Induction and training

You shouldn't assume that all people with disability will need different types of induction or training to effectively start work in their new jobs. However, you may need to cater for individual requirements and to make reasonable adjustments to provide your new employee with the best start possible.

We've got a diversity and inclusion committee, and that runs through the entire organisation all genders, ages, experience. It starts from the CEO down. So, we had a position that we thought might've been suitable in this organisation. Horace kind of came in and fitted in beautifully here.

You know he's sort of been here for a couple of years. He's got his structured days. He's very good, he knows what he's doing, he knows where he's supposed to be. And making sure we're getting it right as well, right for us as a company. But also right for him.

I do different jobs on different days, so it's like a daily job, but it's pretty much different every day. So, there's a checklist for the whole days tasks and I do my own job and if I have any problems I go and ask my supervisor.

It didn't take long for it to settle down, it was, you know, only really a short period of time before we got it all settled down. We've provided an office for Horace, he is the only one in the building who's got an office. But that gives him a bit of space to be comfortable in, he can set himself up, and that's the place he goes to start and the end of every day.

Before your new employee commences, it may be necessary to review your induction and training procedures to ensure they're accessible. For example, is your induction package readable by assistive technology such as a screen reader? Can it be delivered face to face rather than online? Have you considered workplace buddy or mentor system to help your new employee settle in to their new role? Your induction and training should include all the usual aspects such as clarifying roles, operating hours, work, health and safety, and orientation, just to name a few. It's also important to set aside some time to catch up with your new staff member during their first few weeks and talk to them about how they're going. Remember, there are government funded programs ready to help you and your new staff member. So, don't hesitate to reach out and ask for support.