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…
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Stories
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Downloads
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…
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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
Having an interview is a key part of getting a job. Being well prepared can help you feel more confident. Find out how to do your best in an interview and get the support you need.
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Articles
An interview is a way for employers to find out more about you and how you can do the job. It’s also your chance to find out more about the employer. Our tips for before, during and after the interview can help you make the most of the experience., Before the interview, To help you feel prepared there are a few things you can do before the interview. Here are few tips:, Do your research, Find out as much as you can about the employer and the tasks of the job. This helps you think about questions to ask and shows the employer you are interested., Practise interview questions, Prepare answers to possible interview questions. What skills and experience does the job ask for? How do you meet those? You can ask a friend or family member to practise interviewing you. Also think about what you would like to know about the job, the workplace and the work arrangements. You can go to Talking about your disability at an interview and What employers can ask at an interview for…, Think about your needs, If your disability could affect how you perform parts of the job, think about changes or support you might need. For example, will you need changes to your work area, or flexible working hours? You might want to be ready to raise this at the interview. Visit Talking about your disability at an interview for more information., Plan ahead, If the interview is in person, plan how you will get there. Do a practice run and allow extra time for possible traffic and transport delays. Plan to arrive at least 10 minutes early so you can gather your thoughts before the interview. If the interview is online, make sure you have the app or software set up on your computer and know the basics of how to use it., Getting help for your interview, If you need support to take part in an interview because of your disability, you can raise this with the employer in advance. Find out more about the Support you may need for an interview . , At the interview, It is good to think of an interview like a conversation. Remember that you and the employer are both there to get to know each other better. Here are a few tips for the day of the interview., Make a good first impression, Your interview might be with just one person or with several people at the same time. Introduce yourself to everyone before the interview starts. An interview starts from the first moment of contact. Be aware of what you’re saying during the ‘small talk’ before the interview questions begin., Don’t worry about being nervous, Remember that it is normal to be nervous and employers will expect that. You may even choose to tell the employer how you feel. This can help calm you down. Some employers may also see it as a sign that you care about getting the job., Handle tricky questions, If you can’t think of an answer to a question straight away, don’t worry. Take a moment to think about it. This shows you think things through and don’t panic under pressure. If you are not sure how to answer a question, ask the interviewer to explain or clarify it. This shows that you’re not afraid to ask questions to get things right. You can also ask to come back to the question later. Be…, End well, When the interview is over, thank the interviewers for their time., Explaining gaps in your work history, It is not unusual for people with disability to have periods of time when they were not employed. If you have gaps in your work history, you can explain these in a number of ways. For example: if you couldn’t work because of your disability, be honest, but make it clear that you are able and eager to work now mention any study, volunteer work or other activities you did during those times…, Questions to ask in an interview, Your chance to ask questions will most likely come at the end of the interview. By asking questions, you can learn what the workplace is like and how they value their people. Here are a few examples of questions you might ask: Can you tell me more about what a typical work day looks like? What qualities does a person need to do well in this role? Can you tell me more about the team and the…, After the interview, Don’t be too negative about how you performed in the interview. Each interview you have builds confidence and gives you a chance to improve., Keep notes, After each interview, make some notes about what happened. Think about what went well and what you could do better next time., Be patient and follow up, Employers might take a few days or a few weeks to work out who they want for a job. If the employer doesn’t contact you in the time you expected, you might want to call or send a short email to check if there is an update., Ask for feedback, If you don’t get the job, ask the person from the organisation for feedback. Ask if there were particular reasons why you didn’t get the job. This can help you prepare for future interviews. And remember, if you miss out on one job, that employer may still think of you for a different position., Tip:, As you attend more interviews, it’s a good idea to keep a list of the organisations you have been to. Make sure you have a contact name for each one. You may wish to contact them again in the future.
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Articles
There are free services that can support your organisation to attract and hire staff who have disability. You can also join free information sessions for employers.
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Articles
