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There is a common misunderstanding that a person living with disability will require more attention and resources from their employer. Lack of awareness and unconscious bias has contributed to the stigma that people with disability are a liability to their employer, rather than a valuable team player.

But don’t just take our word for it! Research states that these perceptions do not match reality. Let’s explore the facts.

  • Employing people with disability enhances an organisation’s image in the community. [1]
  • People with disability build strong and enduring connections with customers.
  • People with disability are personable and support workplace moral and teamwork.
  • People with disability generally take less sick leave and have a high retention rate.
  • Employment costs for people with disability can actually be lower than other employees.[2]
  • On average, people with disability have lower workers compensation costs. [3]
  • In the right role people with disability are as productive and perform tasks as well as other employees.

benefits of employing someone with a disability

Disability Employment Service (DES) providers like Ability Options, support people living with disability, health condition or injury to access pathways to employment. DES providers also provide free services to employers to help them recruit, train and retain employees. Some of the services we provide include:

  • Professional recruitment advice – helping you find the candidate for your organisation.
  • Connection to Wage Subsidies & Workplace Funding – helping you to assess your eligibility for wage subsidies and workplace modification funding.
  • Job design – assisting you to craft roles that provide for the unique requirements of your staff
  • On the job support – helping your staff settle into their new role
  • Disability awareness training – providing information to your organisation to foster a socially inclusive workplace
  • Ongoing Support – assisting employers or employees who require support to maintain employment

People living with disability, injury or health conditions such as mental illness are in our workforce right now performing roles in a variety of industries. Many are successful, highly intelligent and independent people, dedicated to their chosen vocations.

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[1] https://www.jobaccess.gov.au/employers/benefits-employing-people-with-disability
[2] Graffam, J, Shinkfield, A, Smith, K, and Polzin, U 2002, ‘Employer benefits and costs of employing a person with a disability’, Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 17, pp. 251-263.
[3] Graffam, J, Shinkfield, A, Smith, K, and Polzin, U 2002, ‘Employer benefits and costs of employing a person with a disability’, Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 17, pp. 251-263.

Do you know someone who could benefit from our services?

Refer them to Ability Options to help them get the support they want and deserve.

Refer a Participant