WORKPLACE MODIFICATIONS EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE FUND

1. WORKPLACE MODIFICATIONS EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE FUND Graham O’Neil Workplace Support Consultant Multiple Solutions Disability Employment Symposium 24 October 2014

2. Outline • Employment Assistance Fund (EAF) • Job Access • Disability specific accommodations • Case studies

3. The Workplace Modifications Scheme • 1988: The scheme commenced with Federal funding of $1 million /yr • Scope: To provide reimbursement of the costs of workplace modifications & special or adaptive equipment • Replaced by Employment Assistance Fund

4. Employment Assistance Fund • Helps people with a disability and mental health condition by providing financial assistance to purchase work related modifications and services • For people who are about to start a job or currently working • Assistance to find and prepare for work – job search equipment

5. EAF may reimburse the cost of work related modifications and services including: • Worksite Assessment • Physical changes to work environment • Work vehicles • Adaptive equipment for the workplace • Information & communication devices • AUSLAN interpreting • Specialist services for employees with specific learning disorders & mental health conditions • Disability Awareness training • Mental Health First Aid training

6. Who can apply? • Employers & the self employed • Employees with disability • Employment Service Providers • Not required to be DSP recipient • May not require worksite assessment • “Unlimited” funding per application (except building modifications: $33K)

7. Eligibility Criteria • Must have a permanent disability or lasts more than two years • Work minimum 8 hours p/wk for at least 13 weeks or 20 hours p/wk for self employed (or intention to do so) • Be an Australian resident • Disability/medical condition not compensable NB. All mods & equipment must be work related and due to persons disability

8. How to apply for assistance • www.jobaccess.gov.au • Commenced July 2006 • Comprises: - Telephone and email enquiry service - A web site - Administration of Employment Assistance Fund & AUSLAN for Employment programs

16. Funding is provided for a wide range of disability – specific accommodations:

28. Case studies

29. Building Designer Neurological disability Barriers: • Mobility, access & fatigue Solution: • Electric Height adjustable desk • Manual wheelchair with cushions for home office • Magnetic door catch • All terrain Frontier V6 Power wheelchair with remote • Custom built trailer to suit Power wheelchair Total of package: approx $20,000

31. Work Health Safety & Quality Advisor Neurological disability Barriers: • Mobility, access & fatigue Solution: • Hand controls for vehicle • All terrain Magic mobility powered wheelchair • Folding edge ramp for car transport • Portable modular ramping system • Carbon messenger bag for work documents • Therapod office chair & Z-Rest footrest • Dragon naturally speaking software & headset Total of package: approx $42,000

34. Mechanic/Trades Assistant Brain Injury Barriers: • Physical and cognitive limitations Solutions: • On the job support from a qualified mechanic • Non-slip matting & step ladders • Industrial fans for workshop • Railing & improved steps to pits • Safety ladders Total of package: approx $18,000

35. Events Coordinator-school Neurological condition Barriers: • Mobility, access & fatigue Solution: • Cooling vests & neck ties • Clax trolley • Bioness L300 kit • Handrails for stairs throughout halls on campus • Electric utility vehicle with customised storage Total of package: approx $28,000

39. A work in progress!

40. “Physical modifications to a workplace have a small positive but significant impact on labour force participation”The Australian Safety & Compensation Council (2007)“Are People with Disability at Risk at Work: A Review of the Evidence”

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