Statistics suggest that in Australia, the chances of being unemployed are almost twice for disabled people than those without disabilities. Furthermore, disabled women are less likely to be employed than their male counterparts and tend to earn lesser too.

The above data while being alarming, on one hand, also presents an opportunity for the development of inclusion within the workplace on the other. As a business owner, there are several ways you can help improve the situation. Curious to know how? Read on to find out.

Recruitment

While many businesses ‘conceptually’ understand and adhere to the policy to hiring persons with disabilities, the hiring numbers reflect a different reality. Many companies do not even realize how advantageous the recruitment of disabled people can be. Some businesses still use the archaic systems of hiring that discourage people with disabilities from applying, despite possessing the necessary talents.

There are documented cases of people with autism being gifted data scientists and providing more value to the organization than expected.

Making sure your recruitment program encourages a healthy amount of hiring for disabled candidates will ensure what is termed as ‘neurodiversity’, the idea that disabilities such as autism, Asperger’s syndrome, bipolar disorder, and ADHD arise out of natural neurological differences in our genes. Encouraging corporate interactions with groups and initiatives that support disabled people is a good starting point.

Fostering Inclusive Workplace

It starts with the mindset of the community and employees, no matter what level of authority they work with. For an inclusive work environment to thrive, awareness around inclusion has to be driven in the workplace.

Firstly, the stereotypes around disabilities should be changed. For instance, disabilities come in many shapes and forms, ranging from the ones that require wheelchairs to ones that cannot be perceived unless the individual chooses to disclose them. Removing unconscious stigmas around disabilities from the minds of people without disabilities is especially important in this regard.

As a business owner, you should make sure the workplace is welcoming towards disabled employees and respects their contributions.

Facilitating Change

Through the right training, you can make sure all the employees understand the challenges faced by their disabled counterparts on a daily basis. This ensures they are all on the same page and everyone contributes towards solving these challenges.

With the right information on tools made accessible for disabled employees, their co-workers can assist in creating an empowering atmosphere.

Recognizing the contributions of disabled employees and assigning additional responsibilities like mentoring other candidates is highly beneficial for the entire community. You can also create your own corporate social responsibility programs geared towards the inclusion of disabled people into Australia's workforce through community drives, awareness campaigns, and employee recognition.

These small steps would go a long way in nurturing a safe space for the disabled workforce.

Excited to make a difference? Visit atWork Australia, where we help thousands of skilled disabled people get the jobs they want! Get free recruitment services catering to your business needs and be a part of the solution.