There is help available to pay for the cost of workplace adjustments or solutions if they are needed to accommodate a worker with disability in a job.
While the majority of workers with disability won’t require any workplace modifications, the Workplace Modifications Scheme aims to make accommodating employees with disability in the workplace easier.
What is the Workplace Modifications Scheme?
The Workplace Modifications Scheme pays for the costs involved in modifying the workplace or purchasing special or adaptive equipment for eligible employees with disability. It is also available to existing employees if they have a change in duties, career progression, change in disability or a new modification becomes available that would increase their productivity.
Types of modifications and adjustments
There is no restriction to the types of modifications that can be approved under the Scheme, as long as each application meets the eligibility criteria. The Workplace Modifications Scheme Guidelines provide examples of workplace modifications and adjustments. The guidelines also list the eligibility criteria. As assistance is specific to the needs of the particular job and employee with disability, items not included in the guidelines will also be considered for reimbursement.
Modifications previously purchased through the Workplace Modifications Scheme have included:
- disability specialist IT software
- adaptive workplace tools and adapted workplaces
- vehicle related modifications.
Eligibility for the scheme
All employers of people with disability are potentially eligible for reimbursement for the cost of workplace modifications. In order to qualify for assistance an employer must employ a person with disability for at least eight hours a week in a job that is expected to last for at least three months. In addition, the employee will:
- have an ongoing disability that has lasted, or is likely to last, for two years or more
- have a disability that results in a limitation, restriction or impairment affecting their everyday activities that requires a work-related adjustment
- be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- be employed under a legal industrial arrangement that complies with the minimum standards established by federal, state or territory law.
Applying for funding is easy!
Step by step instructions on how to apply for the Workplace Modifications Scheme online are provided in our detailed instructions:
Workplace Adjustment Tool
If you would like advice or ideas on how to make appropriate modifications and adjustments for an employee with disability, you can search our Workplace Adjustment Tool. The Workplace Adjustment Tool contains practical ideas and solutions aimed at 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.
Employer experiences
Read about the experiences and success stories of employers utilising the Workplace Modifications Scheme:
Need help?
Further information on the Workplace Modifications Scheme and step by step instructions on how to apply for funding through the Workplace Modifications Scheme is available for employers and managers, job seekers and service providers:
You can also call the JobAccess Advisers on 1800 464 800 for more information.