Peak Organisation for Disability Employment Services (DES) Providers

About DEA

244 organisations across 2000 sites Represent, Support, Resource Real jobs with real pay for people with disability in open supported employment

United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Past
Medical model of disability Special schools, residential settings and sheltered workshops Emphasis on people with disability integrating with society Unintended consequences (exclusion)

Present / Future
Social model of disability Paradigm shift Mainstream schools, residential settings and employment Emphasis on society including people with disability

Employment

Australias Track Record

Australia ranks 21 out of 29 OECD countries for the employment participation rate of people with disability
(Source: OECD, 2010, Sickness, Disability and Work: Breaking the Barriers, p. 51)

Approximately 44.7% of people with a disability in Australia are living either near or below the poverty line; this is double the (relative) OECD average of 22%.
(Source: OECD, 2010, Sickness, Disability and Work: Breaking the Barriers, p. 55)

Myth
People with disability have few skills and cant or dont want to work.

Fact
The ABS reports that over one million Australians with disability are already in the workforce. Australians with disability work, pay taxes, purchase goods and services and go on holidays.

(Source: ABS, Ageing, Disability & Carers Report 2009)

Myth
My workers compensation premiums will skyrocket I cant afford it!

Fact
An Australian Government review of research found that workers with disability are no more likely to be injured at work than other employees.
(Source: Are People with Disability a Risk at Work? A review of the evide nce, Australian Safety and Compensation Council, 2007)

Myth
People with disability always need expensive and high-tech equipment. I cant afford that for my business.

Fact
Simple and inexpensive devices are often fundamental in helping people with disability live and work to their full potential. Assistive devices can be as simple as an adjustable desk, or keeping a pen and paper at a service counter to communicate with a person who is Deaf or hard of hearing.

Business case for employing Why Employ People with Disability? PWD
Wider talent pool Retention of employees Reduce on-boarding costs Improve productivity Reduce sick leave Strengthen morale Attract more customers

Case Studies

Walters Story

Philips Story

Resources /Resources Further Info

Job Access National Disability Recruitment Coordinator Australian Network on Disability Disability Employment Services (DES)

Disability Employment Services (DES)

Source candidates Assist with job customisation Information about financial (and other) supports Assist with purchasing and implementing adjustments Advice on the best ways to work with new employee Offer onsite support for as long as required

Questions & Answers

Bevan Burkin Policy Officer Bevan.Burkin@disabilityemployment.org.au www.disabilityemployment.org.au 0400 867 656