Guidelines for the Employee with Macular Degeneration (MD)
a. Where to go first
The Australian Government has an excellent website called JobAccess (
www.jobaccess.gov.au). This site gives information specific to the Australian work environment. It is recommended that you view this site.
b. What do I do after I am diagnosed?
Do not panic or make any quick decisions regarding your present employment.
Seek advice first. Remember that most macular degeneration is usually of the milder 'dry' form and may only slowly impact your sight. If, however, you have the more severe 'wet' form, your vision may suddenly decrease. Obtain a professional assessment, make a plan on how you will manage your workplace needs and use rehabilitation services. Even if you are actively involved in a treatment phase, it is most likely that you will be able to continue your normal workplace activities. However, it is important to always consult with your doctor.
c. Where do I go to get help finding a job?
The Federal Government has a number of employment services for people with a disability. Depending on the severity of your macular degeneration you may need help from one or all of these agencies. These include the:
- Job Network for people with a disability who do not need ongoing support or rehabilitation to find or keep a job. Click here
- Disability Employment Services for job seekers with a disability who need ongoing support. Click here
- Commonwealth Rehabilitation Service Australia vocational rehabilitation services for people who have a disability or injury and need rehabilitation (www.crsaustralia.gov.au)
- Blind Citizens of Australia Employment Service (www.bca.org.au/employment/index.htm)
- Employment Services of the Blind Society in your state or territory
d. What do I need to tell my employer?
This is your choice. It is unlawful for your employer to ask you about your disability (through the provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992). Your employer can only ask about your ability to do the job.
You do not need to disclose your disability in a cover letter or resume when applying for a position. However, you might consider disclosing your visual disability if it is relevant to your ability to perform the job, or if you believe the company's equity practices are supportive of people with a disability, if you believe work place adjustments are needed or if you have already been in contact with the employer.
At interview it is generally best to be open and honest about your abilities. Consider having answers to the following questions:
- How will your disability affect your performance in the job?
- Will you require any workplace modifications in order to perform the role?
- What skills or strategies have you developed to enable you to work?
- What are the likely costs of workplace modifications or low vision aids that will be needed to enable you to perform the job?
- What are the possible sources of funding for those adjustments or aids?
e. What is a Case Manager?
You can request a Case Manager from JobAccess (
www.jobaccess.gov.au) or from your State or Territory Blind Society. This person will maintain your privacy while helping you to prepare for a job interview or will help you maintain your employment. It is in your interest to disclose your diagnosis and any visual disability to this person. Your Case Manager will need a complete summary of your eye condition so they can:
- Help you describe your disability to your employer if required.
- Determine how you can best meet the job requirements of your position.
- Assist in identifying work related adjustments, equity structures and strategies.
- Establish external and internal support structures.
- Develop mentoring and peer support networks.
A Case Manager is strongly recommended for people with macular degeneration due to the progressive nature of the condition.
f. Can I get help with funding workplace modifications?
The vast majority of people with mild macular degeneration do not require significant workplace modifications. If and when adjustments are required they will usually be simple and inexpensive.
You can access the Workplace Modification Scheme to fund workplace modifications including the lease, purchase or hire of equipment needed to help you in your work (up to $5,000). The funding may be provided to you, your employer, your advocate or your disability employment service. To be eligible for support you must be receiving assistance from a disability employment service or from a Job Network Intensive Assistance member. Also, the job you are in must be at least eight hours a week and be expected to last for at least six months.
Click here for more information on the Workplace Modification Scheme.
A worksite assessment may be necessary to help you determine the necessary modifications or equipment. The cost of approved worksite assessments will be covered by the Department of Family and Community Services and are carried out by qualified practitioners from Commonwealth Rehabilitation Service (CRS) Australia or the State or Territory Blind Society.
You can obtain information on the Workplace Modifications Scheme and worksite assessments by calling the Workplace Modifications Unit on 1800 814 838 or the Department of Family and Community Services on 1300 653 227.
g. Where can I get low vision aids and adaptive technology?
The important thing to remember is that a complete low vision assessment is essential in finding the best aid or strategy for your individual needs. Low vision assessments can be done at the Vision Assist Clinics of State or Territory Blind Societies.
For a complete list of agencies who provide low vision aids and adaptive technology in your state, please refer to the MD Foundation publication
Low Vision - A Guide.
Click here or call 1800 111 709 to request a copy.
h. Can my employer get help with funding my job?
Your employer may be able to apply for Government assistance in paying your salary. The main initiatives are:
(a) Disability Employment Assistance Program
The Disability Employment Assistance Program is currently provided by a number of non-government organisations and the Commonwealth Rehabilitation Service (CRS) Australia.
Service providers offer employment assistance to people with disabilities that are likely to be permanent and result in the need for ongoing support. These services are provided through two categories:
- Open employment services that assist people with disabilities to gain and retain paid employment in the work force in the open labour market.
- Supported employment services that support the paid employment of people with disabilities for whom competitive employment at or above the relevant award wage is unlikely and who, because of their disabilities, need substantial ongoing support to obtain or retain paid employment.
More information about the functions of disability employment services may be obtained from the offices of the Department of Family and Community Services in your State or Territory by calling 1300 653 227.
(b) Wage Subsidy Scheme
This scheme assists employers who provide job opportunities for people with disabilities by providing a wage subsidy for the equivalent of 13 weeks pay for the person with a disability. Payments can be spread over a six-month period. The employer negotiates the terms of the wage subsidy with the disability employment service. The amount of subsidy that is paid will vary with the circumstances of the job and the employee.
Your job is expected to continue after the end of the subsidy period and you must be employed for at least eight hours a week. In addition, the subsidy rate may not exceed the weekly award wage. To find out more about the Wage Subsidy Scheme contact a disability employment service in your area or call the Department of Family and Community Services on 1300 653 227.
A complete listing can be found on the Department of Family and Community Services website.
Click here.
i. How will my work performance be assessed?
In normal circumstances, your employer may not be aware of your macular degeneration. Normal workplace performance assessments will apply.
If you obtained your job through a disability support network, your Case Manager will maintain contact with you and your employer to ensure that you are both happy. However, as with any job, there will be occasions when things don't work out. In these situations, the normal performance procedures would apply.