Advocacy & Rights
JobAccess: most workplace adjustments cost under $1,000, EAF reimburses
Advocacy & Rights
JobAccess: most workplace adjustments cost under $1,000, EAF reimburses
Disability Support Guide · 8 min read · 20 hours ago
Original source
Summarised by Stellar
Key points5 points
- Employers must make reasonable adjustments for workers with disability under discrimination law unless it would cause unjustifiable hardship, and the duty applies at recruitment, in-role and when needs change.
- The Employment Assistance Fund reimburses workplace modifications, equipment, specialised software, vehicle changes, Auslan interpreting and disability awareness training, and is open to employees, job seekers and self-employed people.
- Applications go through the JobAccess online portal with assessments usually completed within 10 working days, and free workplace assessments are arranged for larger applications.
- Job seekers can arrange adjustments before starting a role, and Auslan interpreting for job interviews is funded with no cap.
- Most adjustments cost under $1,000 and many cost nothing, yet 40% of people overestimate the cost at around $6,800, making cost a false barrier to requests.
Summary
JobAccess research shows 60% of Australians have never heard of workplace adjustments and 72% don't know how to arrange one, despite most costing under $1,000 and many being free. Employers have a legal duty to make reasonable adjustments unless it causes unjustifiable hardship, and the Employment Assistance Fund reimburses equipment, modifications, interpreting and disability awareness training for employees, job seekers and the self-employed. Applications run through the JobAccess portal, with assessments typically taking up to 10 working days. Anti-Discrimination NSW hosts a disability employment event on 17 September 2026.