How JobAccess helps employers hire people with disability
Employing people with disability doesn't need to be complicated.
In this video, Karla, National Manager of the National Disability Recruitment Coordinator (NDRC) service, explains how JobAccess helps employers build inclusive workplaces and recruit people with disability with confidence.
The NDRC works alongside employers to identify and remove barriers to disability employment, providing practical advice, guidance and support through a tailored partnership approach.
Susan keeps doing the work she loves with JobAccess support
Through the Employment Assistance Fund, JobAccess provided workplace equipment that's helped her keep working without increased pain - at no cost to her employer.
A workplace adjustment is any change that helps a person with disability do their job safely and effectively.
Some common examples include:
providing assistive technology or specialised equipment.
making all recruitment materials available in accessible or alternative formats.
changing working hours or allowing flexible arrangements.
adding ramps, handrails, or accessible entryways.
reducing noise or improving lighting.
Most adjustments are low-cost or no-cost, making them a practical and effective way to support an inclusive workplace.
What is a reasonable adjustment?
You may have also seen the term reasonable adjustment. It means the same thing in practice - but it is a legal term.
Reasonable adjustment is the term used in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992. It refers to the obligation on employers to make changes to support an employee with disability, unless doing so would cause unjustifiable hardship.
Workplace adjustment is the everyday term used to describe the actual change made.
A good adjustment is tailored to the individual and can be altered to meet the changing needs of the individual. What works on day one may not work a year later, so regular review is important.
The simplest thing an employer can do is ask, rather than assume what adjustments will help the individual.
Support is available
We offer free, confidential advice to both employers and people with disability on workplace adjustments. If funding is needed for modifications or equipment, the Employment Assistance Fund (EAF) may be able to help.
In 2006, the Australian Government launched JobAccess. What started as a simple idea - that everyone deserves support to find, keep, and thrive at work - has grown into Australia's national hub for disability employment.
Behind the 500,000 clients already supported are stories of people who stayed in work, found their footing, or discovered support they never knew existed.
From three staff to a national service
JobAccess was created in response to a recommendation from the Australian Human Rights Commission. It was designed to be a single, free point of contact for anyone with a question about disability and work, whether they are an employer, a person with disability, or a service provider.
Today, the program delivers three core services:
The National Advice Line. An advisory service staffed by frontline professionals offering expert, confidential advice on all aspects of disability employment.
The Workplace Adjustments and Employment Assistance Fund (EAF).Provides tailored recommendations and end-to-end support, delivered by allied health professionals with financial assistance available for equipment, building modifications, Auslan interpreting, and more.
The National Disability Recruitment Coordinator (NDRC). Established in 2010 and joined JobAccess in 2016. It partners with larger employers through free, tailored 12-month partnerships to build disability confidence, shift workplace culture, and improve recruitment and retention practices.
Real outcomes that last
A core strength of JobAccess is its ability to deliver lasting employment outcomes, not just short-term support. In 2024, we published landmark research following up with people who received workplace adjustment funding through the EAF.
The results found:
96% of EAF recipients remained employed two years later.
89% were still with the same employer.
94% said the equipment, modification, or service helped them be more productive at work.
These are not short-term outcomes. They are sustainable employment results. The kind that changes the path of a person's working life.
Building employer confidence across Australia
Through the NDRC, JobAccess has partnered with 482 organisations across the public and private sectors, reaching more than 2 million employees. The results show a measurable shift in workplace culture:
87% of NDRC employer partners reported a positive shift in attitude towards employing people with disability
83% said they had increased confidence in employing and retaining candidates with disability
The NDRC has run over 450 disability awareness training sessions, helping more than 12,000 frontline workers gain practical inclusion skills.
"Without JobAccess, many people with disability would resign from work, lose their jobs or be less productive at work. JobAccess provides value for money, as it reduces costs to the Government, economy and society.”
-Department of Social Services independent evaluation,
June 2019.
A team that reflects the people it serves
Behind the service is a team that Georgia says makes JobAccess what it is.
"One of the most special things about the JobAccess program is the team who delivers it. The staff are so committed, so genuine in wanting to reduce barriers at work for people with disability. 90% of the team either live with a disability or care for someone that does."
-Georgia Miller,
National Manager, JobAccess.
That lived experience shapes how the service is delivered and why it continues to be trusted by the people who use it.
Twenty years of milestones
Over two decades, we’ve helped shape how Australia thinks and talks about disability employment. Some of our key milestones include:
2006: JobAccess is launched as Australia's national hub for disability employment.
2010: NDRC is established, partnering with larger employers to build disability confidence and shift workplace culture.
2018: We’re selected as a United Nations and International Labour Organisation Best Practice Case Study. Used in international training modules on disability employment.
2019: An Independent DSS evaluation confirms JobAccess provides value for money, reducing costs to the Government, economy and society.
2025:We’re recognised as a Zero Project Awardee 2025. Our third Zero Project recognition, for innovation in disability employment policy. Our advice line surpasses 500,000 people supported.
2026: Our 20th anniversary.
As we enter our third decade, the focus remains on the people our service is built for.
"What excites me about the future of JobAccess is more good news stories, more people with amazing employment outcomes - but not just getting work," says Georgia. "Actually progressing in careers. And seeing more people with disability in leadership positions."
Whether you're an employer looking to build a more inclusive workplace or a person with disability exploring your options, we can help. Call us on 1800 464 800 to find out what support is available for you.
Amanda stays connected to her team with JobAccess support
Amanda, a registered nurse, was facing challenges with communication at work due to hearing impairment. With support from JobAccess and the Employment Assistance Fund, she accessed assistive technology to stay connected, confident and part of her team.
Disability inclusion at work: why belonging matters
Disability inclusion is about more than hiring - it’s about belonging.
In this video, Kellie Wheeler - Professional Adviser for the National Disability Recruitment Coordinator (NDRC) explains why inclusive workplaces matter, how adjustments support everyone, and how employers can build safer, stronger teams.
JobAccess is government funded and supports employers to confidently recruit and retain people with disability.
New guide to help employers work with Inclusive Employment Australia
Employers looking to hire people through Inclusive Employment Australia can now access a new guide explaining how the program works.
Inclusive Employment Australia is a specialist disability employment program. It assists people with disability, injury, or health condition to prepare for, find and maintain work and grow their career. It replaced the Disability Employment services (DES) program on 1 November 2025.
Pre-employment help – How an Inclusive Employment Australia provider can help employers design jobs to hire people with disability.
Financial help – Information on wage subsidies that may be available when hiring through Inclusive Employment Australia provider.
Accessibility – Advice on how to make a workplace accessible and inclusive for people with disability.
On-the-job support – Information on 'Ongoing Support -Work Assist' services to help people with disability in the workplace.
Working together for success
Building a strong partnership with an Inclusive Employment Australia provider can help an employer find the right staff and create a more inclusive workplace.
Employers can also get free advice on hiring people with a disability through the National Disability Recruitment Coordinator (NDRC). The NDRC is managed by JobAccess and helps remove hiring barriers.
Celebrating neurodiversity at JobAccess: Voices from our team
Meet neurodivergent JobAccess team members sharing their experiences of inclusive workplaces and how JobAccess helps employers create supportive environments.
