Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to improve the understanding of Jobcentre Plus staff and work coaches of the capabilities and support needs of disabled people who (1) are deafblind, and (2) have complex needs.

The Department for Work and Pensions has a network of Disability Employment Advisers, who are experienced in helping deliver services to customers with all disabilities and health conditions. The role of the Disability Employment Adviser (DEA) is to share their expertise, provide support to enhance Work Coach capability in advising disabled people to help them find and retain employment.

Through up-skilling and support from the DEA, Work Coaches are equipped to deliver improved service to all our customers, including those who are deaf, blind or who have complex needs. Learning is available for all customer-facing staff on a wide range of areas, some of which specifically covers what to consider when supporting people with visual and hearing impairments and complex needs.

Community Partners are also being introduced in to Jobcentres to provide additional advice and support to Work Coaches in all areas of disability and the impact that this can have on a person’s ability to finding or keep a job.

In addition, all DWP staff have recently been made aware of a new product - the Disability Passport. This can be completed by the customer and presented to staff at the Jobcentre. The content can be used to support communications between the Work Coach and the customer, ensuring any appropriate reasonable adjustments are put in place to support the individual.

Further information is available to all Jobcentre staff through the District Provision Tool, which will highlight any local organisations who provide support, help and advice to customers with disabilities and health conditions.