When your recruitment process is easy to access you welcome a broader and more diverse talent pool, including people with disability. Inclusive hiring starts with small changes that make a big difference. From the way you write job ads to the design of your website, accessible recruitment practices can open the door to more candidates and better outcomes., Why accessibility matters, Most jobseekers will interact with your organisation online. Whether it's reading a job description, watching a recruitment video or applying on your website. Common recruitment practices can sometimes create barriers for people with disability. For example: A person using assistive technology may not be able to read a job ad on a website that does not meet web access standards. A candidate who…, Simple ways to improve accessibility, Here are a few quick wins:, Make job ads accessible, Tell candidates ‘what’ they will do in the role. Use plain language, avoid jargon, short sentences, and clear formatting. Make sure your PDFs are accessible (or provide Word/HTML alternatives)., Check your website, Does it meet the WCAG 2.1 AA standard ? If users change font size or contrast, will they still be able to read your content?, Use accessible formats and platforms, Share job ads on platforms that support accessibility. Include captions, transcripts and audio description in videos. Make sure social media posts include image descriptions., Offer inclusive application options, Allow video or audio submissions. Provide contact details for applicants needing adjustments. Let people know you’re happy to help., Make adjustments to the recruitment process, Reasonable workplace adjustments can apply to the application and recruitment process. Asking all candidates what you can do to help them be their best is a great start., Test your process, Recruit people with disability to review your website or application forms and provide feedback., Invite people with disability to apply, Include a diversity statement that shows your commitment to inclusion. For example:, ‘We embrace diversity and encourage applications from people with disability. We are committed to making adjustments to provide a positive, barrier-free recruitment process and supportive workplace.’, Use AI and testing tools carefully, Some automated recruitment tools, such as AI screeners or psychometric tests, can exclude people with disability without intending to do so. For example, facial recognition tools may not account for neurodiverse communication styles, and many tests aren’t accessible via keyboard. These tools should never be used to screen people out. JobAccess provides free expert advice and resources to help…, Want help checking if your recruitment process is accessible?, Call a JobAccess Adviser on 1800 464 800 or find out more at: Partnering with the National Disability Recruitment Coordinator | JobAccess
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News
genU has been contracted to deliver the National JobAccess Service on behalf of the Department of Social Services (DSS). Service Delivery started on 1 January 2025. genU is a national community services provider with more than 25 years’ experience in disability employment. This change marks a new and exciting chapter for us. While the provider has changed, the support you know, and trust has…, What does this mean?, JobAccess is the Australian Government’s national hub for workplace and disability employment. We offer: Free, expert advice via phone and online Support to promote the employment of people with disability Access to workplace adjustments and funding Employer and industry engagement through the National Disability Recruitment Coordinator (NDRC) genU was selected to deliver JobAccess following a…
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News
For Michael, being a self-employed handyman is more than just a job. It’s a way to stay active, help others, and support his family. Each day is different, from fixing fences and mowing lawns to installing grab rails in homes for people with disability. “I run my own business doing handyman work and garden maintenance. Every day is different. One day I might be outside hedging or mowing lawns,…, Get Started with JobAccess, As of 2025, we’ve helped almost 500,000 Australians and many businesses. Whether you're a jobseeker, employer, or service provider, we can help you. Explore our free resources at: https://www.jobaccess.gov.au/ Call our expert advisers: 1800 464 800 Together, we can create a more inclusive workforce for all.
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Stories
Creating an inclusive workplace for employees with disability isn’t just the right thing to do, it makes good business sense. By making small but meaningful changes, you can: Keep staff for longer Build a stronger team culture and bring in new perspectives. Here are some simple steps you can take with help from JobAccess., 1. Make workplace adjustments standard practice, You must provide reasonable adjustments for employees with disability. This could include: adaptive equipment flexible work hours or changes to work routines. These adjustments help employees fully take part in their job. To make this easier, you can use the Workplace Adjustment Passport from JobAccess. It’s an easy way to record agreed changes and share them with managers., 2. Create tailored support plans, Each employee has unique needs, so having a clear support plan helps ensure adjustments are understood and applied consistently. For practical guidance on having these conversations, use the Making Workplace Adjustments Easy, Effective and Equitable – Conversation Guide . It provides step-by-step advice to help you, and your employees agree on the right adjustments., 3. Use the JobAccess Employer Toolkit, The Employer Toolkit gives you access to free resources that cover: Inclusive language and job design Accessible recruitment strategies Practical tips for inclusive team management. These tools are ready to go. They make it easy to include inclusive practices in your business., 4. Get funding with the Employment Assistance Fund (EAF), You don’t have to cover workplace changes alone. The Employment Assistance Fund (EAF) provides funding for things like assistive technology, Auslan interpreting, or training. By using the EAF, you can make adjustments faster and at no cost to your business., 5. Benefits of hiring people with disability, Hiring people with disability is good for business. Employers consistently report benefits such as: higher staff retention more diverse ideas and a more inclusive workplace., 6. Lead by example, Inclusive workplaces start with leadership. By setting the tone, you can build a culture where mental health and disability inclusion are supported. JobAccess provides guidance on communication, supervisor responsibilities, and managing disability at work., 7. Understand legal rights and responsibilities, As an employer in Australia, you need to be across your obligations under the Fair Work Act and the Disability Discrimination Act . These laws give employees rights such as flexible work arrangements and protection from discrimination. Knowing your legal responsibilities helps you make policies that protect you and build trust and fairness., Get support today, Building an inclusive workplace starts with one step. Contact us on 1800 464 800 to speak to our team or submit an online enquiry today.
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News
Returning to work after an injury or illness can be challenging, especially when living with an invisible disability. For Rehabilitation Counselling student, Haley, support from JobAccess made all the difference. “I have an invisible disability,” Haley says. "Sometimes I can walk without support, but I still live with the pain and fatigue from my injury. That isn’t always visible to others.”, The right workplace adjustments made a difference, Sitting for long periods was painful and difficult for Haley. Through the Employer Assistance Fund (EAF) , JobAccess provided the right workplace adjustments, including specialised equipment. “JobAccess has helped me get back to work by supporting me with equipment which has helped manage my fatigue levels and my pain,” Haley explains. Her manager, Tania, Senior Vocational Rehabilitation…, Inclusive employment benefits everyone, Tania says Haley’s story is a reminder that inclusive workplaces are achievable and beneficial. “Every employer has the potential to employ somebody with a disability,” she says. “You don’t necessarily need to do anything that’s dramatically different.” With the right workplace supports in place, people with disability can thrive – and employers can build stronger, more inclusive teams., Get Started with JobAccess, We’ve helped almost 500,000 Australians and many businesses. Whether you're a jobseeker, employer, or service provider, we can help you. Explore our free resources at: www.jobaccess.gov.au Call our expert advisers: 1800 464 800 Together, we can create a more inclusive workforce for all.
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News
To make a complaint about a Disability Employment Service, Australian Disability Enterprise, or a disability advocacy service, you can contact the Complaints Resolution and Referral Service (CRRS)., How to make a complaint to the CRRS, To make a complaint, you can: call 1800 880 052 Monday to Friday, 9 am to 7 pm AEST, except for national public holidays fill in the online complaint form. The CRRS is a free service., Help to make a complaint, If you are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment, you can contact the National Relay Service (NRS) on 1800 555 677 then ask for 1800 880 052 . If you need to speak to someone in a language other than English, you can use the free Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) by calling 13 14 50 ., Who can use the CRRS, To complain to the CRRS about a service, you must be using a disability service funded by the Australian Government. These services include: Disability Employment Services (DES) Australian Disability Enterprises (ADEs) advocacy services. These are services funded under the, Disability Services and Inclusion Act (2023), . You can also make a complaint to the CRRS if you’re an advocate or nominee of a person using the service. Services can also get help from the CRRS. For example, to get information: to deal with or prevent a complaint on how to improve policies and procedures., Types of complaints you can make to the CRRS, These can include issues such as: not getting the right pay unsafe or poor employment conditions not being respected and valued at work not getting the training you need to find, keep or do a new job not getting a service or support that you should not being allowed to make a complaint or ignoring your complaint being removed from a service unfairly abuse and neglect – find out more about types…, What the CRRS will do, Providers of disability services need to meet the National Standards for Disability Services. The CRRS will help you understand your rights under these standards. They will try to improve your experience with a DES, ADE or advocacy service. For information about the National Standards for Disability Services, visit the Department of Social Services website . When you contact the CRRS, they will:…, What to expect from the CRRS, People who use the service will: get advice that is private and impartial – the CRRS will not take sides be treated with respect and understanding be listened to. Services that use the Complaints Resolution and Referral process will: benefit from the skills and experience of the CRRS team value the fair approach that focuses on results gain skills in handling complaints get better results when…, Changing your provider, If you want to change your employment service provider, contact the National Customer Service Line (NCSL). You can: call 1800 805 260 send an email to DEWR customer service . Complete the Online contact form - Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, Australian Government, Complaints about the CRRS, If you want to complain about the service you have received from the CRRS, contact the Department of Social Services (DSS). You can contact the DSS: online through DSS complaints by phone on 1800 634 035 by email
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Articles
Whether you need to develop your skills to get ready for the workplace or want training for a certain job, there are websites and programs that can help., Job training and career help websites, The Australian Government has websites to help you to develop your career., myskills, The myskills website lets you search for training courses near where you live or work. You can also explore training in certain industries., myfuture, The myfuture website can help you learn more about your career choices. On the website, you can: find out your strengths find out about different jobs and the training you need get hints on looking for work read how other people have found great jobs. You can sign up to the myfuture website for free. Go to the myfuture sign-up page and enter your details., Your career, The Your Career website helps Australians of all ages to better plan and manage their career. No matter your stage in life or your circumstances, Your Career can help you: explore jobs that might interest you match your skills and training to a job or plan a career change get information about pay, vacancies and what industries are hiring people. If you are unsure of what you want to do. Answer a…, Workforce Australia, You can explore education and training options using the Workforce Australia website. The website lists activities to support you into work . You can choose from training, mentoring and work experience. These activities can help you build confidence and gain experience for the job you want., Skills training programs and resources, The Australian Government runs programs to help people develop basic skills and take part in training and education. Below are a few options you may be eligible for., Help with reading, writing and maths, The Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) program could help improve your speaking, reading, writing, basic maths or computer skills. The SEE program lets you study full time or part time. You can also study in person, online or a mix of all these options. For more information about eligibility contact your Disability Employment Services (DES) provider or visit the Department of Employment…, Skills training in remote communities, The Community Development Program (CDP) supports job seekers in remote Australia. If you are eligible, you may be able to get help from your service provider to build your skills, look for work and get a job. For example, through: formal training to get a qualification basic skills training, including reading, writing and maths training to learn how to drive. The Government has committed to…, Fee-free TAFE courses, You may be eligible for a Fee-Free TAFE course with a range of study options. You can study an accredited diploma, certificate or a short course. These courses can prepare you for work in a fast growing industry needing skilled workers. Visit the Your Career website Fee-Free TAFE page to find out more and link to information for your state or territory., Help with digital skills, Basics digital and software skills are useful for many jobs. Microsoft has a collection of free resources that can help you learn the basics or add to what you already know. Go to Microsoft Digital Skills to find out more. You can also get help to improve your digital skills through the SEE program. For more information, get in touch with your DES provider or visit the Department of Employment…, Building your skills in your job, It is a good idea to keep improving your skills as you work. Having better skills can help you: do your work tasks better feel more confident in your job move into different roles in your workplace find another job in the future. Talk to your supervisor about how you could improve at work. They can help you work out what skills you could learn or develop. For example: technical skills you need…
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Articles
'I have suffered from depression. But this job has got me moving and got me out of that black hole.' Two terrible accidents left Michael with permanent and severe injuries. Walking is difficult for him now. But support through JobAccess gave him a way to get around a chance to get back into work and life. 'I really thought: Well that's never going to happen - there's so much paperwork. But it…
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Waterfalls Café owner Rachel Power has seen how creating an accessible and welcoming workplace can make a big difference. ‘It’s something that I think every business should consider doing … the rewards for the people I hire and my business outweigh any extra effort.’ By making a few changes to support its staff, Waterfalls is one café that is keeping staff for longer. But for Rachel, watching how…
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Welcome to the Employer Toolkit - your one stop shop for all matters relating to disability employment. Through short video lessons and downloadable resources, you'll be empowered to hire people with disability and understand the necessary steps you need to take.
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Employer Toolkit Landing Page
