Workplace Adjustments for People with Disability: Your Guide to Getting Support
Many people with disability want to work, and the right changes at work can make a real difference. In Australia these changes are usually called workplace adjustments, or reasonable adjustments. This guide explains what they are, your rights, where to get help, and how NDIS supports can fit in.
What are workplace adjustments?
Workplace adjustments are changes to a job, a process or the work environment that help a person with disability do their job safely and productively. JobAccess, the Australian Government’s national hub for workplace and employment information for people with disability, gives advice on adjustments. Examples include:
- flexible work hours or working from home
- ergonomic equipment or assistive technology
- changes to duties or how tasks are done
- extra breaks or access to a quiet space
- Auslan interpreting
- changes to the physical environment, such as ramps or accessible bathrooms
Your rights at work
Under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth), employers are generally required to make reasonable adjustments for a person with disability, unless the adjustment would cause unjustifiable hardship. The Australian Human Rights Commission explains this in its guide to your rights as an employee under the Disability Discrimination Act.
The Fair Work Act also protects employees from discrimination because of a physical or mental disability, and eligible employees with disability can request flexible working arrangements. The Fair Work Ombudsman has information for employees with disability.
Help from JobAccess and the Employment Assistance Fund
The Employment Assistance Fund helps with workplace modifications, equipment and services that a person with disability needs to do their job, including Auslan services. Employers, employees, self-employed people, job seekers and service providers can apply. Eligibility rules apply, and JobAccess sets them out on its who is eligible page.
JobAccess advisers give confidential advice on workplace adjustments to people with disability and employers. You can call them on 1800 464 800.
How NDIS supports can fit in
If you’re an NDIS participant, your plan may include employment supports, such as help to learn work skills, find or change jobs, and get support at work, including on-the-job coaching. The NDIA explains these in its guide to employment, and your planner or local area coordinator can tell you what applies to you.
If you have support coordination in your plan, your support coordinator can help you:
- understand how your plan can support your work goals
- connect with employment, mainstream and disability services, including JobAccess
- prepare for your plan reassessment if your work goals or needs change
If you don’t have support coordination and think you need it, talk about it at your next plan reassessment.
How Felicity Holistic Care can help
Our support coordination team works with participants across Werribee, Wyndham, Melbourne and Geelong to help them use their plan and connect with the right services. Our community participation team can support you to attend training and classes, and we partner with employment support services to help young people work towards their employment goals.
Frequently asked questions
Is a workplace adjustment the same as a reasonable adjustment?
Yes, the terms are often used the same way. “Reasonable adjustment” is the term used in disability discrimination law, and “workplace adjustment” is the term JobAccess uses for changes at work.
Can I ask for flexible working arrangements because of my disability?
Eligible employees with disability can request flexible working arrangements under the Fair Work Act. The Fair Work Ombudsman explains who is eligible and how to make a request.
Where can I get advice about adjustments at work?
JobAccess gives advice on workplace adjustments to people with disability and employers. You can call them on 1800 464 800.
Talk to our team
Ready to explore your options? Contact us, call 1300 589 176, or make a referral.
This guide is general information only and is current as at October 2026. It isn’t legal advice. For advice about discrimination or your rights at work, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman on 13 13 94, the Australian Human Rights Commission or a legal professional.
