Finding Jobs for People with a Disability in Australia and New Zealand
Australia
If you are a person with a disability seeking a job in Australia, you are not alone. Many Australians with disabilities face barriers in finding work, but there is support available to help you navigate the job market.
Barriers You Might Face
-
The Employment Gap: Only 53% of working-age Australians with a disability are employed, compared to 84% of people without a disability. This gap has persisted for nearly 30 years.
-
Employer Perceptions: Many job seekers with disabilities face challenges due to misconceptions about their capabilities or the suitability of jobs. Around 93% of people with disabilities encounter difficulties finding suitable employment due to these perceptions.
-
Accessibility Issues: Workplaces may not be physically accessible, and job roles might not be designed with inclusivity in mind. This can make it harder to find roles that match your skills and abilities.
-
Lack of Inclusive Culture: Some companies may lack training or awareness about how to create an inclusive environment for employees with disabilities.
Government Support
Australia offers several programs and initiatives to help job seekers with disabilities find and maintain employment:
-
Disability Employment Services (DES): This program helps people with disabilities find and keep jobs. DES providers offer individualized support to help match you with the right employer and provide assistance on the job. The government is planning to reform this program in 2025 to improve service quality.
-
Supported Employment: If you need ongoing support in a job, supported employment options are available, especially for individuals with high support needs. This includes services provided under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), which can fund employment support in mainstream workplaces.
-
Supported Wage System (SWS): This system allows for wage adjustments based on your productivity level, ensuring that people with disabilities who may not meet full productivity expectations can still be employed at a fair wage.
-
Government Grants: There are financial incentives for employers to hire people with disabilities, which can help reduce some of the barriers to employment by encouraging businesses to be more inclusive.
What Can You Do?
-
Set up Job Alerts on Evenbreak: Set up job alerts so you can be informed when your ideal jobs are advertized.
-
Use DES or JobAccess: These services can guide you through finding accessible job opportunities and provide ongoing support once you are employed.
-
Explore NDIS Support: If you qualify for NDIS, explore how it can help fund employment services or assistive technologies to help you in the workplace.
-
Tailor Your Resume: Build a profile that highlights your skills in a way that’s accessible and appealing to inclusive employers.
-
Know Your Rights: Employers are required to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate disabilities under Australian law. Make sure you are aware of your rights in the workplace.
-
Local support: Find our article listing local support organizations
With government support and inclusive employers, more opportunities are opening up for people with disabilities in Australia. While challenges remain, there are more resources available now than ever to help you find and thrive in mainstream jobs.
Sources:
- Leap in! Inclusive Employment and Government Pilot Program (Leap in!)
- Australian Government Department of Social Services (Department of Social Services).
New Zealand
If you are a person with a disability in New Zealand and looking for mainstream employment, there are both challenges and support systems in place to help you. While many barriers still exist, the government has introduced several programs to bridge the gap.
Barriers to Employment
-
Employment Gap: There is a significant employment gap between disabled and non-disabled people. In June 2023, the employment rate for disabled people was around 26%, compared to 69% for non-disabled people (Stats NZ)(Stats NZ). This shows the challenges that persist.
-
Accessibility: Many workplaces may not be fully accessible, whether in terms of physical space, technology, or processes. This can make it hard to apply for jobs or work effectively once hired.
-
Discrimination: Despite laws against discrimination, people with disabilities still face biases in hiring and in the workplace. Misunderstandings about what a person with a disability can or cannot do can also create barriers.
-
Skills and Training: Some disabled individuals may not have access to the same education and vocational training opportunities as their non-disabled peers, which can make it harder to secure skilled jobs.
Available Support
The New Zealand government provides various types of support to help people with disabilities find and retain work. Here are some of the key programs:
-
Flexi-wage Program: This employment program offers training, in-work support, and wage subsidies to help you gain and retain employment. As of March 2023, more than 3,000 people with a disability or health condition had used this program (MSD - Ministry of Social Development).
-
Supported Living Payment (SLP): If you have a significant health condition or disability, the Supported Living Payment provides financial assistance. There are programs to allow you to transition into part-time work without losing all your benefits (MSD - Ministry of Social Development).
-
Workbridge: A specialist employment service for disabled people that provides support to find mainstream jobs. Workbridge helps both job seekers and employers by providing advice, wage subsidies, and training.
-
Oranga Mahi Program: This government initiative integrates health and employment services, helping people with disabilities find suitable work while also managing their health (MSD - Ministry of Social Development).
-
Training Incentive Allowance (TIA): If you’re on a Supported Living Payment and want to upskill, the TIA can help cover your training and education costs (MSD - Ministry of Social Development).
-
Local support: Find our article listing local support organizations
Helpful Tips for Job Hunting
-
Set up Job Alerts on Evenbreak: Set up job alerts so you can be informed when your ideal jobs are advertized.
-
Know Your Rights: Employers are legally required to provide reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities. You can request flexible working arrangements or workplace adjustments to meet your needs.
-
Leverage Support Networks: Work with agencies like Workbridge or the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) to access tailored job search support.
-
Upskill: Explore opportunities for training and professional development, particularly through the Vocational Education and Training (VET) system, which is working to be more inclusive of people with disabilities (MSD - Ministry of Social Development).
-
Apply for Financial Assistance: Programs like the Flexi-wage and the Training Incentive Allowance can help you cover costs related to starting a new job or further education.
-
Reach Out: Government-run websites like Employment New Zealand provide guidance on your employment rights and protections against discrimination (Employment New Zealand).
While the path to employment may not always be easy, there is support available in New Zealand. By being aware of your rights and taking advantage of these programs, you can overcome barriers and find rewarding work.