§ Mr. LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to ensure the provision of(a) suitable training for interviewers to handle sensitive the special requirements of the physically and mentally disabled, (b) measures to ensure full disabled access to all buildings in which claimants will be interviewed and (c) a sufficiently flexible time limit requirement for attending interviews to meet the needs of claimants with particular disabilities before the implementation of his welfare reform proposals relating to the disabled. [71583]
§ Mr. BayleyWe will ensure that advisers are equipped with sufficient skills and knowledge to deal effectively and sensitively with people who are physically or mentally disabled. This will include identifying where more specialist help and support is necessary and making arrangements to enlist that support on behalf of the individuals concerned.
We are committed to ensuring that disabled people have unrestricted access to services and sites. Accordingly, we will ensure that the Single Work-Focused Gateway will be delivered from sites offering full access. We will also ensure that disabled people are given sufficient time to make arrangements to attend an interview; are given sufficient opportunities to attend; have access to specialist communicators where necessary and have the opportunity for the interview to take place in their home where necessary.