A new pilot project will aim to help more people with disabilities find a job in Western Australia by identifying the barriers between potential workers and employers.
The program, Ability Link, is funded by the WA Government and delivered by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA (CCIWA) and aims to lift employment of people with disabilities.
It comes after a report by CCIWA identified some of the key barriers to disability employment, revealing the majority of businesses in WA had made little to no progress in increasing the number of employees with disabilities.
The 12 month pilot project will work directly with small and medium sized businesses to identify what support and resources they need to hire people with disabilities.
It will also consult closely with people with disabilities, carers and service providers to determine what is needed to ensure a smooth transition into the workforce.
Crucially, Ability Link will seek to provide a clearer picture of available support services and simplify access to those services.
CCIWA Chief Executive, Chris Rodwell, said the pilot program was an exciting step towards improving employment opportunities for people with disabilities in WA.
“There’s a wealth of evidence from all over the world that employing people with disabilities is not only good for the worker, it’s also great for business,” he said.
“Businesses that excel in disability employment are more profitable, their staff are happier, and their customers are more loyal.
“Workers with disabilities are an untapped resource, but many businesses have misconceptions about what is involved in hiring someone with different abilities.
“This work is an important first step towards bridging the gap between employers and potential employees.”
Mr Rodwell said he was confident the Ability Link project will make a real difference to people with disabilities and the businesses that employ them.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for businesses to hire people with disabilities, and this pilot program will aim to clear the barriers that have been holding them back from doing so,” he said.
“Ultimately, it comes down to a shift in our overall attitudes towards people with disabilities.
“They are valuable, diverse, and capable of making a big contribution across the economy. At the moment they are a significant untapped resource in our labour market.”
