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Workplace Modifications

One of the main barriers to the employment of clients with a disability frequently cited by employers is the cost of Occupational Health and Safety modifications in the workplace which must be provided by law.

The Employment Assistance Fund (EAF) pays for the costs involved in modifying the workplace or purchasing special or adaptive equipment for eligible employees with disability.

All employees who are deaf or hard of hearing have the right to access to workplace modifications through the AEF. An assessment is needed to determine the types of modifications a workplace may need.

Modifications are available to:

  • new employees who are deaf or hard of hearing
  • existing employees who are deaf or hard of hearing if they have had a change in duties, career progression, change in disability and/or a new modification becomes available that would increase their productivity
  • employers, agents and case managers of people who are deaf or hard of hearing

Types of modifications and adjustments
There is no restriction on the types of modifications that can be approved under the Employment Assistance Fund (EAF), as long as each application meets the eligibility criteria. The EAF Guidelines provide examples of workplace modifications and adjustments and list the eligibility criteria. To download a copy of the Guidelines from the JobAccess website, click here.

The Deaf Society has previously purchased many modifications through the Employment Assistance Fund. For example:

Accessing workplace modifications
To access workplace modifications through the AEF, please visit the JobAccess website. Job Access staff can assist you with an employment-focused assessment of workplace modifications needs, which could improve your adaptation, performance and/or communication in the workplace.

Guidelines for workplace modifications are outlined in Workcover's "Report on the Review of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000". To download a copy of the Act, click here.

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