Helping people with disabilities stay independent and connected to work.
The William Merritt Disabled Living Centre is supporting people with long-term physical or neurological conditions to maintain independence and mobility through a new Return to Work Programme, part of the NHS West Yorkshire ICB’s Growth Accelerator.
The programme offers free impartial advice and clinical assessments from specialist Occupational Therapists to help individuals find, remain in, or return to work. The service focuses on identifying the right mobility and daily living equipment — such as wheelchairs, scooters, and dressing aids — that can make a real difference to work readiness, comfort, and confidence.
Why this programme matters
Nationally, the employment rate for disabled people (53.5%) remains far below that of non-disabled people (81.6%), according to the Office for National Statistics. Research shows that 70% of disabled people would prefer to work if they had the right support, and appropriate mobility equipment can increase productivity by up to 30%.
This initiative is directly aligned with the government’s Get Britain Working white paper, which aims to remove health-related barriers to employment.
What support is available
The William Merritt Centre provides assessments and guidance covering:
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Travelling to and from work
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Comfort and mobility in the workplace
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Access to technology
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Dressing, daily routines, and independence
If needed, participants also receive reports to support charity funding applications for equipment.
Who it’s for
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People with disabilities or long-term conditions that make work difficult
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Individuals experiencing work-related challenges due to their health
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Those aiming to return to employment after time away
Return to work leaflet 2025 – DIGITAL
Get in touch
To learn more or book a free assessment, visit www.wmdlc.org/booking
📧 [email protected] | ☎️ 0113 350 8989
