- Cook Government commits $300,000 to improve employment opportunities for people with disability in the small-to-medium enterprise sector
- The Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA will undertake a pilot program, Ability Link, to support more businesses to employ people with disability
- The program will support delivery of the CCIWA's Tapping the Talent Pool of People with Disabilities report recommendations
Disability Services Minister Don Punch today announced the Cook Government is committing $300,000 to improve employment opportunities for people with disability in the small-to-medium enterprise sector.
The funding will be allocated to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA to undertake a 12-month pilot program, Ability Link, aimed at supporting more businesses to employ people with disability across different industries.
The SME Disability Support Determination pilot program will assist in delivering the recommendations of the CCIWA's Tapping the Talent Pool of People with Disabilities report. Released earlier this year, this report outlined ways to improve employment opportunities for people with disability in the small to medium enterprise sector.
The pilot program will:
- increase awareness of the benefits of employing people with disability;
- provide a clear understanding of the supports and services that are available and how to access them;
- deliver strategies to assist businesses to employ people with disability across different industries; and
- outline options to create seamless workforce entry pathways for people with disability.
The pilot program aligns with the vision and intent of 'A Western Australia for Everyone: State Disability Strategy 2020-2030', which contains a firm commitment to supporting people with disability to find meaningful and sustainable employment.
As stated by Disability Services Minister Don Punch:
"Improving employment outcomes and ensuring economic participation for people with disability is a priority of the Cook Government.
"Businesses are recognising the benefits of prioritising a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects our wider society.
"Despite this, people with disability continue to face significant barriers in accessing employment opportunities compared to other cohorts in our community.
"The Cook Government is keen to work in partnership with private sector industries and businesses to increase employment for people with disability, including support to employers to feel more confident in employing people with disability.
"In a tight labour market, this is an opportune time for businesses to consider hiring people with disability - a talent pool of people who are actively seeking inclusive and diverse employers.
"This pilot program undertaken by the CCIWA will ensure those industries and businesses have a clear understanding of the benefits of employing people with disability and are equipped with strategies to assist them tap a wider talent pool of employees."
Comments attributed to CCIWA Chief Executive Officer Chris Rodwell:
"We want to make it as easy as possible for businesses to hire people with disabilities, and this pilot program will aim to clear the barriers that have been holding them back from doing so.
"It will aim to determine better ways to connect WA businesses with people with disabilities who are looking for work by identifying skills gaps and providing specialised support to ensure a smooth transition into the workforce.
"Crucially, it will identify and clarify the support and resources available to small and medium-sized businesses who have told us they'd like to hire people with disabilities but are not sure where to start.
"A key part of this project is about busting the myths and misconceptions about hiring people with disability.
"Businesses that excel in disability engagement are more profitable, their staff are happier, and their customers are more loyal. It's not just the right thing to do, it's the smart thing to do for businesses."
