What are reasonable adjustments in the workplace?

Under the Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 2010 employers are required to make reasonable adjustments for a person with disability who:

  • applies for a job, is offered employment, or is an employee, and
  • requires the adjustments in order to participate in the recruitment process or perform the genuine and reasonable requirements of the job.

Many employees with disability will not need any workplace adjustments. Some may need only minor changes or adjustments to their work hours or the performance requirements of the job, while others may require specific equipment or some structural change to the workplace.

The Victorian Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC) provides resources to assist you to identify appropriate reasonable adjustments on their website: www.humanrightscommission.vic.gov.au

Job Access is a Commonwealth Initiative which also provides resources to assist you to identify appropriate reasonable adjustments: www.jobaccess.gov.au

The Office for Disability website has information about inclusive and flexible workplaces and inclusive recruitment and retention practices. There is also information for employees and employers about reasonable adjustment and disclosing disability.

To access these resources go to www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/program-support-and-overseeing-bodies or call 1300 880 043 for more information.