bevan burkin

7/31/2019 Bevan Burkin

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About DEA

Peak Organisation for DisabilityEmployment Services (DES) Providers

244 organisations across 2000 sites

Represent, Support, Resource

Real jobs with real pay for people with

disability in open supported

employment


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United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Past

Medical model of disability

Special schools, residentialsettings and sheltered workshops

Emphasis on people with disability

integrating with society

Unintended consequences

(exclusion)

Present / Future

Social model of disabilityParadigm shift

Mainstream schools, residential

settings and employment

Emphasis on society including

people with disability


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Employment


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Australias Track Record

Australia ranks 21 out of 29 OECD

countries for the employment

participation rate of people with

disability

(Source: OECD, 2010, Sickness, Disability and Work: Breaking

the Barriers, p. 51)

Approximately 44.7% of people with a disability in Australia are living

either near or below the poverty line; this is double the (relative) OECD

average of 22%.

(Source: OECD, 2010, Sickness, Disability and Work: Breaking the Barriers, p. 55 )


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MythPeople with disability have few skills and cant or

dont want to work.

FactThe ABS reports that over one million Australians with disability are already in the

workforce. Australians with disability work, pay taxes, purchase goods and services

and go on holidays.(Source:ABS, Ageing, Disability & Carers Report 2009)


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MythMy workers compensation premiums will skyrocket I cant afford it!

FactAn Australian Government review of research found that workers with disability are

no more likely to be injured at work than other employees.

(Source:Are People with Disability a Risk at Work? A review of the evidence, Australian Safety and Compensation Council, 2007)


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MythPeople with disability always need expensive and high-tech

equipment. I cant afford that for my business.

FactSimple and inexpensive devices are often fundamental in helping people with

disability live and work to their full potential. Assistive devices can be as simple as

an adjustable desk, or keeping a pen and paper at a service counter tocommunicate with a person who is Deaf or hard of hearing.


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Business case for employing

PWDWhy Employ People with Disability?

Wider talent pool

Retention of employees

Reduce on-boarding costs

Improve productivity

Reduce sick leave

Strengthen morale Attract more customers


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Case Studies

Walters Story


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Philips Story


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Resources / Further InfoResources

Job Access

National Disability Recruitment Coordinator

Australian Network on Disability

Disability Employment Services (DES)


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Disability Employment Services (DES)

Source candidates

Assist with job customisation

Information about financial (and other) supports

Assist with purchasing and implementing adjustments

Advice on the best ways to work with new employee Offer onsite support for as long as required


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Questions & AnswersBevan Burkin Policy Officer

[email protected]

www.disabilityemployment.org.au

0400 867 656

bevan burkin

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