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Five steps to workplace inclusion – step 3 Create opportunities for cross-functional interaction among the team The critical factor for long-term integration in the workplace is social integration. We’re aiming to avoid going into the lunchroom one day and finding your new recruit all on their own. Step 3 is part of incorporating inclusion principles across all of the business. Social inclusion is vital, because research tells us that people are more likely to stay

Five steps to workplace inclusion – step 2 Incorporate inclusion principles across all of the business So you’ve completed step 1: made and documented your  Now it’s time to incorporate inclusion principles across all of the business. A united approach is vital. If the business attempts inclusion in one department but not others, you can expect unrest. Success comes from your senior management: ·      Being open to all questions and ideas from the floor ·     

Quotas are discriminatory I’ve heard renewed calls for the introduction of quotas recently, both in state governments and the arts. While the idea of a quota system may be beguiling, in practice: 1. Large employers simply pay the fine or look at ways in which existing staff may be reclassified to demonstrate their disability and the company’s commitment to inclusion Small-to-medium-sized business owners form an opinion that employing people with a disability is something for

Five steps to workplace inclusion – step 1 Devise a well-documented plan I suggest taking the following five steps to ensure you plan, implement and review a solid inclusion policy. 1.     Devise a well-documented plan 2.     Incorporate inclusion principles across all of the business 3.     Create opportunities for cross-functional interaction among the team 4.     Regularly invest in staff training 5.     Support middle management to understand, implement and assess progress. So, first up – devise a well-documented

Aren’t we aiming for inclusion? For-profit providers. Ineffective subsidies. Mutual obligation. Contract gaming. What’s the Disability Employment Services sector coming to? It doesn’t seem to be designed for inclusion of people with significant disability. In fact, I’d go so far as saying that ‘exclusion’ is the aim. Why do I think this? 1. Because government is awarding contracts towhose priority is not inclusion of persons with disability at all. Their first obligation: shareholders. Their second obligation: staff

Always focus on ability What you look for is what you see. This is why I created the Focus On Ability Short Film Festival. In our first year, 2009, we received 12 entries from NSW-based high shools. They shared $5000 in prizes. Last week, at our red-carpet awards night attended by 650 people, including, VIPs actor Alan Fletcher, comedian Adam Hills and our very own ambassador Paula Duncan, we celebrated our ten-year anniversary in style. Ten years