How To Deal With Disability Discrimination In The Workplace

How to deal with disability discrimination in the workplace nearly always comes back to adjustments, because refusing a reasonable one is itself a form of discrimination.

An adjustment is a change that lets someone do the job. Modified hours, different equipment, changed duties, accessible formats, a quieter workspace, or altered leave arrangements. Most cost little and many cost nothing.

An employer can decline where the adjustment would impose unjustifiable hardship, but that is a considered assessment rather than a preference. It weighs the benefit and detriment to everyone involved, the cost, and the organisation’s financial circumstances. Inconvenience is not the test, and the employer has to show it.

The practical failure is refusing informally, without ever assessing it. Ask what would help, cost it, and record the reasoning either way.

The Australian Human Rights Commission covers disability discrimination. This is general information rather than legal advice, and obligations vary by state and territory.

See Sentrient’s disability awareness training and EEO training course.