In This Section: Introduction Eligibility for assistance Types of Assistance Funding Applying for Workplace Modifications Scheme Further Information

Introduction

For many people with a disability, the main barrier to equal opportunity in the workplace is not their disability, but some feature of the work situation that could readily be adjusted or altered. Sometimes, this can be as simple as relocating furniture, removing obstacles or adjusting lunch-breaks, all of which cost nothing to the employer.

If an employee with a disability requires modifications or adjustments to the workplace, the Workplace Modifications Scheme can provide financial assistance to assist you as an employer to purchase and implement appropriate equipment in to the workplace. The Scheme provides financial assistance for workplace modifications and adjustments.

If an employee with a disability can meet the 'inherent requirements' of a job with some adjustments or alterations, then you as an employer are obliged to introduce them unless this imposes unjustifiable hardship. If you are unable to provide all workplace adjustments or modifications due to 'unjustifiable hardship', then the Workplace Modifications Scheme can assist you.

The Workplace Modifications Scheme is available for new workers with a disability or existing workers with a disability whose job may be in jeopardy. This includes full-time, part-time and casual workers.

The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) funds the Workplace Modifications Scheme which is administered by Job Access.

	Geraldine is employed full time managing a community support agency. She spends around 70% of her work day on the phone or at her computer processing emails and writing reports. Geraldine's arthritis has progressed to the stage where she has to take frequent breaks from her work because of pain. Her employer over the past two years has purchased a new chair and ergonomic keyboard however it is now apparent that additional equipment or modifications are needed to enable Geraldine to continue working. The employer called the Job Access Hotline for advice on what could be done to help. Job Access organised a worksite assessment which recommended a wireless headset to replace the phone handset, a new high backed chair, gel keyboard and mouse supports and modifications to the taps in the kitchen and bathroom. After approval the employer purchased the recommended equipment and was reimbursed for the full costs.

Eligibility for Assistance

To be eligible for the Workplace Modifications Scheme, a worker with a disability must be:

• an Australian citizen or permanent resident; and
• employed for a minimum of 8 hours per week; and
• in employment which is reasonably expected to continue for a period in excess of 13 weeks.

An employee with a disability must also be employed under a legal industrial arrangement that complies with the minimum standards established by Commonwealth, State or Territory law. This includes employment arrangements under:

• an award; or
• an enterprise agreement; or
• a certified agreement; or
• an individual employment contract; or
• an individual workplace agreement (eg. AWA) made under the Commonwealth, State or Territory law.

Note: Where no award exists, you as an employer are responsible for contacting the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations or equivalent State authority that will nominate an appropriate award.

Employees with disabilities NOT eligible for assistance are those:

• undertaking a traineeship or apprenticeship funded by the Federal Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST); or
• undertaking a rehabilitation program with CRS Australia; or
• who have any outstanding workers compensation claims against the current employer
• undertaking a current work experience or trainee placement
• volunteers or Work for the Dole program.

Types of Assistance

The Workplace Modifications Scheme can contribute to the cost of the lease, hire or purchase, manufacture, establishment or initial training with the specialised adaptive equipment that enables a worker to perform at his/her full potential and/or maximise his/her income which would not normally be provided by an employer.

	Funding assistance may also be approved at the discretion of the Department Workplace Modifications Unit for the following: Modification to a vehicle may be considered if a worker is employed under a legal industrial agreement where that employment is predominantly associated with the use of transport (eg. a delivery driver); and Training in instances where a worker with disabilities requires technical support or training for disability specific modifications or equipment normally not provided by an employer. Medical aids in instances where a medical aid is required due to a person's disability specifically for the work environment and where more appropriate sources of funding are not available. In most instances funding for medical aids will not be available. Software upgrades for those who require new software enhancements due to their disability. This may be considered on a case by case basis. Communications technology or alert systems normally not provided by an employer. Specific items of equipment or modifications to existing items of equipment that would be used by a worker with a disability in a particular job. Physical or environmental workplace adjustments that promote access to premises or enable a worker with a disability to carry out their duties at a particular workstation or location e.g. alternative lighting, ramps, workstation height adjustments etc. Costs to any building modifications cannot exceed $25,000. All building modification applications would be referred for a workplace assessment.

Funding is not available when:

• the requested modification, equipment or assistance is not specific to meet the needs of the worker with a disability
• it should be provided by another Commonwealth, State, non-government or voluntary source
• modifications in the workers home unless it is directly related to the workers duties and the worker is unable to attend the usual place of work due to their disability. The employer would be expected to provide equipment that is normally in the workplace unless it can be shown that this would cause hardship.

Funding

There is no funding limit for lease, hire or purchase of special equipment. Certain requirements need to be met in regard to building modifications. The amount of funding is subject to the availability of funds. Job Access can approve amounts on a case-by-case basis. Where necessary, a workplace assessment will be used to determine how much funding can be provided.

It is expected that you as an employer contribute to the cost of the workplace modifications, at least to the equivalent of any workplace item provided for other employees. For example, if all other employees are entitled to an ergonomic chair but the person with a disability requires specific adjustment or a more costly modified chair, the employer's contribution would be equivalent to the cost of the chair provided to other employees.

There are no restrictions to the number of times an employee with a disability can apply for workplace modifications funding assistance, however, subsequent funding would be subject to the availability of funds and at the discretion of Job Access.

A worksite assessment is required in some circumstances as part of the application process. The workplace assessment is arranged by Job Access. The assessment assists the worker and employer to determine the most appropriate modifications or equipment.

Applying for Workplace Modifications Scheme

• Telephone Job Access on 1800 814 838 (free call)
• Application are lodged on line through the Job Access website

Further Information

• Job Access website: Workplace Modifications Scheme
• Job Access, telephone 1800 814 838