Making sure your workplace is accessible

One in 5 Australians lives with disability. Having an accessible workplace makes good sense for your business and your employees.

What is workplace accessibility?

Accessibility means removing barriers. It is to ensure equal access for all, including those with disability. This can include looking at:

• design of a building, such as its lighting, signs and parking
• the setup of workspaces
• technology and equipment employees use.

It is against the law in Australia to discriminate against a person with disability. This includes in terms of employment, using services and accessing public places.

Learn more about workplace discrimination. Visit the Australian Human Rights Commission website for information on disability rights in Australia.

Assessing your workplace accessibility

An access auditor can help assess how accessible your workplace is now. They will study your site and facilities and note any work needed to improve access. 

Many auditors will also work out the cost of the changes and advise you on how to comply with the law. To find an access auditor near you, visit the Access Consultants Association.

You should regularly check the accessibility of your organisation’s site and facilities. 

Changes you can make now

There might be some things that you can do now to make your workplace more accessible. And they don’t need to be expensive. For example, you could rearrange the furniture for wheelchairs. Or, add a ramp to enable access your workplace.

A disability action plan can ensure your workplace and services arere accessible and non-discriminatory to people with disabilities.

Policies and programs 

To help create a flexible and accessible workplace, consider putting in place policies that deal with:

• equal employment opportunity or diversity 
• reasonable adjustments and flexible working arrangements
• accessibility
• handling disability information
• returning to work after injury or illness.

You could also set up programs such as:

• disability awareness training programs
• executive disability champions
• disability mentoring
• disability employee networks.

Getting financial support

If you need to change the workplace to support employees with disabilities, the Employment Assistance Fund can help with the costs.

For more information, contact a JobAccess Adviser by phoning 1800 464 800 or fill out our enquiry form.