In this section there are tips, tools and resources that can be used to help people with disability sustain and thrive at work. Below we offer a diverse range of media types including videos, websites referrals, articles, booklets and more exploring and unpacking the below topic areas.
Your Rights At Work
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Disability Discrimination Act
Australian Human Rights Commission
Under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) or ‘DDA’, it is against the law to treat a person unfairly because of their disability. When thinking of employment, this legislation affects who should be offered employment, the terms and conditions of employment, access to training, opportunities for promotion, as well as dismissal. Under the DDA, harassment at work because of a disability (such as insults or humiliating comments) is also against the law.
If a person with a disability can fulfill the essential tasks of a job, then they should have an equal opportunity to do that job. Often an employer may need to make some small changes (‘reasonable adjustments’) so that the employee can perform their job well. Employers aren’t required to make these changes if they can provide evidence that it would cause major difficulties or involve unreasonable costs (‘unjustifiable hardship’) – but often the changes required are small and inexpensive.
A printable summary from the Australian Human Rights Commission on disability discrimination and how it relates to employment is available here.
Video
Speaking Up About Getting a Job
Inclusion Australia
In this short video by the Council for Intellectual Disability, Jack talks about speaking up about getting a job, having a voice, and having choices and control over your own life.
Where to go for Assistance
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Workers Unions
Australia Government
Workers Unions represent the interests of workers. They can advise and assist with workplace issues, and support fair working conditions, worker safety, among other matters.
The Fair WorkWorker Ombudsman website also provides information on Union Membership. All contractors, and employees are free to join, or to not join a union.
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Fair Work Commission
Australia Government
The Fair Work Commission is the independent national workplace relations tribunal.
The Commission:
- Sets and adjusts the National Minimum Wages and conditions
- Assists with enterprise agreements
- Deals with issues relating to dismissal (e.g. unfair and unlawful dismissal; redundancy)
- Other workplace issues (such as bullying at work, discrimination and adverse action, unfair contracts for independent contractors)
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Fair Work Ombudsman
Australia Government
The Fair Work Ombudsman:
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- Delivers information on pay rates, workplace rights and obligations.
- Enforces the Fair Work Act, related legislation, awards and registered agreements.
Supports at Work
- Natural Supports: In a workplace environment, natural supports might include the support from a supervisor, manager, or other colleague who has experience doing the job in the past. A person might also have support from a support worker or job coach, but these paid supports may fade over time – depending on the type of support required in the role.
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Disability Support Pension
Services Australia
People receiving the Disability Support Pension may still be eligible to receive this payment (depending on weekly hours worked and income test). Visit the Services Australia website (link above) for up-to-date information.
For an easy read summary of how earning income can impact the Disability Support Pension, see this page on the Everyone Can Work website. Everyone Can Work is a website by Inclusion Australia about open employment. See Inclusion Australia’s full range of resources related to employment here.
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Supports in Employment
NDIS
The NDIS can fund day to day assistance in the workplace. This gives NDIS participants more choice about where and how they work. “Supports in employment funding is available to anyone who meets NDIS access requirements, has a goal to work and who, due to the nature and impact of their disability, will require ongoing, frequent on-the-job support to pursue and achieve their employment goals.”
The NDIS provides funding directly to participants (rather than employers) to purchase employment supports that complement existing employer supports. These supports include on-the-job training and assessments, job customisation and direct supervision at work, and non face to face activities that directly relate to supporting the employment.
Upskilling
Booklet
Study and Skill Building
Resourcing Inclusive Communities
This booklet by Resourcing Inclusive Communities (Family Advocacy) showcases a range of real stories of people with disability accomplishing learning achievements.
Accredited and Non-Accredited Training
- Both nationally accredited training and non-accredited training are practical ways to build a professional skillset, and both can be included in a resume. Enrolling in a non-accredited short course is a great way to deepen or develop knowledge and skillsets in a particular area of interest.
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Apprenticeships and Traineeships
QLD Government
An apprenticeship or traineeship is a great way to combine study with work. This Qld government website contains resources and information on these options.
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Hiring Apprentices or trainees with disability
QLD Government
The Qld Government’s Business Queensland website provides information on the financial supports available for employers, such as the Disabled Australian Apprentice Wage Support (DAAWS), and the Employment Assistance Fund (EAF).
Work Experience
- Work experience is a way to have a ‘taste’ of what kind of industry or workplace a person might enjoy. Work experience is often unpaid, short term (1-2 weeks) and organised by a school, however individuals or families may also choose to arrange work experience opportunities independently.
Video
In Senior Studies - Building a Bright Future
Community Resource Unit (CRU)
Here, Tracey (skip to 10:03) talks about how her son Bobby was able to tie in his work experience during high school with the hospitality certificate he was completing at the time.
Volunteering
- For all people, volunteering can be a great way to connect with the community, give back, build skills, confidence and networks. While volunteering is a good way to build experience and meaningfully contribute, if working towards paid work is the plan, it’s important to keep that goal in sight.
Building Belonging at Work
Having meaningful connections with co-workers, and building friendships at work leads to happier, more productive workplaces, prevents loneliness and boosts job satisfaction (The Conversation).
Some simple strategies to build a sense of belonging at work can include:
- Wherever possible, be a punctual, reliable and trustworthy colleague
- Take the time to greet each of your colleagues as you start your workday or shift
- Sit down for lunch with your colleagues (if workplace culture permits)
- Attend work events and functions
Video
Sean Fisher - Love Your Work
Community Resource Unit (CRU)
By starting with Sean’s interests and gift for hospitality and looking at tasks that needed to be completed, Sean was able to find a good match in a paid employment. Also notice how support was able to fade out over time as Sean built relationships with his colleagues.
Next Steps and Moving on from a Role
Moving on from a role from time to time is a normal part of working life. When the time comes to move on to the next step in your career, here are some ideas to make the transition easier.
- Reflect and Document
If considering leaving a role, it’s an important time to note the skills and tasks you have been completing in your current role. You might like to add these into your CV. If you have (or would like to create) a visual resume, consider also making photographs of yourself at work completing tasks in your current role.
- Maintaining a Professional Network
Maintaining good relationships with former colleagues can be a real asset in strengthening a professional network over time. You could decide who you’d like to keep in touch with and how often you’d like to reach out to those people. This might be by email, phone, face to face catch-ups, or via professional social networks such as LinkedIn.