Opening doors and transforming lives through disability employment

Stable employment contributes to a sense of identity, personal fulfilment and empowerment, and, of course, financial independence. Meaningful and ongoing employment has a host of financial, health and social participation benefits.??

Yet, for many Australians living with disabilities, it remains out of reach. In fact, just 48% of people with disability are employed in Australia today compared to 80% of all Australians.

Many barriers to employment are based on misunderstanding or misinformation, so today, I want to talk about how we can break them down and transform lives and businesses in the process.?

Employment is powerful?

In Australia today, people with disability are, on average, twice as likely to be dissatisfied with their financial situation than people without disability.?

Employment is the fastest pathway to financial independence, something that impacts more than just your wallet. It’s also closely linked to improved mental and physical health, enhanced social networks and overall fulfilment.?

There is no doubt about it: when individuals engage in meaningful work, the ripple effects touch every corner of their lives.

Barriers must be broken down?

However, despite the clear benefits, barriers persist for people with disabilities.?

The incredible team at VERTO’s Disability Employment Service (DES) constantly works to break down these barriers for their clients. And the team often notes that the barriers are often related to misconceptions.?

In our experience, two of the most prevalent misconceptions tend to be about accessibility and capability.

It’s important to note that not all disabilities are the same. Some disabilities are visible, some not. Some disabilities may include physical limitations, but many do not. Some disabilities involve a person having different ways of learning, thinking or approaching the world, while others do not.?

Regardless, it’s important to clarify that just as with every other candidate, a person with disability will bring their own unique strengths, mindsets and experiences to your team.

The best way to break down these barriers is to change our mindsets as employers and business leaders.?

We all know that diversity and inclusion are powerful. They are powerful for individuals, teams and organisations. From more innovation to more engaged teams, helping to break down barriers makes sense for business, too.?

How to be part of the solution?

There are some great resources out there to learn more about hiring people with disability, such as theField.jobs, which offers some great advice on your hiring strategies, from inclusive language to accessibility.?

You can also get support from a DES provider, like VERTO. Our team is highly knowledgeable and passionate about making long-term connections between employers and job seekers. Every day, they are at the forefront, finding meaningful employment for clients, educating employers, advocating for inclusive hiring practices and challenging stereotypes through positive representation.

The VERTO DES approach hinges on personalised support for both job seekers and employers. We acknowledge that disability is not a one-size-fits-all term; it encompasses a wide range of abilities and aspirations. Our approach focuses on understanding each person's individual needs, strengths and career goals and aligning these with the business goals and people needs of our employers.?

The results are life-changing?

At VERTO, we see the results firsthand, every single day. It’s not just about finding employment; it’s about building the job readiness and personal skills to thrive. It can be life-changing for people like Izabelle, who gained meaningful employment and a newfound self-confidence, or Ann, who found her voice after a long battle with PTSD. And then there’s Shayla, who found employment and reached a number of life goals, including getting her driver’s licence.?

And these are just a handful of the recent success stories. Employment is just one piece of the puzzle, but it’s truly life-changing.?

Employment is the key to independence, but it’s also a foundation for a more inclusive society – one where everyone’s contributions are valued and celebrated. At VERTO, we are committed to not only imagining this future but actively building it. Together, we can transform lives, not just for individuals with disabilities but for all of us.