STRENGTH IN DIVERSITYA guide to promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace

Disability Myth 1People with disabilities can only do basic unskilled jobs

COMMON DISABILITY MYTHS IN THE WORKPLACE

People with disabilities bring a range of skills, talents and abilities to the workplace

Disability Myth 2People with disabilities have a higher absentee rate

COMMON DISABILITY MYTHS IN THE WORKPLACE

They are not constantly sick and do not need to take more time off work

COMMON DISABILITY MYTHS IN THE WORKPLACE

Disability Myth 3People with disabilities have higher employment and training costs

The cost of employing and training a person with a disability is the same, or can sometimes be less, than for someone without a disability

Government services may be able to reimburse you for any devices a person with a disability may need

COMMON DISABILITY MYTHS IN THE WORKPLACE

Disability Myth 4People with disabilities incur higher workers compensation and safety costs

There is no proof that people with disability are more susceptible to workplace accidents

Insurance premiums are based on accidents at work and not characteristics of employees

COMMON DISABILITY MYTHS IN THE WORKPLACE

Disability Myth 5People with disabilities require more support at work that will reduce others’ productivity

Most people with a disability in a workplace setting need little or no support and are just as productive as their colleagues

Government services may be able to help businesses if an employee with a disability requires extra support

COMMON DISABILITY MYTHS IN THE WORKPLACE

Disability Myth 6A physical disability equals a mental disability

Employees with physical disability usually have little or no mental impairment

Acceptance comes with awareness and observing that workers with disability are competent and efficient in their jobs

WHY EMPLOY PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY?

• Diversifies your workforce

• Untapped talent pool

• Attract new market

• Potential for:o Innovationo Universal designo Accessibilityo Inclusiveness

• Be seen as an employer of choice

• Corporate social responsibility

BUSINESS BENEFITS

People with disability are…

• Reliable • Productive

• Affordable

GOVERNMENT SERVICES

• Job Access

• National Disability Recruitment Coordinator

• Disability Employment Service Providers

GOVERNMENT PROVISIONS

• Employment Assistance Fund

• Disabled Apprentice Award Wage System

• Supported Wage System

• Wage Subsidy Scheme

CREATING AN INCLUSIVE WORKPLACE

• Develop a disability action plan • Develop a better understanding of

disability

• Review accessibility of your workplace

• Interviewing candidates and disclosing disability

• Workplace flexibility

• Identify a champion or sponsor

BENEFITS OF HIRING OLDER EMPLOYEES

• Access to a broader talent pool

• Retain corporate knowledge, skills and experience and networks

• Reflect the age profile of customers

• Increased reputation

BARRIERS TO EMPLOYMENT

• Knowledge and understanding

• Management skills

• Stereotypes of older employees

• Lack of leadership and strategy

• Flexible work options

• Legal and regulatory barriers

ADDRESSING EMPLOYMENT BARRIERS

• Diversity and inclusion plan

• Training for managers and employees

• Inclusive recruitment practices

• Promote flexible work options

• Retention strategies

• Access government incentives