Disability & Workplace Challenges

Australia prides itself as a free and democratic country, treating all persons equally and respecting others. Sadly, however, people with a disability experience systemic, even organisational discrimination throughout society and in particular, in the workplace. In 2020, the Australian Government estimated that over 45% (nearly half) of employed persons with a disability experienced unfair treatment, or discrimination at work, due to their disability. This is likely to result in a significant number of affected people avoiding work or leaving employment through no fault of their own or experiencing negative psychosocial emotions as a result of how they are treated. This detrimental impact on people with a disability often creates a sense of disempowerment and a feeling that they are “less of a person” than someone without a disability (or ableism). In my experience, this is likely to increase feelings of exclusion and isolation from society, with profound effects on the mental wellbeing of any person. I strongly believe that while Australia has good disability discrimination laws, people with a disability learn the tough reality of what “equality” and “freedom” means in the workplace: a patchy and unpredictable environment where so much turns on the strengths of individual employers and managers rather than a strong culture of tolerance, acceptance and valuing a person (whatever their condition) for their unique contribution, no matter how small or large it might be in terms of dollars generated. As the Australian Disability Network so passionately argues, employing people with a disability opens “access to a talent pool brimming with skilled people”. Let’s all agree to make a positive contribution to anyone we meet who has a disability, treating them with empathy and understanding and valuing their views. I would love to hear your story of what you experience.