Sometimes an agency may not agree to the exact adjustment you request.
That does not always mean the conversation is over.
The next step is to clarify why and ask what alternative adjustment can achieve the same purpose.
Ask for the reason
You can ask:
> Thanks for considering my request. Could you please let me know why this adjustment cannot be provided, and whether there is an alternative adjustment that would address the same barrier?
Keep the tone calm.
You are trying to solve the participation problem.
Offer alternatives
If questions cannot be provided days in advance, ask whether they can be provided in writing at the start with reading time.
If a different assessment format is not possible, ask for extra time, breaks or assistive technology.
If the venue cannot be changed, ask for video attendance.
Escalate carefully
If the response is dismissive or unclear, you may ask to speak with the recruitment contact, HR, diversity and inclusion team, or the nominated adjustment contact.
Keep records of the request and response.
The practical aim
Your aim is not to win an argument.
Your aim is to get a recruitment process that lets you show whether you can do the job.
Useful next steps
If this topic is relevant to your application, these related Team 3Thirty guides are the best places to go next:
- email template for asking for adjustments
- reasonable adjustments vs special treatment
- disability disclosure in government applications
Useful resources
These official resources are worth checking if you need the source guidance behind the adjustment examples: