employment
JobAccess General Manager
Daniel Valiente-Riedl shares free workplace assessment and
job seekers can overcome that can be reimbursed by the
tips on how employers and receive advice on changes or support
barriers to disability Australian Government’s Employment
employment.
Going beyond
a tick in the box
T
Assistance Fund.
Additionally, larger organisations
seeking to improve their confidence
and capability in hiring people
with disability can reach out to
the JobAccess National Disability
Recruitment Coordinator, who can
provide practical help including
he benefits of employing employing people with disability as reviewing policies and procedures,
people with disability are “a step into the unknown”. The fact and conducting disability awareness
clear. Studies show they is, it doesn’t have to be. training for staff.
are equally or more productive,
As a result of this research, DSS
How can job seekers prepare?
reliable and innovative than those launched the ‘Employ their Ability’ A good starting point for job
without disability. Despite this, campaign, highlighting the benefits seekers is to look for organisations
barriers in the workplace can make of employing people with disability which actively promote their
it challenging for skilled people through real-life case studies. It commitment to diversity and
to enter the workforce, keep their directs employers to the JobAccess inclusion by reviewing employer
jobs or progress in their careers. website where information about websites for statements that reflect
Why do businesses hold back? Australian Government support and their commitment.
In July 2018, the Department programs is available to help them.
When applying for a job, people
of Social Services (DSS) released a What can employers do? should focus on their strengths and
report that surveyed 1,200 Australian There are several ways the specific or transferable skills and
businesses to determine their employers can overcome the experience they will bring to the
openness and perceptions about barriers highlighted in the new role, to help them stand out to the
employing people with disability. The research. Effective communication employer. The JobAccess website
results were eye-opening. is one of the more critical steps. In has a range of useful resources,
Seventy-seven per cent of
most cases, it can be as simple as from resume templates to interview
employers believed it was important asking an individual about inclusive preparation tips.
to include people with disability in language, or if there is any support their workplace. However, only one or adjustments the employer can seekers and to enable employers to
in three demonstrated a behavioural provide in the workplace. go beyond a tick in the box.
commitment to doing so.
Lack of awareness and
58
contact JobAccess to organise a
Adjustments can be as simple
JobAccess is here to help job
JobAccess is a national hub
as a telephone headset or an for workplace and employment
understanding was found to be ergonomic chair. If an employee information for people with disability,
another systemic barrier. Nearly does need modifications to perform employers and service providers.
40 per cent of businesses viewed their role, their employer can
employment
www.jobaccess.gov.au
linkonline.com.au