06 October 2015
The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) has launched revised guidance for disabled people who are considering or training to become a professional regulated by the council, which includes orthoptists and hearing aid dispensers.
The guide is also useful for people working in education and training, careers advisers, those teaching, supervising or supporting disabled students and occupational health professionals.
There are four parts which encompass information about HCPC, useful information for disabled people, a section for education providers and also where to find more dedicated website pages on health and disability.
Nicole Casey, HCPC acting director of policy and standards, said: “Disabled people have an important contribution to make to the health and care professions we regulate. Having a health condition or disability should not be seen as a barrier to becoming a registered health and care professional. Many people who have disabilities successfully complete our approved training programmes, go on to register with us and practise as health and care professionals.
“We hope that this revised guidance will encourage, enable and support disabled people who are considering or training to become HCPC-registered professionals.”
Following a three-month consultation with stakeholders, including course leaders, professional bodies, students and employers, the guide also now includes new guidance on disclosing disabilities and information about education providers’ responsibilities.
The guide is available on the HCPC website.