In the face of widespread discrimination and extreme physical challenges, Jude Lee has always seen life’s possibilities. He has been able to sustain a successful legal career, thanks to support from JobAccess., Jude Lee – once a litigation lawyer in the big end of town pursuing the likes of giant corporate raiders and defending large multinationals– has always had a vision of what was possible for him. Diagnosed with degenerative spinal muscular atrophy at the age of six, he has never really been able to walk or lift his hands over his head. As his muscles weakened, the crutches gave way to a permanent…, Determined to shine, Despite happily attending mainstream primary and secondary schools in Melbourne’s Eastern suburbs, someone suggested that because of his disability he should be educated alongside others with disability. He was enrolled in a disability facility in a completely non-academic program. “They were the worst two years of my life,” says Jude, who runs his own legal practice in Darwin, reputedly one of…, Not everyone could see his abilities, But it hasn’t been easy for Jude, who has a double degree in Science and Law and was once the Regional Director for the Australian Government Solicitors. He has faced widespread discrimination. “It’s pretty much at all levels – from the person in the street to corporate situations where people undermine you. Unfortunately, people judge you,” said Jude, who left his highflying corporate lawyers’…, Workplace modifications have saved his career, Jude first reached out to JobAccess – the Australian Government’s hub for disability employment information – in 2007 for support with funding workplace adjustments. Since then, JobAccess has supported him with a wide range of adjustments , including ensuring his office has automatic doors to accommodate his wheelchair, and significant ongoing modifications to his car. “I am probably the weakest…, Like to learn more?, There is a wide range of support available from JobAccess for people with disability, employers, and service providers. JobAccess has managed over 58,000 applications for funding workplace adjustments since 2006. Each one makes a difference by helping people with disability get work, keep work, and progress their careers. Contact JobAccess on, 1800 464 800, to speak to our friendly and resourceful Advisers about workplace adjustments and the Employment Assistance Fund . You can also Online Enquiry Form submit an online enquiry through the JobAccess website.
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Stories
Once you’ve had a person with disability apply for a job, what comes next? Just like with anyone else, it’s time for an interview. Sometimes, people with disability will need adjustments during the interview process. Gary Butcher, Manager of Business Solutions at Dexar Group, knows this well. “When we decided to hire a person with Down syndrome, making sure the interview process was as accessible…
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Stories
As Diversity and Inclusion Partner with the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE), Dwayne’s role involves collaborating with all levels of the business to drive diversity, engaging at the executive level and with other managers. “I am a person with two false legs but have never required adjustments in the workplace. However, within the first week of joining DPIE, a small wound…, “Consultation is crucial. Make sure you consult with all users and listen to your employee networks. In our case, they shaped the guidelines which outline everyone’s responsibilities. Communication is also important. Make sure the process is simplified, in plain English and there is a good communications plan and educational roll out. Most importantly, find a system and process that works for you…, According to Dwayne, while the recent wound injury may have affected his personal life, it did not affect his professional one. “When you acquire a disability, your personal life can be in disarray, so it’s fantastic to have a system to ensure career consistency and progression. My day-to-day job wasn’t affected. “My advice to employers is that if you want to retain quality and engaged staff, you…
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Stories
After a cycling accident in early 2019 resulted in paraplegia, Jeremy Lung, a well-respected dentist from Sydney, felt like everything was taken away. But with the support of a trusted mentor as well as JobAccess, he was back in the swing of things before the year was out. Dr Lung clearly enjoys his work at the family dental clinic in Epping , New South Wales, where he practices alongside his…, After the accident, Hearing the news that you have a spinal cord injury is devastating because the world as you know it changes forever. Dr Lung questioned whether it was possible to get back to work at all. “There’s just so much going on at that time, so much that’s life-changing. You have to get used to so much. You’re thinking that it’s over, all the training I’ve received, all the investment there is just lost…, Practical support at a difficult time, While Dr Lung’s mentor helped him to regain his confidence, Royal Rehab provided practical back-to-work support, linking him up with a dentist who had worked out of a wheelchair, and with Anthea, a JobAccess Assessor. Through Anthea, he successfully applied for funding modifications to the dental surgery through JobAccess, including a new entry, handrails on all the walls, a new disabled toilet,…, Recovery and looking ahead to a bright future, Despite experiencing a severe brain injury and paraplegia from the accident, by the end of 2019 Dr Lung was back in surgery, which he credits with speeding up his recovery. “I just remember going back to work and your mind is kind of cloudy post brain injury. But when I sat down for those surgeries and when I engaged in dentistry again, I felt like my brain went into a level of clarity, it went…, Like to learn more?, JobAccess has managed over 58,000 applications for funding workplace adjustments since 2006. Each one makes a difference by helping people with disability get work, keep work and progress their careers. Contact JobAccess on 1800 464 800 to speak to our friendly and resourceful Advisers about workplace adjustments and the Employment Assistance Fund . You can also Online Enquiry Form submit an…
Type:
Stories
Type:
Downloads
JobAccess has launched a Conversation Guide on workplace adjustments. The guide is a tool for both employers and employees with disabilities. It is designed to help them have open and thoughtful conversations. The resource uses feedback from the Workplace adjustments, employer confidence vital to bridge disability employment gap: JobAccess National research recent national survey by JobAccess .…, Need support with workplace adjustments? JobAccess is here to help., JobAccess provides advice, support, and Employment Assistance Fund funding for workplace adjustments . Our team offer holistic advice on workplace adjustments. Contact JobAccess on 1800 464 800 to speak to our Advisers. We offer confidential and tailored advice on workplace adjustments. You can also submit an online enquiry submit an online enquiry or visit our JobAccess website website for more…
Type:
News
National survey found gaps in understanding of workplace adjustments. 60 per cent of Australians are not aware of workplace adjustments. 40 per cent believe the cost of workplace adjustments are large. Accessibility is key to including 4.4 million Australians with disability in the workforce. Making workplace adjustments is simple, cost-effective and benefits everyone. But many people are not…, Understanding workplace attitudes toward people with disability., ” The results revealed that: Sixty per cent of Australians are not aware of workplace adjustments. Only 2 in 5 people believe workplace adjustments are easy. most people are unsure about the costs and benefits of putting them in place. The national survey aimed to measure the awareness of disability and workplace adjustments. Workplace adjustments benefit everyone. It is one of the best ways to…
Type:
News
Interview process and questions, When interviewing people with disability for a job, it’s important to know their rights, your role, and the kinds of questions you can and can’t ask. You can watch this video with Auslan or read the transcript. Topics covered in this video: what employers must do in the interview process how to assess candidates asking about adjustments how and when to ask about disability.
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Videos
Service providers play a vital role in matching people with disability to jobs. JobAccess supports this process by providing a range of resources. Learn more about: laws, standards and codes of practice that apply to you other providers, organisations and available support stories that showcase people with disability in the workplace., Explore articles for Service providers
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Landing page
Applying for a job in writing is often your first chance to make a good impression and show your skills, so it’s important to get it right. Get started with our tips on what to include in your application, how to present it, and writing a cover letter., What can be in an application?, A job application might include: written responses to job requirements, also called ‘selection criteria’ an application form, if the employer uses one information about recent work history, or your full resume other documents such as your certificates and study results a cover letter. Some employers may ask for a cover letter and responses to selection criteria along with your resume. Others may…, Before you start, Before you start writing an application: check what you need to include – this should be in the job advertisement check how you need to submit the application research the employer and the position you are applying for think about the skills, qualities, knowledge, experience and qualifications you have that suit the job read through any job requirements and make notes about how you meet them.…, Tips for presenting your application, Focus on and cover your skills and experience that match the job. Use key words from the job advertisement. Make the application clear and to the point. For some industries, it might be a good idea to show your work. For example, for jobs in the arts, design, publishing or technology. Type your application unless the employer has asked you to write it by hand. Use basic formatting and a simple…, Making the final checks, Read the job advertisement again and any other information. Make sure you have responded to what the employer has asked for. Check over your application for any mistakes – it’s a good idea to do this a day or two after you write it, if there is enough time. Ask someone else to check over it as well., Writing a cover letter, Most job applications need a cover letter. You will usually need to type this in a separate document and attach it with your application. Employers may have a number of applications to review, so your cover letter should be clear and to the point. It’s often best to write your cover letter after you have put together all the other parts of your application., Tips for writing a good cover letter, Keep your letter to one page, unless the job advertisement says the letter can be longer. Tailor the letter to the job and organisation – don’t send the same letter for every job. Name the job you are applying for and where or how you heard about it. Briefly describe the qualifications, skills, abilities and experience you have that suit the job. Make sure any experience you mention in your…, Writing a covering email, If the employer asks you to send your application by email, keep your email brief and to the point. You only need to include your name, the job you’re applying for, and mention that your application, resume and any other documents are attached.
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Articles
