Disability is an impairment, limitation or restriction to a person’s mental, mobility or sensory functions. It can be:
People with disability purchase consumer goods, have jobs, go on holidays, access information and contribute to society.
Yet they are often faced with significant barriers and challenges while trying to do these things that many of us take for granted.
Download the APM Disability Inclusion Checklist to learn more.
Almost 1 in 5 people have a recognised disability. That’s 4.4 million Australians. Only 48% of working age people with a disability are employed compared to 79% without disability and 11% are under employed. 1 in 6 adults with disability have a tertiary qualification and more than one-third are managers and professionals. 83% of people with disability do not need time off work because of their condition.
Disability is part of human diversity - and diversity is good for business.
Creating an inclusive, diverse workplace benefits everyone - your employees, your business and the community as a whole. Ensuring your organisation welcomes people with disability is not only the right thing to do, it makes good business sense.
Employees with disability will support you in achieving your business objectives while enhancing the diversity of your workforce.
A diverse workforce has many benefits including:
Work is good for health.
Yet only 48% of people with disability of working age are participating in the Australian workforce.
For people with disability, employment provides:
Here are three common misconceptions about people with disability and work:
Hiring a person with disability is extremely cost effective.
People with disability have fewer compensation incidents and accidents at work compared to other employees and lower levels of absenteeism.
Plus your business could be eligible for up to $10,000 in wages subsidies.
Research shows that people with disability have less sick days and absences from work than their colleagues without disability.
The Australian Government provides support for the recruitment and employment of people with disability through the Disability Employment Services (DES) program.
This includes no-cost recruitment and you may be eligible for generous wage subsidies. There is also funding available for workplace modifications if required.
Diversity is good for business - are you ready to create a more diverse and inclusive workplace?
Here are some simple steps to get you started:
For more than 25 years, we’ve been helping Australian businesses grow and realise the benefits of an inclusive and accessible workplace.
We provide a tailored, no-cost recruitment service and ready-to-work job seekers.
Over the last 12 months, APM has assisted thousands of job seekers with a disability.
We work in partnership with Australian businesses to embed processes and initiatives to support the employment of people with disability. This includes:
Register now to receive more information about how APM can help you achieve your diversity and inclusion goals.