Pathways to possibilities: harnessing the economic potential of people with disability

This report explores the economic potential of people with disability in Australia and offers four key commitments for employers to foster a more inclusive and equitable workplace. The report highlights the significant untapped talent pool represented by people with disability and argues that businesses benefit from embracing disability inclusion, leading to greater productivity, staff retention, and a better reputation. 

It provides practical approaches for employers to maximise the skills and talents of people with disability by dismantling barriers to their employment.

Findings

• One in five people in Australia are disabled. 
• Although 93% of large and 89% of medium-sized businesses were open to hiring people with disability, only about one third actually did.
• 88% of Australians with disability do not require any special arrangements from their employer.
• 60% of workplace adjustments cost nothing, and for the ones that do cost, funding is available. 
• The unemployment rate has not changed significantly for disabled people for over 30 years. 

The report is designed around four key commitments employers can make to create safer and more inclusive work environments for people with disability. Each commitment includes practical steps to implementation and case studies sharing the experiences of people with disability. The four commitments are:

1. put disability inclusion at the heart of your business,
2. become disability confident,
3. empower your leaders to drive change, and
4. create a safe, supportive and accommodating culture.