National Project Manager - part-time job
Down Syndrome Australia is seeking an experienced, highly organised professional to take on the role of National Project Manager. This position will be responsible for the delivery of a project focused on developing resources and information for community organisations on the inclusion of people with Down syndrome. The Project Manager will be responsible for consultation with stakeholders, development of resources, evaluation, reporting and developing a communications strategy.
This is a flexible, rewarding role for a person with expertise in project management, resource development and who has a strong understanding of current issues in the disability sector. Experience in delivering similar projects will be beneficial. This is a part-time 12 month contractual role with location negotiable. For more information and to get a copy of the position description please email info@downsyndrome.org.au.
Expressions of interest for this position including a CV and cover letter should be forwarded to Down Syndrome Australia by 21 June.
Showing posts with label Employment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Employment. Show all posts
Thursday, 8 June 2017
Tuesday, 6 June 2017
Employment matters
Andrew Heaton, Non-Profit News, 19 May 2017
In any recruitment process, it is the employer who makes the final hiring decision and who must be persuaded that a particular candidate can help to drive positive outcomes for his or her business.
This is especially the case when it comes to people with disability ...
A new approach to disability in the workpplace
Victoria George, Australian Network on Disability, 26 April 2017
In any recruitment process, it is the employer who makes the final hiring decision and who must be persuaded that a particular candidate can help to drive positive outcomes for his or her business.
This is especially the case when it comes to people with disability ...
A new approach to disability in the workpplace
Victoria George, Australian Network on Disability, 26 April 2017
While people with disability still struggle to find jobs, many employers are introducing positive new strategies to support a diverse workforce ...
... “But employers need to be aware of less visible disabilities, such as learning impairments ... We also need to think about adjustments for situations we might not think of as disabilities” ...
Paying people with learning disabilities lower wages perpetuates inequality
... “But employers need to be aware of less visible disabilities, such as learning impairments ... We also need to think about adjustments for situations we might not think of as disabilities” ...
Paying people with learning disabilities lower wages perpetuates inequality
Rob Greig, The Guardian (UK), 16 March 2017
Calls to pay people with learning disabilities below the minimum wage fly in the face of the evidence – not to mention the law.
When is one person of less value than another? According to some, when they have a learning disability and are looking for work. Rosa Monckton, businesswoman and parent of a learning disabled woman, has reignited calls for the law to be changed so that employers can pay people with learning disabilities below the minimum wage. Journalist Libby Purves then chimed in with her support ...
When is one person of less value than another? According to some, when they have a learning disability and are looking for work. Rosa Monckton, businesswoman and parent of a learning disabled woman, has reignited calls for the law to be changed so that employers can pay people with learning disabilities below the minimum wage. Journalist Libby Purves then chimed in with her support ...
Campbell Page Set to Transform Views on Disability in the Community
Pro Bono, 3 April 2017
The Campbell Page team hopes to make a positive change in the Australian workforce this year by strengthening partnerships with local community and employers by championing disability and inclusion ...
The Soft Bigotry of Low ExpectationsKelly Vincent, Probono News, 20 February 2017
... When it comes to employment it seems that there exists this culture of low expectation, there is also fear, and there is a view that it is absolutely fine to pay someone with a disability $3 (or less) an hour when the rest of us are supported by laws that guarantee us a minimum wage.
Time and time again I hear about the resistance, ignorance and outright prejudice of employers when it comes to having a conversation around employing people with disabilities ...
Wednesday, 10 May 2017
Federal Budget 2017: Down Syndrome Australia commentary
Budget Night 2017-2018
Down Syndrome Australia's CEO, Dr Ellen Skladzien provides this useful summary of tonight's Federal Budget, on items most relevant to Australians with Down syndrome and their families:
The most positive news for the disability sector in the budget was the decision to provide full funding to National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) through an increase in the Medicare Levy of 0.5 % from July 2019. This will provide important funding for the Scheme going forward. It is likely to be controversial as it is basically a tax increase- but provides ongoing funding for NDIS and security for the scheme going forward.
One area of concern in the budget is a funding cut of $12 million to the Information, Linkages and Capacity building component of NDIS. This is funding that supports organisations, like Down Syndrome organisations, that deliver information, referrals and peer support to people with disability. It is also the part of the scheme designed to assist people with disability who are not eligible for an individualised NDIS package of support. The Government has rationalised this by indicating it is due to WA not joining the national scheme. However, given that the current level of ILC funding is extremely low compared to the required level of support required in the sector, it is disappointing to see this cut.
Other key budget measures for disability include:
There are also a range of health measures which will potentially have a positive impact on people with Down syndrome including:
There was also significant investment in education taking on the Gonski funding model. This was announced in the lead up to the budget and has been somewhat controversial due to concerns about decreased funding to some private schools.
Overall there are some really positive outcomes; however, Down Syndrome Australia will continue to monitor the ILC situation- particularly if WA changes their approach to NDIS.
9 May 2017
Down Syndrome Australia's CEO, Dr Ellen Skladzien provides this useful summary of tonight's Federal Budget, on items most relevant to Australians with Down syndrome and their families:
The most positive news for the disability sector in the budget was the decision to provide full funding to National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) through an increase in the Medicare Levy of 0.5 % from July 2019. This will provide important funding for the Scheme going forward. It is likely to be controversial as it is basically a tax increase- but provides ongoing funding for NDIS and security for the scheme going forward.
One area of concern in the budget is a funding cut of $12 million to the Information, Linkages and Capacity building component of NDIS. This is funding that supports organisations, like Down Syndrome organisations, that deliver information, referrals and peer support to people with disability. It is also the part of the scheme designed to assist people with disability who are not eligible for an individualised NDIS package of support. The Government has rationalised this by indicating it is due to WA not joining the national scheme. However, given that the current level of ILC funding is extremely low compared to the required level of support required in the sector, it is disappointing to see this cut.
Other key budget measures for disability include:
- $33 million dollar package to support aged care and disability workforce growth
- $209 million to establish the Independent NDIS Quality and Safeguards commission
- Investment in Disability Employment Services program over the next 4 years including funding to index payments, funding attached to individuals rather than service providers, and a trial to provide DES to children with a disability in their final years of schooling.
- Changes to the residency requirements for the DSP and age pension.
There are also a range of health measures which will potentially have a positive impact on people with Down syndrome including:
- Lifting the freeze on the indexation of the MBS and reversing the removal of bulk-billing for diagnostic imaging and the increase in PBS copayment and related charges
- $165 million mental health package including $80 million for community psychosocial services
- Investment in health research
- Decision not to privatise Australian Hearing
There was also significant investment in education taking on the Gonski funding model. This was announced in the lead up to the budget and has been somewhat controversial due to concerns about decreased funding to some private schools.
Overall there are some really positive outcomes; however, Down Syndrome Australia will continue to monitor the ILC situation- particularly if WA changes their approach to NDIS.
Monday, 1 May 2017
Job opportunity for a person with Down syndrome in the Macarthur area
| Do you know someone with Down syndrome in the Macarthur area looking for work? Richardson and Wrench Campbelltown is looking for a dynamic member to join their team. Position: Office Assistant This role is part-time and consists of general administative duties including:- Printing and photocopying;For more information please email Peter Laming at: plaming@randw-campbelltown.com.au |
Thursday, 20 April 2017
BSWAT Payment Scheme: reminder to register and/or apply by 30 April 2017
Thousands of people with intellectual impairment are entitled to a one-off payment through the Australian Government’s BSWAT Payment Scheme.
Between 2004 and 2014, the Business Services Wage Assessment Tool (BSWAT) was used to assess the wages of many supported employees of Australian Disability Enterprises (ADEs).
In 2012, the Federal Court determined that the BSWAT indirectly discriminated against two ADE employees with an intellectual disability.
The Australian Government has set up the BSWAT Payment Scheme ... read the full page of information and links here
People must register for the scheme by 30 April 2017. If they don’t register they cannot apply for a payment, even if they may have been eligible.
It's quick and easy to register online. Alternatively, people can call 1800 799 515 or send an email.
Read the second issue of BSWAT News here - lots of information about the payment Payment Scheme. If you haven’t already subscribed, you can subscribe here.
Monday, 3 April 2017
Casting call
Seeking Experienced Actors With Disabilities for New Pilot
StarNow
StarNow
We are creating a new pilot which will require a large group of actors with some experience, who also have a disability. It's an exciting tounge-in-cheek project set in a world where the majority of people have a disability of some kind, and those without are seen as taboo ...
Targeted clerical position for person with intellectual disability: NSW Ombudsman's office
This position is currently advertised on the NSW Government 'Work for NSW' website. Please share:
NSW Ombudsman - Human Services Branch
Targeted position for person with intellectual disability
Administrative Officer, Clerk Grade 1/2, Part-time 2 days per week, Community Services Division, NSW Ombudsman
Targeted position for person with intellectual disability
Administrative Officer, Clerk Grade 1/2, Part-time 2 days per week, Community Services Division, NSW Ombudsman
Sydney Region / Sydney City
Salary Range: $24,061 to $26,158 (package includes salary, employer superannuation and annual leave loading)
Role: To provide administrative help and support including data entry, typing, filing, photocopying, and other jobs that the Community Services Division needs help with to do their work.
Role: To provide administrative help and support including data entry, typing, filing, photocopying, and other jobs that the Community Services Division needs help with to do their work.
Friday, 31 March 2017
New DSA Voice Editor sought
Managing Editor: Voice, the journal of Down Syndrome Australia
Down Syndrome Australia is seeking an experienced, highly organised professional to take on the role of Managing Editor of Voice. This is a unique opportunity to take on the responsibility of providing high-level management, quality assurance and content development of a journal published three times a year.
The Managing Editor has responsibility for developing the themes and content, commissioning articles, writing and editing copy, and managing the layout process, publication and distribution of each issue of the journal. This is a flexible, rewarding role for a person with expertise in publishing or journalism and who has a strong understanding of current issues in the disability sector.
This is a part-time consultancy role that may be based from home. For more information and to get a copy of the position description please email info@downsyndrome.org.au
Expressions of interest for this position including a CV should be forwarded to Down Syndrome Australia by 26 April.
Expressions of interest for this position including a CV should be forwarded to Down Syndrome Australia by 26 April.
Thursday, 16 March 2017
Apply for, or register for, BSWAT payment by 30 April 2017
BSWAT Payment Scheme
Dept Social Services, 27 February 2017
The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, received $26,000 in back pay after he was paid between $2.52 and $3.23 an hour at Australian Disability Enterprises (ADE), lawyer Kairsty Wilson said ...
Dept Social Services, 27 February 2017
Thousands of people with intellectual impairment are entitled to a one-off payment through the Australian Government’s BSWAT Payment Scheme.
Between 2004 and 2014, the Business Services Wage Assessment Tool (BSWAT) was used to assess the wages of many supported employees of Australian Disability Enterprises (ADEs).
In 2012, the Federal Court determined that the BSWAT indirectly discriminated against two ADE employees with an intellectual disability.
The Australian Government has set up the BSWAT Payment Scheme ... read the full page of information and links here
Note:
Not everyone will receive payments the size of this one, but it is worth applying for a payment if you meet the criteria:
* If a person is not ready to apply, they can register for the scheme by 30 April 2017. They then have until 30 November 2017 to apply for a payment. It's quick and easy to register for the scheme using this online form. Or, people can call 1800 799 515 or send an email.
BSWAT Scheme Newsletter, Issue #1, 9 March 2017
Not everyone will receive payments the size of this one, but it is worth applying for a payment if you meet the criteria:
Jessica Black, The Courier, 11 March 2017
An intellectually disabled Grampians man has been compensated by the Commonwealth after being paid as little as $2.52 an hour in government funded workshops. The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, received $26,000 in back pay after he was paid between $2.52 and $3.23 an hour at Australian Disability Enterprises (ADE), lawyer Kairsty Wilson said ...
Monday, 13 February 2017
Employment matters
Jessica May, Enabled Employment, 31 January 2017
... ”There’s no disability, just a bad attitude’ – a quote from Scott Hamilton.
So what’s wrong with that statement? What it does is tell people with a disability who are out of work that it’s their own fault they’re unemployed, and that their attitude towards work is the reason they are unemployed ... it is not the attitude of people with a disability that is responsible for the appalling unemployment rates of that cohort – it is the attitude of prospective employers, and people without a disability who are responsible for providing employment opportunities for them.
So what’s wrong with that statement? What it does is tell people with a disability who are out of work that it’s their own fault they’re unemployed, and that their attitude towards work is the reason they are unemployed ... it is not the attitude of people with a disability that is responsible for the appalling unemployment rates of that cohort – it is the attitude of prospective employers, and people without a disability who are responsible for providing employment opportunities for them.
Partly to blame is our definition of diversity. We include women, people who identify as LGBTI, Indigenous Australian or culturally diverse people for equal opportunity in our employment policies and statistics. But there is very rarely a mention of people with a disability in diversity policies or practice ... There’s no real diversity, no hope of reflecting the structure of our society, without the inclusion – the real and genuine inclusion – of people with a disability in the workforce.
Erin Perugini, Bloomberg Labor and Employment Blog, 27 January 2017
Why Focus on Millennials with Disabilities? By 2020, 46 percent of U.S. workers will be millennials. Additionally, one-fifth of the U.S. population has a disability. This is a large segment of the workforce, and yet millennials with disabilities face many obstacles in the workplace ...
Calls for quotas to boost employment of people with a disability (audio file and transcript)
Karen Michelmore, AM (ABC Radio), 19 January 2017
Australia's rates of employing people with a disability are among the lowest in the developed world. They've been stagnant for 20 years, and in some areas, are getting worse. Advocates and experts are now calling for radical change. Some want quotas introduced, to encourage businesses to hire more people with disability, or risk a fine ...
Karen Michelmore, AM (ABC Radio), 19 January 2017
Australia's rates of employing people with a disability are among the lowest in the developed world. They've been stagnant for 20 years, and in some areas, are getting worse. Advocates and experts are now calling for radical change. Some want quotas introduced, to encourage businesses to hire more people with disability, or risk a fine ...
Margaret Burin, ABC Mobile, 12 December 2016
... "The more people have contact with disabled people, the more they learn that it's not dangerous, it's not contagious, they've got something beautiful to give and you've got something wonderful to learn about yourself" ...
Disabled employees still offered $2.79 an hour despite it being ruled discriminatory
Joanna Crothers, ABC News, 9 December 2016
Many people with disabilities are still working for less than $3 an hour almost four years after Australia's High Court ruled they were being underpaid at Government-supported workshops ...
Joanna Crothers, ABC News, 9 December 2016
Many people with disabilities are still working for less than $3 an hour almost four years after Australia's High Court ruled they were being underpaid at Government-supported workshops ...
AltaGas Ltd. Turns Pilot Project into a Full-Time Position
Ready Willing and Able, 25 October 2016
When Michelle Dulmadge, Director of Operational Human Resources and Administrative Services at AltaGas Ltd. in Calgary, Alberta, was approached about inclusive hiring with Ready, Willing and Able (RWA), she wanted to ensure that the role they would provide would be both a meaningful experience and important to the company.
“It’s not about creating a job – it’s about assigning meaningful work that already exists,” says Dulmadge. Dulmadge was connected to RWA through partner organization, Inclusion Alberta, where she met Stephen. “Stephen was enthusiastic, prepared and excited to contribute to our team,” shares Dulmadge ...
Ready Willing and Able, 25 October 2016
When Michelle Dulmadge, Director of Operational Human Resources and Administrative Services at AltaGas Ltd. in Calgary, Alberta, was approached about inclusive hiring with Ready, Willing and Able (RWA), she wanted to ensure that the role they would provide would be both a meaningful experience and important to the company.
“It’s not about creating a job – it’s about assigning meaningful work that already exists,” says Dulmadge. Dulmadge was connected to RWA through partner organization, Inclusion Alberta, where she met Stephen. “Stephen was enthusiastic, prepared and excited to contribute to our team,” shares Dulmadge ...
Monday, 19 December 2016
BSWAT court case result
Many people with Down syndrome working in Australian Disability Enterprises could be eligible for payments. Information from People with Disability Australia, 16 December 2016:
Lengthy and dedicated advocacy work has resulted in a win for employees with disability.
Today the Federal Circuit Court of Australia has approved the settlement of the class action between the Commonwealth and employees of Australian Disability Enterprises (ADEs) whose wages had been assessed under the Business Services Wage Assessment Tool (BSWAT).
The decision is worth tens of millions of dollars that will benefit employees with disability working in ADEs around Australia.
PWDA encourages all eligible employees of Australian Disability Enterprises (ADEs) to register under the Business Services Wage Assessment Tool (BSWAT) Payment Scheme. This scheme provides a one-off payment to eligible ADE employees.
For information on the BSWAT Payment Scheme, you can call the AED Legal Centre on (03) 9650 2533 and leave a message or email noni.lord@aed.org.au
You can register by visiting the website at: https://bswat.dss.gov.au/, phoning the BSWAT Hotline on 1800 880 052, or email bswatpayments@dss.gov.au
Thursday, 17 November 2016
Employment matters
Rosemary Kayess et al, Social Policy Research Centre (UNSW), 2016
The Social Policy Research Centre was commissioned to examine the experiences people with intellectual disability have with different employment models. The study commenced in July 2015 and finished in 2016. Data was collected from 51 people with intellectual disability working in open employment, Australian Disability Enterprises (ADEs) and social enterprises. The reports highlight their experiences of choosing, finding, maintaining and changing employment, their likes and dislikes about their jobs and outcomes they achieve from working.
- Three publications from a UNSW research study, including an easy-read report
Robert Vurtue, 1233 ABC Newcastle, 15 November 2016
A non-profit cafe in Newcastle is expanding its services after high demand from people with a disability wanting to learn hospitality skills ...
A non-profit cafe in Newcastle is expanding its services after high demand from people with a disability wanting to learn hospitality skills ...
Australia going backwards on disability employment
Maurice Corcoran, RN Breakfast, ABC Radio National, 8 November 2016
A disability advocate is calling for a greater focus on employment for people with disability, warning Australia has gone backwards in the past 15 years.South Australia's Principal Community Visitor Maurice Corcoran has been recognised with a national award for three decades of work improving the lives of people with disability.
He's urging the federal government to do more to empower people through employment.
- Audio file 9m 20s
Thursday, 3 November 2016
Disability Employment Services Reform
People with disabilities, including intellectual disabilities was to work - here's an opportunity to have some input into one aspect of how employment support can be informed:
Australia Social Services Minister Christian Porter announced the latest stage of the current review of the Disability Employment Services (DES) system this week.
Australia Social Services Minister Christian Porter announced the latest stage of the current review of the Disability Employment Services (DES) system this week.
The Australian Government wants to assist more people with disability into jobs so they can enjoy the social and economic benefits that work brings.
The Disability Employment Services (DES) program plays an important role in supporting people with disability to gain employment in the open labour market. Current contracts with non-government organisations for the provision of DES cease in 2018. This presents an opportunity to consider possible changes to improve the program’s performance and achieve better employment outcomes for people with disability.
The Australian Government commissioned the Disability Employment Taskforce in 2015 to review the disability employment framework and seek feedback from the disability sector to inform possible changes to DES to come into effect in 2018.
Building on the work of the Taskforce, the discussion paper New Disability Employment Services from 2018outlines specific options for what a new model of DES could look like.To find out more about this important issue and how you can have your say visit this page on the Dept Social services website.
Employment
Access and Inclusion Index - a business tool
Australian Network on Disability recommends that businesses check how their operation
'stacks up when it comes to including people with disability' by using the Australian first, the Access and Inclusion Index that helps organisations understand and improve their disability confidence. Find out more at www.accessandinclusionindex.com.au
What does work mean to someone with a learning disability?
Australian Network on Disability recommends that businesses check how their operation
'stacks up when it comes to including people with disability' by using the Australian first, the Access and Inclusion Index that helps organisations understand and improve their disability confidence. Find out more at www.accessandinclusionindex.com.au
What does work mean to someone with a learning disability?
Rachel Clayton, Stuff (NZ), 7 October 7 2016
Two weeks ago a man with learning disabilities was dismissed from his position as a trolley boy at Bunnings for taking a bottle of drink he thought was "nobody's" ... Having a job is important to most of us, but perhaps especially so for people, like Clark, who struggle to be valued as someone who contributes to society ...
Two weeks ago a man with learning disabilities was dismissed from his position as a trolley boy at Bunnings for taking a bottle of drink he thought was "nobody's" ... Having a job is important to most of us, but perhaps especially so for people, like Clark, who struggle to be valued as someone who contributes to society ...
Disability groups back targets to boost lagging employment rates
Rebecca Hyam, The World Today (ABC), 11 October 2016
Some of the country's biggest corporations have been coming under fire during the current annual general meetings season for linking lucrative CEO and executive bonuses to non-financial targets for diversity, sustainability and culture ...
Rebecca Hyam, The World Today (ABC), 11 October 2016
Some of the country's biggest corporations have been coming under fire during the current annual general meetings season for linking lucrative CEO and executive bonuses to non-financial targets for diversity, sustainability and culture ...
Tuesday, 27 September 2016
On work, and employment
Disability internships welcomed as game changer
Pressure Mounts To Abandon Sheltered Workshops
Lydia DePillis, Houston Chronicle/TNS, 3 August 2016
... Disability advocates have long argued that allowing workers to be paid less than minimum wage in segregated work environments — known as “sheltered workshops” — is disempowering and unfair.
After years of complaints, the federal government has started to curtail the practice, Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton has come out against it altogether, and some states have passed laws that effectively ban it in favor of services that help people with disabilities find decent-paying work ...
Placing our trust in workers with learning disabilities
Stephen Naysmith, Herald Scotland, 22 August 2016
What do you think of, when you think about jobs for people with learning disabilities? The stereotype of a humble manual job, such as cleaner or porter, or working behind the counter in a cafe?
School leavers with disability programs hitting targets
The Daily Telegraph, Ian Paterson, 2 September 2016
A NSW government program to assist school leavers with a disability find employment is reaping rich rewards. New figures reveal the state’s Transition to Work program is helping 81 per cent of its clients successfully enter the workforce ...
David Tiley, Screen Arts Hub, 19 September 2016
... According to Courtney Gibson, 'We can do lots of things under the Screenability banner over a long period. It is an open-ended policy commitment. We will keep doing it until we don’t need to do it any more' ...Pressure Mounts To Abandon Sheltered Workshops
Lydia DePillis, Houston Chronicle/TNS, 3 August 2016
... Disability advocates have long argued that allowing workers to be paid less than minimum wage in segregated work environments — known as “sheltered workshops” — is disempowering and unfair.
After years of complaints, the federal government has started to curtail the practice, Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton has come out against it altogether, and some states have passed laws that effectively ban it in favor of services that help people with disabilities find decent-paying work ...
Placing our trust in workers with learning disabilities
Stephen Naysmith, Herald Scotland, 22 August 2016
What do you think of, when you think about jobs for people with learning disabilities? The stereotype of a humble manual job, such as cleaner or porter, or working behind the counter in a cafe?
School leavers with disability programs hitting targets
The Daily Telegraph, Ian Paterson, 2 September 2016
A NSW government program to assist school leavers with a disability find employment is reaping rich rewards. New figures reveal the state’s Transition to Work program is helping 81 per cent of its clients successfully enter the workforce ...
Repost, in case you missed it:
Centre for Disability Studies, 6 September 2016
Young people with intellectual disabilities will be embedded as paid interns in two leading Australian organisations, including the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), as part of an innovative new program at the University of Sydney ...Monday, 19 September 2016
New resources from Down Syndrome Australia
 |
Ageing and Down Syndrome
- a 30 page booklet |
 |
| Down syndrome in the workplace for employees - a 12 page booklet |
 |
| Down syndrome in the workplace for employers - a 20 page booklet, |
Thursday, 4 August 2016
Employment, work, jobs
Disability doesn't mean entrepreneurial inability
Tony Featherstone, Sydney Morning Herald, 7 July 2016
Entrepreneurship might seem an unlikely pursuit for Australians with disability. But greater focus on self-employment can transform disability into ability, boost income security and social inclusion, and increase labour market participation ...
What I've Learned By Hiring More Employees With Disabilities
Scott Monette, Fast Company, 21 July 2016
Everyone deserves a chance to succeed. And by my estimation, no group has been refused that opportunity more than people living with disabilities (PLWD). Sadly, less than one-fifth of this population is employed ...
Melbourne café gives staff members with intellectual disabilities a chance to thrive
Tilly Graovac, Nine News, 28 July 2016
Michael Otto says he has already made “too many” coffees to count since the opening of the Chancez café in Epping last Wednesday. ...
Tony Featherstone, Sydney Morning Herald, 7 July 2016
Entrepreneurship might seem an unlikely pursuit for Australians with disability. But greater focus on self-employment can transform disability into ability, boost income security and social inclusion, and increase labour market participation ...
What I've Learned By Hiring More Employees With Disabilities
Scott Monette, Fast Company, 21 July 2016
Everyone deserves a chance to succeed. And by my estimation, no group has been refused that opportunity more than people living with disabilities (PLWD). Sadly, less than one-fifth of this population is employed ...
Melbourne café gives staff members with intellectual disabilities a chance to thrive
Tilly Graovac, Nine News, 28 July 2016
Michael Otto says he has already made “too many” coffees to count since the opening of the Chancez café in Epping last Wednesday. ...
Thursday, 28 July 2016
NDIS Champions: paid employment opportunity for people with disabilities
The Australian Federation of Disability Organisations (AFDO) is the national voice representing people with disability in Australia. AFDO and our member organisations are run by and for people with disability, which we believe is very important to truly represent the voice and lived experience of people with disability.
AFDO is looking for 30 people with disabilities to become NDIS Champions. We are especially interested in emerging grassroots leaders – people who are great communicators with a fresh voice.
NDIS Champions programPeople with disabilities are not often asked to provide information about the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to their peers and community. AFDO is now offering an NDIS Champions program that will put together a group of people with disabilities from all around Australia who can confidently provide information on the NDIS. Training will be provided to the NDIS Champions to make sure they have the necessary skills and knowledge.
Who can apply?
- The NDIS Champions Program is only open to people with disabilities
- Applicants must provide an Australian Business Number (ABN); either a personal ABN or through their employer (not AFDO)
- Applicants must be covered by insurance; either personal accident and indemnity insurance, or WorkCover through their employer (not AFDO)
Wednesday, 22 June 2016
What’s the best way to prepare special-needs students for the workforce?
A view from the U.S.:
Escaping the Disability Trap
Alia Wong, The Atlantic, 15 June 2016
... Research conducted by Eric Carter from Vanderbilt Kennedy Center and two other special-education experts suggests that students are more than twice as likely to have paid employment in their first two years after high school if they have early work experience. Yet fewer than one in four students with intellectual disabilities and autism have early work experiences, according to Carter, and while an increasing number of parents hold high expectations, many are under the impression that sheltered jobs are the only option for those with disabilities ...
Escaping the Disability Trap
Alia Wong, The Atlantic, 15 June 2016
... Research conducted by Eric Carter from Vanderbilt Kennedy Center and two other special-education experts suggests that students are more than twice as likely to have paid employment in their first two years after high school if they have early work experience. Yet fewer than one in four students with intellectual disabilities and autism have early work experiences, according to Carter, and while an increasing number of parents hold high expectations, many are under the impression that sheltered jobs are the only option for those with disabilities ...
21 DES services for people with intellectual disability show the way forward
When you get the right employment support, good things happen
Inclusion Australia, 16 June 2016
People with significant intellectual disability can work in the open labour market when they get the right support.
The DES Outcome Rates by Disability Type report ( links here) shows that some DES providers are achieving high rates of open employment outcomes for people with intellectual disability.
Twenty-one (21) providers are achieving 26-week employment outcome rates greater than fifty percent (>50%) for people with intellectual disability, with the highest performing provider achieving eighty-four percent (84%).
The highest performing provider had the following distinguishing features:
The Commonwealth should be congratulated for; focusing on rewarding providers who achieve good results, introducing consequences for providers who achieve poor results, and, publishing provider results by disability type, and creating an informed market. The Executive Director of Inclusion Australia (formerly the National Council on Intellectual Disability), Mr Mark Pattison said,
“High performing DES providers deserve our recognition for their excellence in assisting people with intellectual disability get and keep jobs in the open labour market. It is encouraging to see a growing number of providers achieving 26-week employment outcome rates beyond 50%.”
These results indicate that future reform of Disability Employment Services must ensure that good practice remains viable and expanded to reach a greater number of people with intellectual disability across all regions who need the right support to get a job in the open labour market.
Inclusion Australia, 16 June 2016
People with significant intellectual disability can work in the open labour market when they get the right support.
The DES Outcome Rates by Disability Type report ( links here) shows that some DES providers are achieving high rates of open employment outcomes for people with intellectual disability.
Twenty-one (21) providers are achieving 26-week employment outcome rates greater than fifty percent (>50%) for people with intellectual disability, with the highest performing provider achieving eighty-four percent (84%).
The highest performing provider had the following distinguishing features:
- Structured job search to customise a job specifically for a person with intellectual disability and building a compelling business case to the employer.
- Undertaking job analysis to establish the employer’s needs for job performance.
- Systematic job training by qualified staff at the work site to achieve the required job performance.
- Ongoing support with the employer and employee to maintain the quality of the job.
The Commonwealth should be congratulated for; focusing on rewarding providers who achieve good results, introducing consequences for providers who achieve poor results, and, publishing provider results by disability type, and creating an informed market. The Executive Director of Inclusion Australia (formerly the National Council on Intellectual Disability), Mr Mark Pattison said,
“High performing DES providers deserve our recognition for their excellence in assisting people with intellectual disability get and keep jobs in the open labour market. It is encouraging to see a growing number of providers achieving 26-week employment outcome rates beyond 50%.”
These results indicate that future reform of Disability Employment Services must ensure that good practice remains viable and expanded to reach a greater number of people with intellectual disability across all regions who need the right support to get a job in the open labour market.
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