New report reveals practical strategies to unlock a workforce of 110,000 skilled jobseekers with disability

Businesses can help unlock a talent pool of more than 110,000 jobseekers with disability and do their part in building disability-positive workplaces by making four practical commitments, according to a new report produced by non-profit SSI.  

Pathways to Possibilities: Harnessing the economic potential of people with disability translates data and real-life experiences of people with disability into a practical guide employers can use to maximise the skills and talents of people with disability and dismantle barriers to their employment.  

At a time when one in three businesses are struggling to fill roles, highly qualified professionals with disability, like accountant Abrahim Darouiche, struggle to break into the workforce.  

“People with disability have the skills, knowledge, and willingness to learn and grow that businesses need. We just need to be given that chance,” said Abrahim. 

Despite holding a master's degree in business and commerce, inaccessible recruitment practices and a lack of information on workplace accommodations for people with disability placed Abrahim at a disadvantage in finding employment.  

After years of moving in and out of jobs in unrelated industries, a networking event finally provided Abrahim the opportunity to bypass the ruthlessness of online recruitment systems and speak with employers directly. This enabled him to secure an ideal part-time role as an Accounts Manager at a disability provider in Southwest Sydney. 

“Simple things such as making ads accessible and taking the time to ask an applicant about their accessibility needs can make a big difference in ensuring people like me feel welcome,” he said.  

SSI CEO Violet Roumeliotis said there was an untapped pool of one million job seekers with disability — presenting a prime opportunity for businesses and employers to bridge the gap.  

“There are simple, practical steps organisations of any size can take to level the playing field and tap into this workforce, for the benefit of individuals and businesses,” Ms Roumeliotis said. “We are calling on businesses to contribute to positive change by committing to making job ads accessible, providing internships and job-sharing opportunities, connecting with disability employment agencies, and more.” 

Ms Roumeliotis said that many employers are also held back by misconceptions around employing people with disability.  

“Employers often incorrectly assume that hiring people with disability will require costly adjustments. In fact, 88% of Australians with disability do not require any specific workplace adjustments, and for those who do, 60% cost nothing.”  

When employees do require adjustments that require financial investment, government help is available to cover expenses for eligible people, such as the services provided by Job Access. 

Pathways to Possibilities: Harnessing the economic potential of People with Disability outlines four clear commitments and 22 practical actions businesses of all sizes can implement to help remove barriers for employees and jobseekers with disability.  

Four barrier-breaking commitments: 

1. Put disability inclusion at the heart of your business 

2. Become disability confident 

3. Empower your leaders to drive change 

4. Create a safe, supportive, and accommodating culture. 

This report and its practical approaches for employers to maximise the skills and talents of people with disability was informed by consultation with those with lived experience, alongside peak bodies, community organisations, and businesses at the Pathways to Possibilities Symposium. The Symposium was held by SSI in February 2024 in partnership with Jobs Australia, National Disability Services (NDS), and the Canterbury Bankstown Chamber of Commerce.  

Key Facts:  

• About 113,000 Australians who identify as having a disability are unemployed and looking for work. 

• Intersectionality leads to increased challenges for different communities. Only 28.3% of First Nations people with disability are employed, and just 38.3% of people with disability born overseas work. 

• Unemployment rates for people with disability have not significantly changed in over 30 years. 

About the Pathways to Possibility report launch: 

In the lead up to the International Day of People with Disability, on November 26, SSI is bringing together businesses, community organisations, and people with disability to launch the report, share best practices, identify opportunities, and celebrate successes. The launch will also include a reflection on SSI’s new Community of Practice pilot program’s progress and the ongoing steps necessary to create long-lasting change. Learn more here.