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Hidden Disabilities – a Practical Seminar on 21 September 2017

As awareness of ‘hidden disabilities’ – dyslexia, dyspraxia, autism, ADHD – grows within society as a whole, it’s becoming clear that there is still a great deal of ignorance about these conditions – also known as ‘neurodifferences’ and how they affect people. In the workplace, the fact that someone might not ‘appear’ to be disabled brings with it a number of challenges for employers as far as recruitment and employment practices are concerned. Many employees with dyslexia, dyspraxia or autistic spectrum disorders may be unaware of their neurodifferences and may develop coping strategies without any input from health professionals. In the workplace, employers may be perplexed by employees with hidden disabilities – an employee, for example, may be brilliant at giving presentations but hopeless when it comes to organisation. Hidden disabilities can come to the fore when questions of capability and conduct arise or even a simple change in line management. The practical aspects of making reasonable adjustments in cases where employees have a condition such as ADHD or dyspraxia also demand careful attention from employers, as recent cases such as Kumulchew v Starbucks and GLS v Brookes have demonstrated.

Seminar Details – “Hidden disabilities” – a Practical Seminar

We are running a practical seminar on 21 September 2017 from 08:00 until 10:00 at theRoyal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists,27 Sussex Place, Regent’s Park, London NW1 4RG on the subject of ‘Hidden Disabilities’. Aimed at Senior Human Resources Managers and Directors, the session will provide advice and guidance on recognising a hidden disability, the legal obligations on employers under the Equality Act 2010 and the practical aspects of providing reasonable adjustments. Our speakers are:

  1. Peter Oldham QC of 11 King’s Bench Walk;
  2. Jenna Ide, Senior Associate at Thomas Mansfield Solicitors who represented the dyslexic employee, Ms Kumulchew, in the widely publicised ‘Starbucks’ case mentioned above and author of the recent article ‘ Hidden Disabilities – what employers need to know‘ for Employment Solicitor Magazine;
  3. Meredith Hurst, Partner at Thomas Mansfield Solicitors Limited.

Who should attend? Senior Human Resources Managers and Directors Date: 21 September 2017, 08:00 until 10:00 Venue: The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists Cost: £25.00 plus VAT, to include a bacon sandwich and other available options, for example, poached egg on smashed avocado crumpet/pastries and refreshments. Please book your place without delay – there are a limited number of places. Email: [email protected] We very much hope you can join us.