Help for staff
Staff Disability Computing Support
What is it?
The service aims to support disabled staff in the workplace when required. The service is able to suggest various assistive software or hardware or standard IT solutions that might be of assistance. A small pool of laptops with assistive software and a range of ergonomic mice and keyboards can be borrowed by staff to ascertain if they might be of assistance to them.
What are examples of the type of support the service offers
Examples of support the service can offer include:
- Suggestions on screen settings
- Suggestions on ergonomic mice
- Information on assistive software such as screen readers, Dyslexia support packages
- A small pool of laptops with assistive software which can be borrowed for short term loan by individuals.
- A small pool of assitive hardware such as ergonomic mice which can be borrowed for short term loan by individuals.
Who is it for?
The service is open to all disabled university staff (not just IS staff) and those staff who feel that they have a potential health condition or disability which the service could provide support for. It should be noted that this service only provides suggestions about assistive IT hardware and software. For other reasonable adjustments you should contact your line manager or Human Resources.
How do I access it?
The fastest way to access the service is to contact the IS Helpdesk on IS.Helpdesk@ed.ac.uk or call 0131 650 3409. Alternatively you can contact your line manager who can refer you.
Will my information be treated in confidence?
All information will be treated in confidence by the Helpdesk. We encourage you to contact your line manager to ensure that all IT adjustments are considered alongside other non IT adjustments. If assitive computer hardware or software needs to be purchased, your line manager who would need to facilitate this, however, we will not contact your line manager or other parties without your consent.
Please Note
Please note that these informal one-to-one sessions with Staff Disability Computing Support are not intended to replace statutory workstation assessments, advice from your local DSE Assessor or the Occupational Health Unit, or an assessment by Access to Work.
If you are experiencing a health problem that is affecting your work, we strongly recommend that you discuss this with your manager and also follow the advice given on the Health and Safety Department website:
Further Information
For more general information on the service please contact Viki Galt, Disability Information Officer, Information Services, contact details below.
Request an alternative format
To request this document in an alternative format, such as large print or on coloured paper, please contact Viki Galt, the Disability Information Officer.
- Viki Galt
- Disability Information Officer
- Information Services
- 24 Buccleuch Place
- Edinburgh
- EH8 9LN
- Work: 0131 650 6645
- Email:
- viki.galt@ed.ac.uk
This article was published on May 10, 2013