Stories
These stories describe the diverse experiences of people with disability in the workforce, including their experience using JobAccess, disclosing disability and employer flexibility.
Rizwan looks to a bright future and keeping work, with innovative solutions from JobAccess
Rizwan is completing a PhD and works in the equity and inclusion space at the Australian National University (ANU). It’s been quite a journey for Rizwan. He relocated across the world, acquired vision loss, and more. That’s when he reached out to JobAccess for support.
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Simple adjustments from JobAccess help Garry regain his confidence and independence to travel for work
Garry holds a senior global position in the engineering and technical inspection services branch of Intertek Moody. Due to an accident in 2023, Garry injured his spine and acquired paraplegia. His work requires a lot of international travel. He uses a wheelchair to travel for work. But limited accessibility in some countries made travel challenging for him. That’s when he reached out to JobAccess for advice and support with workplace adjustments
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JobAccess supports self-employed Ann to return to her full responsibilities
Ann is self-employed and works as a goat farmer. She lives with Multiple Sclerosis. Ann found her current wheelchair was creating barriers to carry out the essential duties of her job. That’s when JobAccess supported Ann.
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Tailored solutions help Maggie continue pursuing her catering business, thanks to JobAccess
Maggie owns and runs her catering business in Heron Island, Queensland. She has been a cook for a long time. Maggie lives with macular degeneration, a type of eye condition. Maggie’s kitchen wasn’t set up safely. It made her work challenging and unsafe in some instances. Maggie then took the step to seek help and contact JobAccess.
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How employers can support employees with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) at work
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common diseases of the central nervous system. It effects young adults, with most diagnoses occurring between 20 to 40 years of age in Australia.
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Education Support Officer Aaron continues teaching high school students, thanks to new specialised tools
Aaron is a carpenter by trade and works as an Education Support Officer in the Woodworking department of a high school. Aaron is blind and a lack of adequate tools in the classroom made it difficult for him to be able to do his work efficiently. Until a specialised talking panel saw arrived, with support from JobAccess.
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With JobAccess’ support, self-employed Suzana is delighted to be able to work face to face again
Suzana and her husband run a signage business in New South Wales (NSW). Since 2019, Suzana has been working from home, as she is immunocompromised. Four years later, she is delighted to be back in the office.
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Powering inclusion: Department of Energy and Climate builds disability confidence through JobAccess partnership
Department of Energy and Climate builds disability confidence through JobAccess partnership
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JobAccess support gives Michael the independence to flourish in his career
JobAccess supports Michael with a modified vehicle, so he can drive with independence while pursuing his career with Uniting.
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JobAccess seminar spotlights the competitive advantage Australian businesses can reap by employing people with disability
JobAccess concluded its 33rd Driving Disability Employment seminar in Adelaide for South Australian employers on Wednesday, 8 November 2023.
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City of Adelaide and JobAccess partnership increases inclusion and accessibility for people with disability
City of Adelaide improves disability inclusion within its workforce by partnering with JobAccess and the National Disability Recruitment Coordinator (NDRC).
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Bev embraces life with disability, with support from JobAccess
For Beverly, the global pandemic brought to the surface the disability she kept to herself for decades. See how support from JobAccess helped Beverly embrace life with disability and continue pursuing her work.
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Thanks to JobAccess, Keith can continue running his business and support his customers better
Keith felt the impact of his accident, and all procedures since, on his capacity at work. That’s when he contacted JobAccess for tailored support.
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Self-employed Sharon is changing the future for autistic people
Sharon is a scientist, a founder and has a PhD. Diagnosed with autism at 61, Sharon contacted JobAccess for support with workplace adjustments to help her continue work and pursue her passion.
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Hannah’s character gets new dimension in ‘Audrey’ with support from JobAccess
When producer Michael Wrenn and the creative team were looking to cast a lead in upcoming feature film ‘Audrey’, he was introduced to the work of Hannah Diviney.
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From unable to walk, to Monique’s most successful year at work – thanks to JobAccess
Monique finds her job very fulfilling. However, the impact of her diagnosis meant she had to stop working for some time while managing pain and fatigue. That’s where JobAccess stepped in to support Monique’s return to work.
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JobAccess supports Paralympian turned self-employed Sarnya in pursuing her business goals
Sarnya’s journey from the corporate world to Paralympics and now as a self-employed business owner has been driven by her passion for helping people.
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Wross’ ‘Muck Truck’ makes a world of difference to his wellbeing at work
Wross had been working with a large company for some time when he was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.
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Clare’s quality of life improves, with the support of JobAccess
Clare works with Global Sisters, an inspiring organisation of women empowering entrepreneurial women.
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Chelsea describes the support received by JobAccess as ‘life-changing’
Chelsea is the People and Culture Manager at Experience Life, a registered NDIS disability support provider in Victoria.
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Boilermaker Clay’s role expands with help of new, innovative equipment through JobAccess
Clay is a Boilermaker working with Evermil, a steel fabrication and supplies business based on the South Coast of NSW.
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No one left behind: NDRC partnership builds DFES’ disability fitness
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) in Western Australia plays a vital role in safeguarding communities during natural disasters and emergency incidents.
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Nathan returns to work after life-changing event
Nathan Stapleton is a former professional National Rugby League (NRL) player who last played for the London Broncos in the Kingstone Press Championship. He has previously played for the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks in the NRL.
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With the support of JobAccess, Christina navigates anxiety at work
Christina has worked as a childcare worker with a local childcare centre for six years. Based on her excellent work, Christina was promoted to Team Leader. It meant that in addition to her care work, Christina was leading three employees.
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A simple adjustment helps Mary maintain productivity and wellbeing at work
Mary's work involves developing and overseeing training courses, with most of her time at work spent seated at a computer.
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Time for a solution to support Josh at work
Josh lives with cerebral palsy and an intellectual disability, which made finding a job a challenge. Keen to be part of the working world, Josh connected with a Disability Employment Services (DES) provider to find work.
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Recipe for success: JobAccess supports Andrew’s passion for cooking
For Andrew, running his catering business is more than cooking. He loves the social connections that come with it.
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ABC spotlights disability inclusion through NDRC partnership
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) is an essential public service for all Australians and plays a crucial role in delivering services that reflect and contribute to Australian society, culture and identity.
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Liesl goes for gold for people with disability in Parliament House
When Liesl Tesch – a wheelchair user and Paralympic gold medallist – was voted the Member for Gosford, she expected NSW Parliament House would be a welcoming, inclusive space.
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Over-joyed! WA business shored up thanks to JobAccess
As a soil health specialist and agronomist, Joy Sherlock has to climb in and out of her ute up to 40 times each paddock many times a day – which would be challenging for most people.
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Job Access gives Gloria new lease on working life
Gloria Butler has retired twice so far.
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Tom finds his feet in new job – thanks to JobAccess
Tom was rapt to score his first job at a cabinet-making business.
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Ventia boosts disability employment opportunities with “phenomenal” JobAccess partnership
Ventia is one of the largest essential services providers in Australia and New Zealand, and it is taking positive steps to ensure its workforce reflects the diversity of the community.
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NDRC partnership drives GOTAFE closer to disability employment goal
As the largest vocational education provider in regional Victoria, GOTAFE knows the importance of representing the communities it serves.
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JobAccess supports Forrest’s energy dream
Life changed in an instant for Forrest Campbell.
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Moving and mowing: Simple adjustments through JobAccess help Michael get back to life
For Michael* finally being able to work after a few dreadful accidents left him with permanent severe injuries means far more than just being gainfully employed.
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JobAccess partnership drives Unilever Australia’s disability confidence
Unilever Australia is taking strides to remove barriers and improve employment opportunities for people living with disability.
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JobAccess helps Tara shine her light
“I am not able to have children myself. So, I thought, well perhaps if I can’t have them, maybe I can work with them instead and try to be a positive light in their lives,”
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Luck turns for fighter Ashley with support from JobAccess
Ashley Reynolds has battled a series of health issues that would floor most people. He watched much of his family farm burn to the ground in the bushfires of 2021. And he has taken parts of the establishment on and won – both as a disability advocate and fighting for his own survival.
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Seeing things through a different lens at Stonnington
Local councils in Australia are often referred to as the ‘grassroots’ level of government because their decisions and activities directly affect the community.
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Picture looks bright for Laura
The passionate art lover was just 28-years-of-age working in her dream job at the Art Gallery of South Australia when she received the shock diagnosis that she had Multiple Sclerosis.
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No holding back “ray of sunshine” Angela
Angela Watkins – who was born with a sight and hearing disability – couldn’t believe how her world opened up after coming to Australia from South Africa.
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Minting talent: NDRC partnership paves way for embracing disability inclusion at The Perth Mint
With the support of JobAccess and the National Disability Recruitment Coordinator (NDRC).
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Legal Eagle Jude thanks JobAccess for supporting stellar career
Jude Lee – once a litigation lawyer in the big end of town prosecuting the likes of giant corporate raider the late Alan Bond – has always had a vision of what was possible for him.
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Video: KPMG powers disability inclusion with support from JobAccess
International professional services firm KPMG embarked on improving disability inclusion within the organisation with support from the Australian Government's JobAccess service and the National Disability Recruitment Coordinator (NDRC) program.
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Video: Inner West Council charts its disability confidence with JobAccess
Inner West Council is a local government area located in the inner western region of Sydney in the state of New South Wales, Australia.
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Video: Anthony keeps his job on the farm with workplace adjustments from JobAccess
New South Wales-based grazier Anthony Ferris discusses his experience of receiving workplace adjustments through JobAccess.
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Video: The inclusive filmmaking process behind JobAccess video case studies
JobAccess recently engaged Taste Creative and Bus Stop Films to share the stories of employers and people with disability who've used the program.
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Practice makes perfect: Dr Lung’s swift return to work with support from JobAccess
After a cycling accident in early 2019 resulted in paraplegia, Jeremy Lung, a well-respected dentist from Sydney, felt like everything was taken away.
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The sound of success: supporting Alistair’s career as an international voice artist
Listening to Alistair Lee’s dynamic vocal range, you can understand why he’s in demand in the voice acting industry.
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Making her mark
Like many of us, Fiona Demark leads a full life — she works full-time, raises two teenage children, manages her own life coaching business, and even finds time for thrill-seeking on weekends.
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Teaching resilience through lived experience
Howard Clark is a passionate teacher. His long career started at a primary school, from which he transitioned to St Patrick’s College in Ballarat, an all-boys school, where he has been teaching for 26 years.
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Widening the lens: SBS embarks on the journey to disability confidence
Created in October 1975, Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) was born to meet the growing call for ethnic broadcasting in Australia.
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Real Life Story
Meet Dwayne Fernandes, Diversity and Inclusion Partner at the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment.
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Innovation key to moving the dial on disability employment
4.4 million Australians, or one in five, live with disability; a number expected to grow with an ageing population.
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Why Tasmanian employers are embracing disability employment
Driving Disability Employment: the benefits of a diverse and inclusive workplace was the 25th seminar for employers hosted by JobAccess
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How employers can unlock the untapped dividends of disability employment
JobAccess organised its 26th Employer Seminar in a first-ever virtual panel discussion format for Victoria-based organisations
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Taking a weight off Michael’s mind and shoulders
As a landscaper and property services provider, Michael enjoys the creativity that comes with the job.
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Event Wrap – All you need to know about workplace adjustments
Offering workplace adjustments is a key element of inclusive organisations, and an area of increasing interest for employers wanting to ensure an accessible workplace for all employees.
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City of Boroondara Council embeds disability employment in process and practise
Home to more than 183,000 residents, Boroondara has one of the most increasingly diverse populations in Victoria. This includes people with disability.
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The Hardy Road
For the last 30 years, Tim Hardy has run his own rural supplies business in the Wheatbelt town of Penong; located over 600kms north-west of the South Australian state capital of Adelaide.
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How a JobAccess Professional adviser supports employers to remove barriers
Expert support, innovative solutions, and clear and consistent communication – that is what you can expect when engaging with a JobAccess Professional Adviser
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Supporting David to raise the bar on his practice
As Principal at Burns and Associates Solicitors, David Burns has been running his Brisbane-based law firm specialising in commercial court litigation since 1992.
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Pulling out the stops to support Cassandra’s employment journey
Cassandra Embling considers it important to make sure the people she supports are happy. In her role as a Customer Success Representative with BindiMaps, she gets to do just that.
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Knowledge, expert support and results awaits employers who embrace disability employment
When considering a new initiative or project, most would agree that a strong business case, expert support and practical examples to follow are important.
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Event wrap
Towards inclusive growth: enabling career progression for employees with disability to vitalise organisational success.
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A turning point in disability confidence for NNSWLHD
With a network of 12 hospitals and multi-purpose services and 20 community health centres.
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A focus on outcomes, a wide range of matters: how CRRS works with DES and participants
What Kate Wilder loves about her work as a Client Support Adviser with the Complaints Resolution and Referral Service (CRRS) is assisting the people that get in contact.
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Event Wrap - Reimagining the workplace to drive disability employment
The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us that organisations can and need to be innovative and flexible.
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Supporting employee wellbeing in office and remote working environments
The swift change in the way we work and live, combined with the sense of uncertainty brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to affect everyone in different ways.
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Promoting workforce diversity: how MEGT works with DES providers to attract and employ people with disability
Australian not-for-profit MEGT (Australia) Ltd (MEGT) places an ongoing priority on employing people from diverse backgrounds, including people with disability.
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Event Wrap - Disability inclusion an Essential element for forward thinking employers
Employers were encouraged to embrace the potential of disability employment and keep taking steps towards disability inclusion.
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From self-doubt to ‘yes, I can’: helping Shane to continue to perform at the highest level
For Shane Somerville, providing support and value to his clients and employer at the highest possible level is exceptionally vital.
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Enabling Donna to support her community
Donna values helping people. Her passion for removing barriers and assisting people with disability into meaningful work sees Donna impact change at the grassroots level.
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CRRS helping the DES – client connection
As with any working relationship, effective communication between a Disability Employment Services (DES) participant and their provider is critical to make progress.
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Re-thinking the workforce: Seeing Machines embrace an innovative pathway to disability employment
Road accidents involving commercial vehicles are a common cause of casualties worldwide.
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Event Wrap
Look beyond the usual: innovative strategies key for businesses to embrace an inclusive workforce
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Paving the way: Improving mental health awareness in the workplace
Grant Everett, Assistant Publications Officer of Panorama Magazine
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Disability employment at McDonald’s
Christopher Croker has been an employee at McDonald’s Wadalba since February 2016. Over the past 3 years, Chris has made himself an invaluable asset to the team,
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Giving disability employment the voice it deserves
Ahmed Rezaei, Administrative Support Assistant, The University of Queensland.
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Onto greener pastures for disability employment
Daniel Tickner, Front of House at Halekulani Bowling Club.
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The businesses benefitting from a new world of ability
When Sanjay Dhariwal, from HPE Pointnext, heard about AccessAbility Day, the decision to get involved was an obvious one.
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Disrupting the status quo: why we need to embrace disability employment
Meet Sam Flood, Registered Pharmacist, Capital Chemist Coburg North
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Disability employment providing a fresh perspective in the workplace
Stanley is a Senior Advisor in the Talent and Culture Advisory team at ANZ Bank. He is one of four advisors who are mandated to support any of the 4,013 line managers in Australia with complex staffing or work issues
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Giving people the chance to ask about living with disability
A day in the office for Paul Harpur usually starts around five am. During the peace and quiet of the early mornings, he’s corresponding with his American colleagues who are wrapping up their own day.
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The benefits of an inclusive and diverse workforce: A JobAccess Employer Seminar co-hosted by Flinders University
Employers need to challenge the misconceptions about employing people with disability.
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Managing Mental Health at Work
A JobAccess Alumni event co-hosted by Sofitel Sydney Wentworth
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Powering talent
A reliable energy source is vital to the social-economic development of any region, especially areas with limited accessibility.
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How businesses can Flourish by hiring people with disability
There’s an old Japanese proverb and something they have done there for centuries.
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Pulling back the Curtin on the benefits of disability employment
Carol Dowling is an Associate Lecturer at Curtin University who specialises in Aboriginal studies.
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Employ their Ability – Fay Jackson
Meet Fay, General Manager of Inclusion at Flourish Australia. What abilities could a person with disability bring to your business?
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Preparing for success with disability employment interviews
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.
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Capitalising on a diverse workforce
When Samantha Kourtis first met Jack he was 16. Jack’s parents were asking Samantha if he could do work experience at Capital Chemist Charnwood in Canberra, where she has been the owner for five and a half years.
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The transformative power of work
For Waterfalls Café owner Rachel Power, watching the transformation of her staff from when she first hires them to the people they become is the most rewarding part of her job.
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Learning about disability employment
Meet Alison, Vice Principal and Literary Coach at Department of Education in Tasmania.
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A strong future for supported employment
Brite is an Australian Disability Enterprise (ADE) taking a person centred and holistic approach to employment for people with disability.
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Nundah Community Enterprises Cooperative
Nundah Community Enterprise Cooperative has been a successful social enterprise for more than 20 years...
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Employment Assistance Fund
Daniel Pistritto, an Audiometrist and Assistive Listening Device Product Manager at Blamey Saunders hears, believes it is essential “to protect ears from loud noises when one is younger
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Managing Mental Health at Work
A JobAccess Alumni event co-hosted by Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy (DNRME), Queensland.
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A new pool of talent waiting for employers
Meet Tom, Baker’s Assistant at Banjo’s Bakery Café
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How could an inclusive culture benefit your workplace?
Meet Nikki Andersen, Digital Content and Rights Officer at University of Southern Queensland
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Workplace confidence with disability employment drives success
Meet James Phillis, Australia and New Zealand CEO of SMEC Australia & New Zealand
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Why one workplace adjustment can have benefits for many
Meet Neslihan Sari, Paralegal at Public Transport Victoria.
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How disability employment can spark innovation
Meet Kenny, Cloud Solution Architect at Microsoft Australia.
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Employer partnership: Glen Eira City Council
Strength in diversity: Glen Eira City Council walks the talk in community inclusion.
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Employer partnership: Curtin University
Top of the class: Curtin University leading the way in accessible workplaces.
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Breaking barriers with the Employment Assistance Fund
Donna Purcell, Senior Manager Accessibility and Capability Advice at Commonwealth Bank
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Unlocking Potential: resources and support to enable inclusive workplaces
A JobAccess employer seminar co-hosted by Monash University.
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Why disability employment isn’t a Fringe issue
Meet Simon Abrahams, Creative Director & CEO at Melbourne Fringe.
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Why inclusion and accessibility strategies are good for business
Meet Niall Betteridge, Director, Enterprise Architecture at PwC.
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How disability employment benefits big workforces
Meet Kevin Green, Cleaning Supervisor at Compass Group Australia.
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JobAccess Employer partnership: Sofitel Sydney Wentworth
Sofitel opens door to an untapped talent pool.
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Why PwC is committed to hiring people with disability
Meet Nicole. Senior Manager, Diversity and Inclusion at PwC.
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Setting up disability employment to succeed
Meet Ebru Dogan. Diversity and Inclusion Advisor at Gold Coast University Hospital.
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Niall Betteridge
Meet Niall. Director of Enterprise Architecture at PwC, tennis enthusiast and hearing impaired.
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Claire Mitchell
Meet Claire. Administration Assistant at Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital School, leader and born with Down Syndrome.
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Dinesh Palipana
Meet Dr Dinesh Palipana. Doctor at Gold Coast Health, high achiever and acquired quadriplegic.
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Kevin Green
Meet Kevin. Cleaning Supervisor at Compass Group, loving husband and born with Dwarfism.
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Carly Findlay
Meet Carly. Access and Inclusion Coordinator at Melbourne Fringe, writer and born with Ichthyosis.
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DES Overview
This video provides information relevant to people with disability, employers, providers, and stakeholders and where to find more information.
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DES Participant
This video will explain what to expect; participant rights and obligations and where to find more information.
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DES Employer
This video explains the relationship with the employer and DES provider, along with and services and support employers can receive.
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The diversity of disability in the workplace
This video showcases the diverse types of work performed by people with disability.
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Disclosing disability in the workplace
This video describes several people’s experience disclosing their disability at work.
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Australian Government assistance provided for the workplace
This video explains the range of Australian Government support people with disability have accessed to assist them in the workplace.
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Employer flexibility in the workplace
This video showcases people with disability describing their experience establishing flexible working arrangements with their employer.
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