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By Andrew Donne , Chief Executive Officer , Endeavour Foundation
Supported employment matters
Advocates for the introduction of a National Disability Insurance Scheme ( NDIS ) made a strong case for the significant value that would be delivered to people with a disability and society more broadly , if people had the right supports to enable them to participate in employment .
Sadly Australia does not have a proud history in terms of inclusive employment practices and opportunities . PricewaterhouseCoopers tells us that in 2011 Australia was ranked 21 out of 29 OECD countries in employment participation rates for people with a disability , and around 45 per cent of Australians with a disability were living either near or below the poverty line .
And according to Deloitte Access Economics , in 2009 , only half of the 2.2 million working-age Australians with a disability were employed , compared to nearly 80 per cent of working age Australians without a disability .
In this context , it is deeply concerning that , currently , just two per cent of participants over the age of 24 have an employment component included in their NDIS plans .
This is concerning on a number of levels because , while there are quantifiable fiscal reasons for having a job , the capacity building and social engagement outcomes that result from meaningful employment are inestimable .
The opportunity to work ensures people have an income but also leads to increased social engagement and all the benefits that flow from it – the same benefits which many of us take for granted .
When talking with people working in supported employment , it soon becomes clear that they have chosen to do so because they are unable to work in open employment . Many have tried but have faced bullying and other issues which , in turn , have proven harmful to mental health . While they are keen to work , they have found supported employment to be the only sustainable employment option for them ; its significance must not be undervalued .
Having a job is an important factor in helping people to stay active , fit , and mentally engaged . It boosts confidence and self-esteem , and supports people to strive for potential-fulfilling goals .
Employment offers an avenue for skills to be recognised and valued , and brings a sense of purpose to each day , alongside friends and colleagues in the community .
We believe Australia must maintain a broad continuum of employment options , so that everyone who wants to work can find the supports needed to make it happen . Inclusion does not mean dismissing the aspirations of people with profound intellectual disability who also want to enjoy the many benefits of employment .
46 employment linkonline . com . au