Reasonable adjustments

Changes that remove barriers so a person with disability can take part equally, for example at work or in a service.

What it means

Reasonable adjustments are changes that remove barriers so a person with disability can take part on an equal basis with others. The point is not to give someone an advantage, but to make sure a disability does not unfairly stop them from doing something everyone else can do.

Adjustments come in many forms. At work, this might mean flexible hours, adapted equipment, or changes to how tasks are done. In a service, it might mean providing information in accessible formats, allowing more time, or communicating in a way that suits the person. What is reasonable depends on the situation, but the aim is always equal participation.

In practice

Importantly, making reasonable adjustments is often the responsibility of mainstream services and employers, not the NDIS. Under disability discrimination and workplace laws, businesses, government services and educators are generally expected to adjust so people with disability can participate. This sits outside NDIS funding.

In practice, this means an employer might adjust a workstation or working hours, a health service might book longer appointments or provide an interpreter, and a school might supply materials in an accessible format. These changes are usually low cost and simply reflect good, inclusive practice. The NDIS may fund disability-specific supports, but it does not replace the everyday adjustments that services and employers are already expected to make.

A real example

For example, when Noah started a new office job, his employer adjusted his hours slightly and provided screen-reading software so he could do his role on an equal footing with colleagues. These were reasonable adjustments made by the employer, not supports funded through Noah's NDIS plan.

Reasonable adjustments — FAQs

What are reasonable adjustments?
Reasonable adjustments are changes that remove barriers so a person with disability can take part on an equal basis with others. Examples include flexible working hours, adapted equipment, longer appointment times, or providing information in accessible formats. The aim is equal participation, making sure a disability does not unfairly prevent someone from doing what others can do.
Does the NDIS pay for reasonable adjustments?
Generally no. Making reasonable adjustments is often the responsibility of mainstream services and employers, not the NDIS. Under anti-discrimination and workplace laws, employers, services and educators are usually expected to make these changes themselves. The NDIS funds disability-specific supports, but it does not replace the everyday adjustments other organisations are already required to provide.
Who is responsible for making reasonable adjustments at work?
Employers are generally responsible for making reasonable adjustments so an employee with disability can do their job on an equal basis. This might include adapted equipment, flexible hours or changes to how tasks are carried out. It is worth discussing your needs openly with your employer so suitable adjustments can be put in place together.
What if a service refuses to make an adjustment?
Start by explaining clearly what you need and why it helps you participate equally. If a service still refuses, you can ask about their complaints process. Anti-discrimination laws generally require services to make reasonable adjustments, so you may also seek advice or support from an advocate to help resolve the situation.
Are reasonable adjustments the same as NDIS supports?
No. Reasonable adjustments are changes that employers and mainstream services make to remove barriers and enable equal participation, and they usually sit outside the NDIS. NDIS supports are disability-specific supports funded through a person's plan. The two can work alongside each other, but reasonable adjustments are not something the NDIS typically funds.

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