What is disability discrimination?
Disability discrimination happens when a person with disability is treated less favourably than a person without disability would be treated in the same or similar circumstances.
Discrimination also happens indirectly when there is a requirement, condition or practice that is the same for everyone but which is less favourable in its impact on a person with disability.
Disability Discrimination Act 1992
As a person with disability you have the same rights as other people to a safe workplace free of discrimination. You also have the right to workplace modifications or ‘reasonable adjustments’ that minimise the impact of your disability in the workplace.
Some of these rights are defined under the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and under state based anti-discrimination laws. The Disability Discrimination Act makes it against the law to discriminate against people with disability in employment. This includes during a recruitment process, with employment benefits, terms and conditions, termination or dismissal.
For more information on the Disability Discrimination Act, visit the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission web site (see our Related Links).
What should you do if you have been discriminated against?
If you think you have been discriminated against or harassed because of your disability, there is help available.
What is a reasonable adjustment?
Your employer should take into account your disability and make any appropriate adjustments to the work environment to accommodate you if needed.
More information?
Contact the JobAccess Advisers on 1800 464 800 for free, confidential advice. You can also contact the Advisers online: