news
Paul has been
supported by WISE
Employment since a
car accident which
resulted in the
amputation of his
right leg. Formerly
a labourer, Paul
underwent new
training and is now
a dedicated tutor
at Banksia Gardens
Community, working
with primary school
children as part of the
Study Group program.
A new report reveals
that employer attitudes
towards people with
disability are improving,
but this isn’t necessarily
translating into job
outcomes.
Workforce attitudes over 25 years
T
he Changing Face of Disability someone with disability compared disabilities during the recruitment
report, commissioned by to 25 years ago and that workplace process,” Mr Lambelle said.
WISE Employment, explores accessibility has improved. Similarly, the current attitudinal climate in job seekers with disability can also cent of job seekers with disability feel
small to medium enterprises (SMEs) see the progress, with more than 60 disadvantaged when looking for work
across Australia towards people per cent agreeing that employers and two thirds choose not to reveal
with disability in the workforce. understand they are as productive their condition to avoid missing out
It considers how things have and reliable as other workers. on an opportunity, which is something
progressed in the past 25 years, since
Despite this, the report highlights
we are determined to overcome.”
the introduction of the Disability that half of SMEs are not aware of Discrimination Act and the launch of any current staff in their business unlock the potential is to educate
WISE Employment. with a disclosed disability and a third businesses and provide evidence of
have never employed someone with successful employment stories.
What it reveals is that while both
employer attitudes are improving
and becoming more positive, it
disability before.
WISE Employment Chief Executive
Mr Lambelle believes the way to
“We work closely with job seekers,
as well as employers to help alleviate
isn’t sufficiently translating into Officer Matthew Lambelle said one concerns and support the integration
actual jobs for those with disability, in five SMEs believe that people with of people with disability into the
and this is attributed to the many disability are not as capable or too workforce,” he said.
misconceptions still held across difficult to employ, and just under “We want employers to know
the workforce. third believe people with disability the positive impact it can have on a
are too costly or aren’t as productive. business, which is the feedback we
“One impact of this attitude is get from our employers every day.”
that job seekers may try to hide their www.wiseemployment25.com.au
More than 80 per cent of
businesses surveyed state there is a
greater openness towards employing
12
“This report highlights that 78 per
news
linkonline.com.au