Disability Employment Support Service

• The Disability Employment Support Service (DESS), based within the Equality & Human Rights Unit, provides dedicated support and guidance to disabled staff and line managers at the Education Authority.
• We recognise that for many disabled people, their work can play a significant role in their life, their social interaction and fulfilment.
• DESS aims to:
  • Support colleagues in EA Corporate Services who have, or who acquire, a disability;
  • Support colleagues in schools who have, or who acquire, a disability;
  • Support the employment of disabled people in EA through supporting colleagues in EA Resourcing and developing and embedding placement schemes; and
  • To support and build the capacity of line managers to support their colleagues.

• DESS support a range of disabilities and long-term conditions, including:
  • a physical disability, for example hard of hearing or use a wheelchair;
  • a learning disability or related condition, for example Down’s syndrome;
  • a developmental condition, like autism spectrum disorder;
  • learning difficulties or differences like ADHD or dyslexia;
  • an illness such as diabetes or epilepsy;
  • a temporary condition, like a broken leg;
  • a mental health condition, for example anxiety or depression.
• Depending on your individual circumstances, and any information provided such as an Occupational Health report, there are a wide range of support adjustments which may be able to be put in place, for example:
  • Specialised equipment;
  • Communication support;
  • Changes to how the role is carried out.

• Following a request for support, and the individual needs of the employee, a Disability Passport may be created.
• This is a key document which sets out the adjustments that have been put in place to support a disabled staff member.
• It is reviewed on a regular basis, which allows the staff member and line manager to make sure adjustments are working as effectively as possible.
• It also means that if the staff member changes jobs within EA, your new line manager will be aware of this information and can support accordingly.

For further advice and support please contact the Disability Employment Support Service:

• Email: disabilitysupport@eani.org.uk