Negative comments about hearing loss and equipment not provided

April 2021

Margarette* has a significant hearing impairment and wears hearing aids. She felt that her employer had discriminated against her when it failed to provide equipment and training she had identified to help her better perform her role, and when negative comments were made at work about her hearing loss. 

Margarette lodged a complaint with ADNSW.

The complaint was resolved following two conciliation conferences held via telephone. The agreed outcomes included a private written apology, purchase and installation of equipment to assist Margarette to perform her role, Margarette’s return to her substantive role along with refresher training, and mandatory training for staff on disability inclusion.

*Name has been changed to protect the privacy of the individual.