Many employers choose to employ people with disabilities because of the tax benefits they are entitled to. Others fear the cost of adapting workstations to the needs of people with disabilities. This is completely unjustified, as you can successfully claim back the money you invested in equipping your workplace to be comfortable for people with reduced mobility.

When can I receive a refund?

Office space in Warsaw or other major cities may or may not be adapted to the needs of the disabled. It is often the responsibility of the employer to fund equipment that will help people with disabilities to perform their duties. If the adjustment made by the employer is positively controlled by the National Labour Inspectorate, there is a chance that the costs incurred may be reimbursed.

In order to receive a subsidy for a disabled person in the workplace, it is necessary to submit an appropriate application to the starost. It should include the applicant's data, financial analysis, description of the job position of the disabled person, as well as his or her equipment with written costs for reimbursement The exact model of the application is specified in the "Regulation of the Minister of Labour and Social Policy of 17 June 2014 amending the Regulation on reimbursement of costs of equipment for the job position of the disabled person".

How to adapt workspace to the needs of a disabled person

Depending on the degree of disability and the nature of the disability, the workplace should be adapted to the needs of the worker. People with intellectual disabilities will need different facilities than people with mobility impairments, the blind or the deaf. However, regardless of these conditions, it is always necessary to take care of such elements as

• correct positioning of the body at work - e.g. rehabilitation chairs,
• Strict adherence to the health and safety regulations,
• stability and durability of the equipment in the room where the disabled work,
• mobility and ease of adjusting the height of chairs, worktops and handrails to suit your needs,
• setting up supports, footrests, etc.

The safety of a worker with a recognised disability should be paramount. Only when this is provided should facilities be provided to make work easier.

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