Workplace Modifications Scheme

For many people with a disability, the main barrier to equal opportunity in the workplace is not their disability, but some feature of the work situation that could readily be adjusted or altered. Sometimes, this can be as simple as relocating furniture, removing obstacles or adjusting lunch-breaks, all of which cost nothing to the employer.

What is the Workplace Modifications Scheme?

The Workplace Modifications Scheme (WMS) aims to adjust the workplace to suit people with disability. Funding under the Workplace Modifications Scheme is available to pay the cost of any special equipment or adjustment that is needed to accommodate both existing and new employees with a disability. The amount of funding available for each workplace modification usually is not limited, which means there is flexibility to provide workplace solutions that really meet the individual needs of you and your employer.

Under the Workplace Modifications Scheme, Funding is available to help employers accommodate new workers with disabilities, as well as existing workers whose job may be in jeopardy as a result of their disability. To be eligible, you must be employed for at least eight hours a week in a job that's reasonably expected to last 13 weeks or more.

Eligibility for Assistance

To be eligible for the Workplace Modifications Scheme, a worker with a disability must satisfy all these criteria:

• be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
• have an ongoing disability that has lasted, or is likely to last, for two years or more
• seek employment or be employed for a minimum of 8 hours per week
• seek employment or be in employment which is reasonably expected to continue for a period in excess of 13 weeks
• be employed under a legal industrial arrangement that complies with the minimum standards established by Commonwealth, State or Territory law (such as an award, enterprise agreement, individual workplace agreement or be a self-employed worker who is working a minimum of 20 hours per week)

Employees with a disability NOT eligible for assistance are those who:

• have received a workers compensation payment against the current employer that covers the modifications, adjustment or item being sought under the WMS; OR
• are undertaking a current work experience or trainee placement; OR
• are undertaking unpaid work, or Work for the Dole programme participants.

For further Information or to download the application guidelines visit the Workplace Modification Scheme website.

Or contact a JobAccess Adviser Monday to Friday - 9am to 7pm (except for national public holidays):
Free call: 1800 464 800
TTY: 1800 464 800
Fax: 08 9388 7799
Post: PO Box 510, Subiaco, WA 6904
Online enquiry form
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