The Employment Assistance Fund (EAF) can cover the costs of workplace changes and equipment for eligible employees with disability. It can also fund Auslan interpreters and other workplace support services. JobAccess refunds the costs after you apply for the EAF and get approval.

Workplace changes are also called ‘workplace modifications’, ‘workplace adjustments’ and ‘reasonable adjustments’. 

Workplace modifications and equipment

The EAF can cover the cost of a range of changes in the workplace, including equipment and assistive technology. We’ve listed some examples below. 

Please note this isn’t a complete list. For more information on what costs the EAF can cover, download the full EAF guidelines or contact JobAccess at 1800 464 800 for free advice.   

Software and communication technology

The EAF can fund assistive technology or software for work. Examples include:

• screen reading and speech recognition software
• braille software and devices, such as braille printers
• pagers
• visual alert systems for phones, doors and alarms
• voice recorders
• computer accessories, such as headsets and mouse alternatives
• assistive listening devices.

The EAF doesn’t fund hearing aids, cochlear implants and corrective eye glasses.

Changes to work vehicles

The EAF can cover the costs of changes to a work vehicle, if the vehicle is essential to doing the job. Vehicle modifications might include:

• seat belt extensions
• car seat cushions
• changes to foot and hand controls
• adding ramps and wheelchair docks
• swivel seats.

Work equipment

The EAF can fund new equipment for an employee with disability to use in the workplace. It can also cover the cost of changes to existing equipment. 

Examples of work equipment include:

• talking cash registers
• talking tape measures
• desks and chairs that can be adjusted
• adaptive kitchen appliances, such as talking microwaves and kettle tippers
• automatic floor cleaning devices
• work platforms.

Physical changes to workplaces

Physical changes can include changes to a building or to a workspace to make the workplace more accessible for employees. For example:

• alternative lighting
• access ramps
• automatic doors and built-in alert systems
• changing the height of a workstation or the position of shelves
• devices to control noise.

If you’re applying for funding for a physical change or building modification, you will need a workplace assessment. JobAccess will arrange this free assessment. 

Auslan interpreting services

The EAF can fund 3 categories of Auslan interpreting to support employees who are deaf or have a hearing impairment:

• Auslan Level 1 – for support to do work-related activities, including remote interpreting and real-time captioning
• Auslan Level 2 – for job interviews and job-seeking activities, such as site visits and information sessions
• Auslan Level 3 – for co-workers of a deaf employee to complete nationally recognised Auslan training (Certificate II in Auslan).

To get EAF funding, the Auslan interpreters must be at the professional or para-professional level. They must also have a current National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) certificate. 

Workplace assistance and support services

You may be able to use the EAF to cover the cost of assistance and support services at work. 

This includes:

• training or technical support to help a person with disability learn to use modifications and equipment
• disability, deafness and mental health awareness training in workplaces that employ someone with disability
• specialised support and training for people with mental health conditions or learning disabilities. This is tailored to meet the needs of the person and help them overcome any barriers at work.

To get EAF funding for awareness training, the trainer must have at least a Cert IV in Training and Assessment and have related expertise. The employer or DES provider can’t run the training.

Funding caps and conditions

Some items, such as assistive technology and work equipment, are funded on a case-by-case basis through the EAF. Other items and services have a cap on the amount of funding you can get. This includes:

• workplace modifications and equipment– capped at $64,427
• Auslan Level 1 interpreting for work-related activities – capped at $12,885 in a 12-month period
• Auslan Level 2 interpreting for job interviews and related activities – no funding cap
• Auslan Level 3 training for co-workers to complete the nationally recognised Certificate II in Auslan – capped at $918 for each person taking the course
• specialised support and training for people with mental health conditions or learning disabilities – capped at $1,610 for each employee taking the training
• awareness training for workplaces that employ a person with disability – capped at $1,610 for each employee with disability in a 12-month period.

For all the details, terms and conditions, download the full EAF guidelines. You can also get in touch with one of our JobAccess Advisers on 1800 464 800 or through our online enquiry form.