Construction appears unreachable to someone in a wheelchair since it entails scaling ladders and working in restricted places. However, this is not always the case. Source: Timberbiz
In 2018, approximately 1,130,200 persons worked in the construction business, with just 91,600 disabled. Current statistics do not provide a more detailed picture of employment, but keep in mind that disability is not black and white. This figure would include sensory, intellectual, mental, and physical disability.
The fact that persons with disabilities are underrepresented in the Australian construction sector shows space for improvement.
Although an employee with a handicap is not required to inform their employer of their impairment, if they do, they are protected by the Disability Discrimination Act of 1992. This is because it makes it illegal for an employer to treat them less favourably than other employees for any reason related to their impairment unless such conduct is justified.
It’s also important to note that if an employer isn’t aware of a handicap, they won’t be able to make reasonable changes to guarantee disabled workers aren’t significantly disadvantaged while doing their duties.
Plan management is a disability service the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) finances. Plan management’s overall role is to help and support NDIS participants in managing their NDIS plan funds.
Participants can also get assistance from NDIS plan management providers on effectively using their NDIS funds, which can help them increase their financial knowledge and ability. Here are some programs NDIS has for job provision.
Disability Employment Services
Disability Employment Services (DES) is the primary employment service for persons with disabilities seeking a job. If you’ve already decided on a job and are ready to start looking for it, a DES provider might be the next best move. DES providers can help you prepare for the career by helping you with a résumé, interview skills, and work experience. They can also make direct contact with businesses to inquire about available positions.
School Leaver Employment Supports
School leaver employment aids assist participants in transitioning from school to work and are accessible in the last years of school and immediately following graduation.
Providers of school-leaver employment services assist young people in preparing for, seeking, and obtaining work. In addition, they offer relevant, targeted capacity development programs to help young people accomplish their job objectives.
Funding for school leaver employment increases participants’ capacity and confidence to enter the labour field. The NDIS can cover school leaver employment assistance for two years, depending on the participant’s circumstances.
Australian Disability Enterprise
Australian Disability Enterprises, or ADEs, is one of several job options for persons with moderate to high assistance requirements. Some individuals will have job support requirements, which means they will require a little extra assistance on the job to engage fully. Supported work may also assist persons in gaining the necessary knowledge and experience to transition into less supported or other employment comfortably.
Having a job broadens social networks, improves living conditions, and boosts financial independence and self-worth.
