The take home message is that it was always possible, all the time that employers where saying it was not. It is a form of ableism in the sense that it’s concentrating on that proportion of society who fit within a particular norm.”
In May 2020, the ILO Global Business and Disability Network conducted two surveys – one for National Business and Disability Networks (NBDN) and one for those networks’ company members – to identify good practices and gaps in responding to the COVID-19 crisis in a disability-inclusive way. In total, 159 companies from 22 countries (representing four regions) participated in the company survey, and 19 national networks participated in the NBDN survey.
The Morrison Government has partnered with the ABC to showcase the incredible work of up-and-coming content makers with disability and increase employment opportunities. “By supporting these content makers to distribute their work and have their voices heard it will hopefully inspire other artists with disability to follow their dreams and break down barriers to employment.
In my state, Victoria, plans to return to the office have been foiled by a second wave of Covid-19. While the circumstances in Melbourne are extremely difficult, I must admit “normal” has not been my bag for a very long time.
Campaigns and awareness days related to the inclusion of people with disability are used by many organisations to inspire understanding and engagement in the workplace. By linking back to your organisation’s wider goals and values, awareness days can help you promote a culture of inclusion and demonstrate your commitment to a workplace that is accessible, safe and supports everyone to reach their full potential.
Jasmine Jarvis, interviews PhD Candidate Jerusha Mather as she discusses her PhD journey in medical & biological sciences, her motor function in adults with cerebral palsy research, why having cerebral palsy made her stronger, and the importance of inclusivity in STEM research.
For many Australians, looking for work involves preparing resumes, cover letters and interview questions, but for people living with a disability you can add discrimination and managing low expectations to that list as well. Research shows many people with disability are choosing self employment, with one group creating tools to make businesses more inclusive.
“Many organisations will have a disability action plan and pay lip service to it saying that the support is going to be there, but when you actually try to access it then you are discriminated against or dismissed,” she said.
Lead researcher Professor Simon Darcy said this was because people with disability felt they had no choice but to start their own business in order to work, setting their own flexible hours and working conditions was attractive, and it was an opportunity to give back to their community in some way.
The HSU, along with other NDIS Unions (HSU, the Australian Services Union and the United Workers Union) and the employer peak-body, National Disability Services (NDS), filed the application to vary the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 to insert the allowance.
A new app backed by the NDIS has been developed to bring together those in need of care with workers searching for employment.
For many organisations the COVID-19 pandemic has seen significant changes in how, when, and where their employees work. The sudden shift to remote or flexible work arrangements and the need for physical distancing to protect colleagues and customers is presenting opportunities and challenges, especially for those with disability. This resource provides practical tips to ensure that all employees can participate equitably in this new world or work.
So, why is it still so hard to find good workplaces that are inclusive where disabled people feel comfortable and stay for the long haul? Why have the statistics on disability employment stagnated for decades, or gone backwards?
The NDIA has joined the Comcare Collaborative Partnership, a national alliance with a shared focus on improving work participation for people living with disability.
The ABC understands there’s now an alarming number of job seekers with disabilities who are being hired to ensure companies meet diversity target, but then are promptly fired. Disability employment experts say it’s doing damage to the economy and risks pushing many of Australia’s 4.3 million people with a disability into long term unemployment or even poverty.