Disability and Inclusion Index 2023
The APM Disability and Inclusion Index 2023 outlines the barriers people with disability face in gaining and retaining employment in Australia. The index records that there are 2.1 million people with disability in Australia, of which 1.3 million were underemployed as of October 2021. However, the index reports that awareness of disability is increasing among Australian employers. 70% of employers claim that their workplace is “fully accessible” to people with disability. However, only 68% of disabled people agree with this assertion, down from 80% in 2022. View the full APM Disability and Inclusion Index 2023
Overcoming employment challenges
In an interview with SBS Punjabi, Karan Nagrani shared his experience of finding and keeping a job in Australia.
Karan Nagrani is a disability advocate who uploads informative videos to his Instagram page and works with Guide Dogs Australia in Victoria. Photo by Karan Nagrani
Nagrani, 37, from Melbourne, has Usher syndrome, a degenerative eye disease that is accompanied by retinitis pigmentosa and hearing loss.
“It’s really hard to find organizations that are willing to hire blind people, let alone cater to the needs of blind people,” Nagrani said. When it comes to workplace accessibility, Nagrani said, “accessibility is not a one-size-fits-all concept.”
Depending on individual needs, accessibility for a visually impaired person will be different to accessibility for someone in a wheelchair.
One of the biggest misconceptions people have is that businesses have to pay for training and equipment for their employees, but this is simply not true. Job Access and the NDIS have an incredible mission to increase employment for people with disabilities.
Karan Nagrani
Mr. Nagrani and his workplace
Nagrani spoke about her experience at previous workplaces, where she often hesitated to disclose that she has Usher syndrome, which affects her vision and hearing. “When I said so, they would say, ‘OK, we’re an inclusive workplace,’ but then two hours later I’d get an email saying they’d chosen someone more suitable,” she said.
“I’ve never been in a workplace where my disability was celebrated,” Nagrani says.
Karan Nagrani works as part of the Community Fundraising and Charity Engagement team at Australian Guide Dogs in Victoria. Photo by Karan Nagrani
Disability Life Skills Trainer on Employment Challenges
Matthew Mullin, a life skills trainer at a Western Australia-based disability charity, spoke to SBS Punjabi about some common challenges faced by job seekers with disabilities.
“The main challenge is a mismatch in understanding between management and employees, namely people with disabilities,” said Mullin, who has worked closely with individuals to help them overcome employment challenges, helping clients gain work experience and find and keep jobs. Mullin elaborated that one of the challenges is the gap in understanding between what organizations expect from employees and how individuals perceive work.
People with disabilities often feel rejected if they are not successful at work and begin to feel isolated, which can have an impact on their mental health.
Matthew Marin
Customized Accessibility
Nagrani currently works with Guide Dogs Australia in the Community Fundraising and Charity Outreach team in Victoria. The workplace has high contrast flooring, consistent lighting, considerate teammates and easily accessible restrooms, making it a comfortable environment for Nagrani. In a message to employers on how to make the workplace more accessible for people with disabilities, Nagrani shared the need to provide a level playing field. “Stop looking at disability as a diversity hire,” Nagrani said. Nagrani said any equipment needed to accommodate workers with disabilities is paid for by “job access” or the NDIS.
Nagrani also shares informative videos on his Instagram page to raise awareness about the daily challenges and experiences faced by people with visual impairments.
Marin agreed with Nagrani.
“Managers often lack awareness of people with disabilities and question their capabilities or make assumptions before seeing them at work,” Marin said.
International Child Abuse Prevention Act
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPwD) is celebrated annually on December 3, with the first week of December dedicated to raising awareness. The program, which drives Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021-31, works to increase public awareness and acceptance of people living with disability. “Make every day a day for people with disabilities,” said Nagrani in his message to the community through an interview.
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