English (e.g. working with an interpreter) must send their evidence by Friday 18th July. This date hasn't changed. Only BSL users sending their evidence in BSL can send it later, up to Friday 1st August.
Summary of key information about sending your evidence in BSL:
1) BSL videos should be about 3,000 signs. (Their website and video says words, but they mean signs).
2) They would prefer if BSL videos can be sent with an interpretation into English, either as a recorded spoken interpretation or as subtitles.
But if this is a problem and it means you won't be able to send your evidence, let the committee staff know and they will get it interpreted. (Contact details at the end).
3) Videos must contain your name, address and contact information.
4) Videos must be about one or more of the five things that the Select Committee are looking at, or they won't be accepted as evidence.
You can find out more about these on their video or on the DeafATW Select Committee Inquiry page.
5) If evidence is very similar to other evidence that's already been accepted, then it may accepted as background information and not new evidence.
The Select Committee will write to you and tell you if what you sent is being accepted as 'formal evidence' or 'background material'.
6) Evidence accepted in BSL won't be published in BSL on the website. Instead a transcription of it into written English will be.
7) Evidence accepted and published by the Select Committee is covered by parliamentary privilege. This means that you can't be sued for what you say in your evidence, for example, for slander or libel.
8) After you have sent your video you can show it to other people, or put it on face book etc.
But if you do share it remember that what you say in your video is not covered by parliamentary privilege, (it's the written version of your evidence that is published as evidence that is protected) and so it is possible people could sue you for slander, libel etc. You can share the written version of your evidence that will be covered by parliamentary privilege.
9) BSL videos should be emailed to [email protected].
10) To ask questions, talk about problems etc., you can contact the Select Committee staff: [email protected] or phone 020 7219 4835.
What to put in your Evidence to the Select Committee?
30 May 2014
The Select Committee is most interested in the impact of AtW processes, support, and effectiveness in supporting Deaf and disabled people to get a job, stay in work, and develop their careers. So you just need to explain to them what the changes have been, and how they have affected you.
You don't need to include evidence of this (emails, agreements etc.) at this stage in the Inquiry.
For more information about the Select Committee, and ideas about what to include, please go to the DeafATW How to Campaign page, and look at the following sections, which are in both BSL and English:
Also, if you want help understanding any information about how to send your evidence, or want to have your evidence translated from BSL to English, then ask the interpreters who work with you to help. If that isn't possible, contact the ASLI AtW Working Group, who can put you in touch with interpreters who may be able to help.
The Select Committee is most interested in the impact of AtW processes, support, and effectiveness in supporting Deaf and disabled people to get a job, stay in work, and develop their careers. So you just need to explain to them what the changes have been, and how they have affected you.
You don't need to include evidence of this (emails, agreements etc.) at this stage in the Inquiry.
For more information about the Select Committee, and ideas about what to include, please go to the DeafATW How to Campaign page, and look at the following sections, which are in both BSL and English:
- Write to the Work and Pensions Select Committee
- Suggestions from Deaf people of some things you can tell MPs, the newspapers and the Select Committee
Also, if you want help understanding any information about how to send your evidence, or want to have your evidence translated from BSL to English, then ask the interpreters who work with you to help. If that isn't possible, contact the ASLI AtW Working Group, who can put you in touch with interpreters who may be able to help.
If you have had problems with AtW, DeafATW says - tell the Select Committee Inquiry and the DWP Review your story
30 May 2014
Soon I there should be more accessible information about the Select Committee Inquiry. Also the first week in June Mike Penning will formally announce the DWP Review, which will say what it will cover (the Terms of Reference) and who can give evidence.
DeafATW suggests that EVERYONE affected by the problems with AtW sends evidence. This is a real chance to make changes, and you should send evidence even if your problems have been sorted out.
We also suggest that when you write / sign your evidence you should try to do it so that you can send it to BOTH the Select Committee Inquiry, and DWP Review, then send a copy to UKCoD so that they can look at everybody's evidence together, and write a summary.
Soon I there should be more accessible information about the Select Committee Inquiry. Also the first week in June Mike Penning will formally announce the DWP Review, which will say what it will cover (the Terms of Reference) and who can give evidence.
DeafATW suggests that EVERYONE affected by the problems with AtW sends evidence. This is a real chance to make changes, and you should send evidence even if your problems have been sorted out.
We also suggest that when you write / sign your evidence you should try to do it so that you can send it to BOTH the Select Committee Inquiry, and DWP Review, then send a copy to UKCoD so that they can look at everybody's evidence together, and write a summary.
Select Committee Inquiry - date for submitting evidence very likely to be extended to July or later
30 May 2014
The Commons Select Committee are looking at providing access to information in plain English, and for BSL users. Because this is taking them some time, the date for submitting evidence will be delayed, at least until 20th July, and possibly until September.
The Commons Select Committee are looking at providing access to information in plain English, and for BSL users. Because this is taking them some time, the date for submitting evidence will be delayed, at least until 20th July, and possibly until September.
Information about the Enquiry here - in English only so far
Reviews for Deaf AtW users who have already had changes because of the ’30 hour rule’
30 May 2014
If you have had your AtW support changed because of the ’30 hour rule’, e.g.
They have said that reviews will be done by the Hearing Impaired Team, and that as part of the review they will talk to the AtW user and their employer.
If after the review they agree different funding, then that change will be backdated to 15th May 2014, the date that Mike Penning (Minister for Disabled People) announced the DWP Review.
If you contact AtW for a review, they have said they will contact you within 2 weeks.
If you have had your AtW support changed because of the ’30 hour rule’, e.g.
- Your interpreter hours are being paid at a salaried interpreter not freelance interpreter rate.
- You have had to employ an interpreter.
- You have had to reduce your hours.
- Etc.
They have said that reviews will be done by the Hearing Impaired Team, and that as part of the review they will talk to the AtW user and their employer.
If after the review they agree different funding, then that change will be backdated to 15th May 2014, the date that Mike Penning (Minister for Disabled People) announced the DWP Review.
If you contact AtW for a review, they have said they will contact you within 2 weeks.
Commons Select Committee are conducting an Inquiry into AtW now !!!
May 2014
Evidence must be submitted by 20th June. DeafATW has asked about access in BSL to the information about the enquiry, whether information about how to present evidence will be in BSL, and whether they'll take evidence in BSL. We'll update as soon as we get a response.
Evidence must be submitted by 20th June. DeafATW has asked about access in BSL to the information about the enquiry, whether information about how to present evidence will be in BSL, and whether they'll take evidence in BSL. We'll update as soon as we get a response.
Information about the Enquiry here - in English only so far
DeafATW.com improved
May 2014
The whole DeafATW.com website has been re structured and improved to make it clearer and easier to use.
BSL translations by Clive Mason have been added, and will be added for most of the website later in May.
The whole DeafATW.com website has been re structured and improved to make it clearer and easier to use.
BSL translations by Clive Mason have been added, and will be added for most of the website later in May.
Campaigns page added
March 2014
Campaigns page added with links to campaigns and organisations, and ideas about how you can campaign against the AtW changes yourself.
Campaigns page added with links to campaigns and organisations, and ideas about how you can campaign against the AtW changes yourself.
AtW Guidance Version 22
February 2014
AtW Guidance v 22 has been added.
There is very little difference between this version and the previous version, however the numbers have all changed. References to the AtW Guidance numbers on this website and in documents on this website will be updated when I have time. However the actual quotes from the Guidance are still accurate, as they haven't changed.
AtW Guidance v 22 has been added.
There is very little difference between this version and the previous version, however the numbers have all changed. References to the AtW Guidance numbers on this website and in documents on this website will be updated when I have time. However the actual quotes from the Guidance are still accurate, as they haven't changed.
Sample letters added
January 2014
Sample letters you can download have been added to the site to help you write yours. They include:
1) Asking for a reconsideration
2a) Making your first complaint to AtW
2b) A covering letter to tell your MP about your complaint
3) Complaining to the Director General DWP
4) Complaining to ICE
You can download them from the Challenging AtW page.
Sample letters you can download have been added to the site to help you write yours. They include:
1) Asking for a reconsideration
2a) Making your first complaint to AtW
2b) A covering letter to tell your MP about your complaint
3) Complaining to the Director General DWP
4) Complaining to ICE
You can download them from the Challenging AtW page.
AtW Guidance Version 20 and feedback from Deaf people
December 2013
The whole website has been updated as AtW now have Guidance Version 20, and following feedback from Deaf people using the website.
The main changes are on the Home, Challenging AtW, and Documents pages. Almost all of the documents have been rewritten, and all can be downloaded as individual short documents now.
The whole website has been updated as AtW now have Guidance Version 20, and following feedback from Deaf people using the website.
The main changes are on the Home, Challenging AtW, and Documents pages. Almost all of the documents have been rewritten, and all can be downloaded as individual short documents now.
Links to other websites updated - including 38 degrees campaign
December 2013
Links updated, including 38 degrees campaign, and other campaigns and resources around these issues.
Links updated, including 38 degrees campaign, and other campaigns and resources around these issues.
Communication Support Staff v Freelance page added to website
December 2013
This page summarises the main issues of AtW telling Deaf people that they have to employ interpreters, even though it is currently not possible for them to do so. Because this usually means a substantial budget cut without reducing the hours of support needed, it also gives examples of the affect of this on Deaf people.
This page summarises the main issues of AtW telling Deaf people that they have to employ interpreters, even though it is currently not possible for them to do so. Because this usually means a substantial budget cut without reducing the hours of support needed, it also gives examples of the affect of this on Deaf people.
Links to documents now more accessible to Deafblind and Blind reader software
December 2013
Following feedback from Sense, the links to downloads have now been made more meaningful to Reader software for Deafblind and Blind people.
Also Headings have been more consistently used throughout the website to make it easier for Deafblind and Blind people to navigate the site.
Following feedback from Sense, the links to downloads have now been made more meaningful to Reader software for Deafblind and Blind people.
Also Headings have been more consistently used throughout the website to make it easier for Deafblind and Blind people to navigate the site.
Document Uploader
December 2013
You can now Upload Documents to send to me.
You can now Upload Documents to send to me.