Job interview help - hypoxic brain injury

[Jane0510]

Hi, I currently have a hypoxic brain injury as a result of a cardiac arrest caused by massive internal bleeding due to a ruptured uterus when I was 19 weeks pregnant last year. The main effect of this is dysarthria, meaning my speech is effortful and unclear.

I’m currently applying for new jobs as my current employer hasn't been accommodating. I was wondering if anyone else has been in this situation before and what, if any, adjustments could be made at interview with regards to my speech?

[cat3]

Communication support for job interviews

Access to Work can help pay for communication support at a job interview if: you're deaf or hard of hearing and need a BSL interpreter or lipspeaker. you have a physical or mental health condition or learning difficulty and need communication support.

Access to Work: get support if you have a disability or health ...

GOV.UK

gov.uk › access-to-work

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Hope this helps Jane. . .

you can also contact the Headway helpline on 0808 800 2244 for guidance on this issue.

Best wishes, Cat..🙂

[Jane0510 in reply to cat3]

Thanks Cat,

I’m not sure what kind of support worker I’d need? I’m not deaf, just can’t speak clearly. Getting someone to read my typed answers doesn’t seem like a job anyone would have if you see what I mean.

I was wondering if I could ask for the interview to held over Teams where I could type my answers out? Or ask for the questions beforehand?

[TreesMTBI in reply to Jane0510]

Hi Jane I would have a chat to Headway as they might have solutions on what to ask for. I think they work alongside solicitors too, so perhaps will be able to best guide in terms of what you’re entitled to ask for.

Either way, the very best of luck in your interview! Go get ‘em!

Tx

[cat3 in reply to Jane0510]

Those are just a few examples of communication difficulties Jane. Others apply.

If you click on the highlighted 'gov.uk' link from the Access to Work website, above, and type in 'Support in job interviews' you'll find it applies to anyone with communication issues resulting from a medical condition.

Speech difficulties are mentioned.

Don't hesitate to contact the Headway team if you're still unsure.

Good luck. x

[gr33nmind]

I am a 30 year survivor of a severe hypoxic brain injury. Over the years, I have done a whole lot of healing, but like you my largest obstacle is my dysarthic speech. I am fully capable of working at a job, but unfortunately few work places are accomadating. So I live off of disability. It makes me sad, but the way I look at it, is their loss.