The Workplace Accommodation Fund (WAF) supports disability-related accommodations for faculty and staff at UBC.
Accommodations are modifications that reduce or remove barriers in the workplace. Some accommodations don't cost anything, like modifying work hours. Others involve purchasing equipment or services, like voice-to-text software or sign language interpreting.
Funding is available until March 31, 2027 or until the WAF is exhausted. The WAF is managed by the Centre for Workplace Accessibility (CWA).
Apply for the WAF
Step 1: Review information about the WAF on this webpage.
Step 2: Submit the WAF application (via Qualtrics form, linked below).
Step 3: The CWA will contact you to discuss your application and next steps.
For help completing the application form, contact the CWA via email (workplace.accessibility@ubc.ca) or phone (604-822-8139).
Who can apply for the WAF?
Funding may be requested by:
- Faculty and staff members who have a disability or chronic health condition
- Deans/heads or managers may apply for funding on behalf of a faculty or staff member in their department
- Individuals requesting American Sign Language (ASL) Interpretation
- The Stay-at-Work/Return-to-Work Program (UBCV) or the Workplace Reintegration and Accommodation Program (UBCO)
How is the application assessed?
After receiving a WAF Application Form, the CWA will contact you to discuss next steps. In assessing applications, we will consider several factors including:
- How does the proposed solution remove barriers to full participation in the workplace?
- Will the solution be effective and beneficial?
- Are there any other solutions that could be effective and beneficial? You may be able to trial different products to see what works best for you.
- Do others need to be included in the accommodation process to assess the request? This may include your dean/head or manager, the Stay-at-Work/Return-to-Work Program (UBCV) or the Workplace Reintegration and Accommodation Program (UBCO), or others. The CWA will not include others without your informed consent.
- Is more information needed? For example, we may ask you to consult with your healthcare team or assessment provider.
If your application is approved, the CWA can buy items or tell you or your department how to get reimbursed. The CWA can also help coordinate delivery, assembly, or implementation of the solution.
Eligible expenses
Funds can be used for reasonable and beneficial accommodation or accessibility solutions, including:
- Accessibility-related services
- Equipment
- Human support services
- Software
- Specialized furniture
Ineligible expenses
The following types of expenses are not covered by the WAF:
- Accommodations established before April 2022
- Modifications to the built-environment or the public realm
- Short-term accommodations
- Standard work equipment and supplies
- Student employee accommodations (funded separately)
Ownership of WAF funded expenses
Equipment, tools, or software will stay with the individual until they leave UBC. If the individual moves to another UBC department, the equipment will follow them.
Equipment, tools, or software must be returned to the CWA if the faculty or staff member leaves UBC.