Equipment and funding that help you at work
The right equipment can make the difference between struggling through a work day and doing your job well. For people with disability, a few practical changes to the workplace often remove the biggest barriers, and there’s funding available to help pay for them.
Common workplace barriers
- Getting in and around: steps, heavy doors, narrow corridors and bathrooms that aren’t accessible.
- Your workstation: a desk that’s the wrong height, a chair that doesn’t support you, or equipment that’s hard to reach.
- Fatigue and pain: long periods sitting or standing without the right support.
- Getting to work: moving between the car park, public transport and the building.
Equipment that helps
- Height-adjustable desks that suit a wheelchair or let you change position through the day.
- Ergonomic and specialist seating with the right support for your posture.
- Portable ramps for a step or two at an entrance.
- Bathroom equipment such as rails, raised toilet seats and shower chairs.
- Mobility equipment like a power wheelchair, power assist or scooter, so getting around a large site doesn’t wear you out.
Who pays for it
The Employment Assistance Fund (EAF). Run through JobAccess, the EAF can help pay for workplace modifications, equipment and services for people with disability who are working or about to start a job. Employers, employees and job seekers can all apply. JobAccess can also arrange a workplace assessment to work out what’s needed. Visit jobaccess.gov.au or call 1800 464 800.
The NDIS. If you’re an NDIS participant, your plan may fund personal equipment you use every day, including at work, such as your wheelchair or seating. Workplace changes are generally the employer’s or the EAF’s responsibility. Read our NDIS assistive technology funding guide for more.
Your employer. Employers have obligations to make reasonable adjustments, and many are glad to help once they know what’s needed.
Tips for talking to your employer
- Be specific about the task that’s hard and what would help.
- Let them know funding like the EAF exists. Many employers haven’t heard of it.
- Ask an OT to recommend equipment. Their report helps with funding applications.
- Agree on a time to check in and see whether the changes are working.
How Regency Care can help
We supply mobility, seating and bathroom equipment across regional NSW, and we can provide clear quotes for funding applications. Book a time to meet one of the team or call 1300 622 122. If you send an enquiry online, we’ll be in touch within one business day.
