4.4m Australians could have better workplace experience

“Australia only ranks 21 out of 29 on disability employment rates among OECD countries so we know there is more work to be done,” Tratter says.

Most of AND’s network had not started disability inclusion conversations in the workplace before joining.

“The good news is that we have a member base of over 400 Australian businesses who are actively working to include employees with disability and make their workplaces accessible,” Tratter says.

While AND’s national benchmarking tool, the Access and Inclusion Index, measures 10 key areas of the business to calculate disability maturity, but Tratter says it’s always best to “start with your own people” by seeking feedback from current employees with disability if possible.

“The development of a disability employee network is highly encouraged as they offer peer support for people with disability, carers and allies, as well as an avenue to provide feedback back into the business,” she says.

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Then, she recommends looking at two foundation pieces that will make the biggest impact: workplace adjustments and recruitment.

Both are areas being actively tackled at NAB. Its workplace adjustment policy for employees with disability covers all areas of the employee lifecycle – recruitment, onboarding, job role and career development. Recruiters complete training on inclusive recruitment and workplace adjustments, and Watts-Sampson says NAB is aiming to complete the disability confident recruiter program with AND in April.

“[Employers keen to do better on inclusion need] confident recruiters and people leaders who know how to have confident conversations with candidates and employees with disability,” she says.

As for the millions of Australians with a disability, Watts-Sampson encourages them to know their value.

“Disability does not mean less than. It means you are an effective problem solver, communicator, resilient and worthy member of our society and have the human right to employment.”

Key facts: Resources for employers

 IncludeAbility from the Australian Human Rights Commission has free online resources and information for employers.

 JobAccess is the government’s national hub for advice and support for employers on employing people with disability.

 The Australian Network on Disability helps organisations employ people with disability, and design their products and services for customers with disability.