The journey to employment for people with disability in Australia is fraught with obstacles, yet the rewards of overcoming these challenges are immense. With nearly half of the working-age population of people with disabilities not in the labour force, it’s clear that much work remains to be done.
By championing inclusive practices, businesses can transform lives and significantly benefit from the diverse skills and perspectives that individuals with disabilities bring to the table.
WorkAbility Expos, funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services, are designed to change the narrative by connecting employers and people with disability.
The state of disability employment in Australia
Any way you look at it, the statistics are staggering. In 2018, only 53% of working-age people with disabilities were in the labour force, compared to 84% of those without disability. Alarmingly, this gap has remained largely unchanged over the last 30 years.
These figures highlight the pressing need for targeted interventions to improve employment opportunities for people with disability, including those with high support needs. Among these statistics are individuals with goals, dreams, and aspirations just like everyone else.
The challenges
Job seekers with disabilities often encounter numerous obstacles, such as negative employer perceptions and inaccessible workplaces.
It’s crucial for businesses to recognise these barriers and take proactive steps to create supportive, accessible environments.
The benefits of inclusive hiring
Increasing employment for people with disabilities can significantly boost the economy. For every 1,000 people employed, GDP could rise by up to $72.6 million annually.
Beyond the economic advantages, inclusive workplaces foster innovation, improve employee morale, and enhance workplace culture.
By embracing the talents and perspectives of people with disability, businesses can drive growth and create a more dynamic, inclusive workforce.
Government and other support for businesses
The Australian Government, through its JobAccess program, offers various supports and incentives for businesses that hire people with disability. These supports include financial incentives, funding for workplace adjustments, accessibility resources, and guidance on creating inclusive workplaces.
The Australian Disability Network is Australia’s peak body helping employers build the confidence and capability to welcome and employ people with disability.
Steps business owners can take
A common misconception is that businesses need to make significant adjustments to accommodate employees with disability.
In reality, creating an inclusive workplace often requires only minor changes that can have a major impact. Understanding and addressing the needs of employees with disability is simpler than many assume. Australian Disability Enterprises and other disability employment organisations are actively working with business to place people with disability into open employment, providing pre-job training and on the job support.
Providing accessible workspaces, flexible work arrangements, and inclusive recruitment processes are essential steps that benefit all employees, not just those with disability. Education on disability awareness for existing employees and fostering an inclusive company culture are also key components.
By taking these steps, businesses can create an environment where everyone can thrive, demonstrating that inclusion is both practical and beneficial for the entire workforce.
The role of the WorkAbility Expo
The WorkAbility Expo is a pivotal event that connects businesses and people with disability. By attending, you can discover the benefits of inclusive hiring practices, learn from success stories, and engage directly with potential employees.
Join us at the WorkAbility Expo to explore how inclusive hiring can transform your business. Participate in workshops, networking opportunities, and access resources that will help you create an inclusive environment while addressing the problem of unemployment amongst people with disability in Australia.
Don’t miss this opportunity to make a meaningful impact on your business and the lives of people eager to contribute. Register today and be part of the movement towards a more inclusive workforce.
Ready to join us? Get in touch to see how your business can benefit by exhibiting or attending a WorkAbility Expo in your region today.
Looking to attend? There are eight in person and one virtual WorkAbility Expo to choose from. Register for a WorkAbility Expo in your region by visiting our events page.
Visual Description of blog images:
Image 1: Mark, a volunteer at many Disability Expos, hands a program to an attendee. Mark, who sits in a wheelchair and wears a yellow shirt, extends the program with a smile. The attendee, dressed in a blue shirt and jumper, reaches out with one hand to take the program while using a crutch to support himself with the other arm.
Image 2: Steve, an employee at Sydney Zoo, sits and smiles at the camera while holding his hand in a waving gesture, with an insect resting on the inside of his fingers. He wears the Sydney Zoo uniform and cap. In the background, Sydney Zoo banners featuring koalas are visible, along with a koala stuffed toy placed on top of an insect enclosure.
Image 3: Four people huddle together, smiling for the photo. In the centre, a man in a wheelchair wears a colourful tie-dye shirt, a cap, and novelty glasses resting on top of the cap. On either side of him, two women also wear colourful tie-dye shirts, caps, and novelty glasses. Behind the man in the wheelchair, a man stands wearing a yellow shirt and novelty glasses.