When you’re planning your business, one of the major concerns is likely to be how you will cope with the daily administrative tasks or possibly, how you will be able to travel to your clients whilst carrying your massage couch. But there are solutions through specialist technology or a funded support worker and here we have given you some ideas of the kind of support you might be eligible for and the choices available to you.

Access Technology
Any person running a business is likely to find it beneficial to be able to use computer technology and if you have sight difficulties it is even more advantageous. Few of us can get away with a pen and paper as it’s a important that we can write presentable letters, store and retrieve information and, in particular these days, use he e-mail and Internet.

There is a whole range of access technology for computers and phones . It can either make the computer/phne  talk, produce large text on screen or on a Braille display which sits under the keyboard. There is a good deal of choice and some of the solutions are extremely expensive. You need to shop around and see a range of equipment before deciding what you think you want and need. Consider carefully, the tasks you want the equipment to do for you because this will influence which package you go for. It is also important to consider the type of after-sales support you will require and whether training is offered as part of the package.

A range of other equipment is available that can offer significant benefits including Close Circuit Televisions that enlarge text, scanners, pocket memos, electronic diaries, Braille note takers, Braille embossers, multi speed tape and CD recorders.

The Access to Work Scheme
This is a national scheme run by the department of Work and pensions. ATW Scheme is delivered through regional teams and When you are almost ready to start your business, you should get in touch with your local team. To find out which region you come under, visit  their pages on JobCentre Plus, give them some information about yourself and make a request for an Access to Work Assessment. You would be wise to request an assessor who has specialist knowledge of visual disability and self-employment. If a non-specialist assesses you you may not get the best advice for your circumstances. They can only act upon the information they receive so it’s important that you ensure this fully represents our case.

As well as applying with help towards the cost of equipment, ATW are also able to offer financial assistance to people needing transport, reading, clerical or other physical help in the business, which you cannot perform because of sight difficulties. If you have a good case it is also possible to get finance towards the cost of a driver, someone to sort out the filing or to read hand-written post etc.

The Access to Work Assessment
This consists of the following components: you meet with the Assessor; explain your business plan and the difficulties, which arise, as a result of your disability. The Assessor will guide you to possible solutions and may arrange a visit to a resource centre or supply company so that you can handle the kind of equipment, which is being recommended.

After the Assessment, the Assessor will compile an official report for which they are paid and submit this to the ATW manager . A business case will then be constructed which, hopefully, will justify your need for access technology. If the cost is in the region of £1,000/£3,000, and the case is a strong one, financial approval can be given quickly. If, on the other hand, the need is for expensive technology then a senior manager will need to approve the allocation of funds. This may take longer and involve further questioning or discussion.

The final stage of the Assessment is a letter confirming that they are able to fund some, most, or all of the cost of the particular equipment required.

Understanding the Access to Work Scheme
The Access to Work Scheme is not a magic carpet for suddenly acquiring a fancy new computer with speech and a Braille embosser etc. Everyone starting a business incurs expenses; the Access to Work Scheme does not cover business expenses. It covers the additional expenses, which arise through disability.

Making it all Work
Blind and partially sighted people are a minority disability; self-employed blind and partially sighted people are a tiny minority within a minority. We cannot really expect civil servants to understand and meet our needs. So we must use the assessment procedure to establish on paper an official recommending report that will bring forth the funds we require. The whole procedure should take between one and two months and you will need to be reasonably assertive to be successful.