The Compelling Case for Disability Employment
Disability Action Week is an annual event held each year celebrating the vital contribution of people with disability in our communities. It aims to dispel society’s misconceptions about people’s ability and reduce the discrimination experienced by many.
This year’s event is from November 25 – December 2, 2023, with the theme ‘Access Ignites: it’s good business’. So what does that mean, ‘it’s good business’?
The Australian government has been supporting people with disability into employment since the early 1990’s. Australia’s Disability Strategy from 2010 was updated in 2021-2031 outlining the plan to improve the lives of people with disability.
It’s about ‘ALL’ people fulfilling their potential as equal members of community. This change can be driven in several outcome areas such as employment; accessible and affordable homes and communities; safety and protection; independent living and community support; education; health and wellbeing; and making positive change to community attitudes.
It’s a big agenda.
The Australian Human Rights Commission points out that the labour force participation rate for people with disability aged 15–64 years is 53.4%, compared to 84.1% of people the same age without disability.
The labour force participation rate for people with disability has remained largely unchanged from 2003 (53%) to 2018 (53.4%). In contrast, the labour force participation rate for people without disability increased from 63.6% (2003) to 84.1% (2018).
This means the labour force participation rate has remained relatively unchanged for people with disability over the last 20 years.
Why is that?
The Australian Government website Job Access published a paper in 2023, “The compelling case for disability employment in Australia – the unrivalled benefits of an underutilised labour market.”
It busts some myths about employing people with disability:
The Cost is too High
when employers actually reap $40 saving for every $1 invested in workplace adjustments.Employees with Disability won’t Fit in
when staff turnover can be lower by up to 30%. A diverse workplace can offer a competitive edge in creativity, enhancing relationships with the community and overcome ill-informed stereotypes.
Employees with Disability have a high turnover rate
when really, they stay on the job four months longer on average that those without disability.
Productivity is Lower
61% of employers dispel this myth.There is a Higher Risk of Injury – Busted!
People with disability have 34% fewer accidents than other employees.
If you are an employer who is experiencing a labour shortage, then the evidence is compelling. You could start with free online Disability Awareness Training through Jobmatch Employment. It takes approximately 90 minutes to complete and will give you and your staff a better understanding of the many facets of disability. You could also talk to an Employment specialist about the jobs vacancies in your business.
You can read more online at: Queensland Government