There are many consultancy services available to assist employers, individuals and co-workers to manage disability in the workplace. Some of these include:
Disability consultants
Disability consultants assist employers and individuals to work effectively and confidently with people with a disability, and explore strategies for establishing a disability friendly workplace. They may also be able to deliver disability awareness training. Some disability consultants have personal experience of disability. Below in the relevant links section there is a website listed where a specific disability consultant can be found.
Organisational Psychologists
Organisational Psychologists seek to understand the complex relationships occurring in workplaces in order to enhance organisational effectiveness, productivity and individual wellbeing. Organisational Psychologists generally have knowledge and skills in the following areas:
- selection and assessment of staff members
- job analysis
- training and development
- career development and coaching
- organisational development and change management
- attitude surveys and research on workplace issues
- staff performance development and review
- wellbeing, conflict, stress and work adjustment following injury
- occupational health and safety
- evaluation of current work programmes
- consumer behaviour and marketing
- advice and advocacy regarding workplace issues.
Organisational Psychologists are generally also able to assist organisations to develop a mental heath survey to assess the organisation’s mental health climate and issues in the workplace. To find a Psychologist, you may contact either your State or Territory Psychologist Registration Board through the Yellow Pages or Telephone Book or the Australian Psychological Society either on 1800 333 497 or through their website, which is listed in the relevant links section.
Adaptive technology consultants
Adaptive technology consultants assist people to determine their personal needs and the appropriate technology to assist in achieving their goals. The goals may be related to a person's home and/or work environment.
Recruitment consultants
Recruitment Consultants facilitate the placement of job seekers through building and maintaining relationships with both job seekers and employers.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
People with physical disability or mental health condition can find day to day work activities challenging. A specialised consultant can help to make their work life more manageable.
A range of services that may be useful when considering assistance for an individual with a disability is listed below:
References
Australian Psychological Society 2011, APS College of Organisational Psychologists, The Australian Psychological Society Ltd, Melbourne, viewed 28 February 2011, http://www.groups.psychology.org.au/cop/about_us/.
Diversity@work 2008, Disability Awareness Training, Diversity@work, Melbourne, viewed 28 February 2011, http://diversityatwork.com.au/Default.aspx?SiteSearchID=-1&ID=/home/search-results.
Disability Consultants 2008, About the Database, Disability Consultants, Melbourne, viewed 28 February 2011, http://www.disabilityconsultants.org.au/index.php.