Employer Information
Much of the following information comes from JobAble – an Australian Government initiative
Hiring wokers with disabilities - it's a good idea
Employees with Disabilities are:
SAFER: fewer accidents and better OH&S records
MORE RELIABLE: on time and less sick days
LONGER LASTING: staying in a job longer
WANTED: employers who hire workers with disabilities do so again
NOT EXPENSIVE: the cost of hiring workers with disabilities is not as high as some may think
GOOD WORKERS:
WORKPLACE MODIFICATIONS AND ADAPTIVE TECHNOLOGY
Accessibility: All new buildings must be built to comply with Australian Standard AS 1428. This means that buildings are designed to allow access for 80% of disabled people in an age range of 18 to 60 years of age.
Workplace Modifications: Making your workplace accessible.
If you need to modify your workplace, the following link takes you to many
products and suppliers.
Accessibility.com-Products
and Services
Government Assistance for Modifications: The Workplace Modifications
Scheme (WMS) reimburses employers for the costs involved in modifying the
workplace or purchasing special equipment for new workers with disabilities
to qualify for assistance. Companies must employ the person for at least eight
hours a week in a job that is expected to last at least three months. A cap
of $5 000 normally applies for each new worker, although flexibility exists
to increase the amount. He sorts of modifications funded include disability
specialist IT software, adapting workplace tools and workstations in the workplace
and providing specialist equipment for people with disabilities (taken from
the JobAble website)
Learn more
Reasonable Adjustment
The Disability Discrimination Act (1992) requires employers to make
"reasonable adjustments" to ensure that people with a disability
have equal opportunity. If a potential employee can safely meet the essential
requirements of a job (i.e. achieve the required results irrespective of the
means), they must be given the same opportunities as other candidates. The
law states that, whenever it is, NECESSARY, POSSIBLE, and, REASONABLE, employers
should take into account a person's disability and make appropriate adjustment
to the work environment to accommodate that person. An employer or any other
service provider that is aware of an individual's disability has a legal obligation
to provide what is deemed 'reasonable adjustment' to accommodate the needs
of a person with a disability.
Reasonable adjustments are a form of equal opportunity and may include:
• job redesign,
• changing the workplace or work area,
• purchasing or modifying equipment, or
• offering flexible working arrangements.
Useful links for information about reasonable adjustments