Federal Member for Forde Bert van Manen is encouraging employers and people with disability in Beenleigh to get involved in AccessAbility Day during the week of 4 – 8 December.
AccessAbility Day is a new Australian Government initiative, connecting employers and people with disability for a day. The initiative aims to increase awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability in the workforce, and coincides with International Day of People with Disability celebration, held annually on 3 December.
Read more about International Day of People with Disability
Mr van Manen said more than four million Australians are living with a disability. However, people with disability are greatly under-represented in the workforce – the unemployment rate for people with disability is 10 per cent, which is double the rate for those without disability.
“Recent research from the Business Council of Australia and the Australian Network on Disability shows businesses employing people with disability consistently report competitive advantage, improved productivity and a better workplace culture,” Mr van Manen said.
“Research also suggests that one of the biggest impediments to people with disability getting employment is that many employers have little or no experience of having a person with disability in their workplace.
“AccessAbility Day is a way for both employers and people with disability to get first-hand, personal experience, without a commitment beyond the day.
“For employers, it’s an opportunity to see the potential of a person with disability in their workplace and for people with disability to gain an insight into a workplace or types of employment and establish valuable contacts.
“This year AccessAbility Day is being piloted in selected locations across Australia, and I am proud that Beenleigh is one of them.
“I encourage local businesses and jobseekers with disability to take advantage of this opportunity to explore new experiences and possibilities in the workplace and take part in AccessAbility Day.”
People with disability must be registered as looking for work with a Disability Employment Services (DES) provider and complete the online registration form to be eligible to participate in AccessAbility Day. A DES provider can also help employers plan, organise and facilitate AccessAbility Day placements.
For more information about AccessAbility Day or to register, visit the JobAccess website at or call 1800 464 800 or contact your local DES provider. TTY users can phone 1800 555 677