As an employee with disability you may not need any workplace modifications to be able to do your job or you may only need minor adjustments to the workplace that can be easily made and at minimal or no cost. Others may need special equipment or modifications to the physical environment to assist them in their work.
JobAccess provides information and advice on implementing appropriate modifications and adjustments to your workspace and how to negotiate these changes with your employer.
Suggestions for modifying the workspace
Work methods
Example of adjustments to work methods include:
- clearer routines if you have trouble with changing routines because of intellectual disability
- implementing job processes such as written instructions, task lists, labels, prompts or reminders
- modifying the duties of the position
- exchanging duties with a co-worker.
Work arrangements
Example of adjustments to work arrangements, including in relation to hours of work and use of leave entitlements, include:
- accommodation if breaks are needed because of pain or fatigue issues
- providing flexibility in working hours for an employee with episodic needs for treatment
- access to paid and unpaid leave
- part time hours
- working from home.
Work related rules
Provision of reminders to use safety equipment is an example of an adjustment to work related rules or other adjustments to enable a person to comply with rules.
Recruitment processes
Provision of alternatives to written tests is an example of an adjustment to methods used for testing, assessment or selection during recruitment processes.
Workplace or work related premises
Examples of adjustments to workplace or work related premises, equipment or facilities, include:
- an adjustable height desk for a person using a wheelchair
- educating co-workers and managers about any adjustments needed
- relocating filing cabinets
- increasing lighting
- provision of clear markings and colour contrasts on steps or pathways
- provision of a parking space close to the place of employment if you are in a wheelchair.
Additional equipment or facilities
Examples of adjustments to the provision of additional equipment or facilities, include:
- lifting equipment if you cannot lift heavy objects safely
- arranging telephone typewriter (TTY) phone access if you are Deaf, have hearing loss or have a speech impairment
- voice activated tape recorder for verbal instructions
- multi-set alarm wrist watch that beeps or vibrates
- screen reading software if you have a vision impairment
- building modifications to allow access to a building or bathroom facilities
- disability specific equipment such as Braille equipment
- arranging access to interpreters such as Auslan interpreters.
Work related communications or information
Examples of adjustments to work related communication or information provision, including the form or format in which information is available, include:
- documents in an accessible electronic format if you are blind
- a written list of tasks to add to spoken instructions if you have memory problems
- accessing interpreters such as Auslan interpreters if you are Deaf or have hearing loss.
Developing capacity in a position
Examples of adjustments to training, transfer, acting, trial or higher duties positions, traineeships, or other forms of opportunity to demonstrate or develop capacity in a position, include:
- provision of interpreters, readers, attendants or other work related assistance
- permission or facilitation to use equipment or assistance provided by yourself or by another person or organisation
- provision of training to co-workers or supervisors.
Further ideas for adjustments and modifications
If you would like advice or ideas on how to make appropriate modifications and adjustments to your workspace, you can search our Workplace Adjustment Tool. The Workplace Adjustment Tool contains practical ideas and solutions for supporting people with disability as they complete a vast array of activities and tasks in the workplace. The tool links you to suppliers of products and solutions in your state.
More information?
If you need some advice about modifying your workspace but you're not sure where to start, contact the JobAccess Advisers on 1800 464 800 or online: