Event Wrap - All you need to know about workplace adjustments

Offering workplace adjustments helps to create inclusive organisations. Employers are growing interested in making workplaces more accessible. Over 180 employers recently joined JobAccess for a webinar. The theme was: ‘Workplace adjustments: What are they, how to make them, and support you can count on.’

The importance of reasonable adjustments

Workplace adjustments are changes that help people with disability do their work. That includes feeling comfortable and productive. The changes can be around the job, processes or the working environment.

Adjustments are covered in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA). If an employer is aware of an employee’s disability, they must provide 'reasonable adjustment'. (Unless it would result in unjustifiable hardship).

Yet reasonable adjustments aren’t just about the law. There are many benefits to making changes for accessibility.

Accessible workplaces are open to larger talent pools and attract more diverse employees. Some changes make workplaces more productive for everyone.

Many employers assume adjustments are expensive. In reality, most are low cost. For example, flexible working hours do not cost anything and benefit all employees.

There are many types of workplace adjustments

The webinar explored a range of workplace adjustments. These include the physical environment, recruitment process, job design and training and development.

Some of the common examples include:

• assistive technology
• providing interview materials in accessible formats
• job sharing
• mentor and buddy systems
• disability awareness training

Employers can learn more with the JobAccess Disability and adjustment tool. It provides information about common types of disability and ideas for adjustments. The tool is available on the JobAccess website.

Expert support just a phone call away

During the webinar, attendees responded to a poll. It revealed that people didn’t feel confident offering supports in their workplace. JobAccess is available to help with the process.

You can call JobAccess to speak to someone about workplace adjustments. They provide free, confidential advice.

They also provide free workplace assessments. The Australian Government’s Employment Assistance Fund (EAF) can fund modifications.

Advice and funding to make it happen

The EAF is for people with disability who are about to start a job or currently working. It could help them buy work-related modifications. These include:

• Adjustments/ special equipment
• Alterations to work vehicles
• IT devices
• Auslan interpreting
• Specialist services for employees with specific learning disorders and mental health conditions
• Disability awareness/ deafness awareness/ mental health first aid training.

Applications can be made by employees, service providers or employers. You can apply online or over the phone with a JobAccess Adviser. Guidelines are available on the JobAccess website.

Want to attend our next event? Join the JobAccess mailing list to receive news and invitations. They support employers’ efforts in hiring people with disability.