For many NDIS participants, employment may be yet another obstacle on top of the everyday challenges associated with living with a disability. The good news is, there are passionate people actively working collaboratively to breakdown these barriers and ensure that employment is no longer just a dream for NDIS participants.
atWork Australia believes that work is for everyone and that people with disability, injury or a health condition have equal opportunities to gain employment. Work can bring many benefits, as it helps to improve the health and welfare of individuals, families and communities.
Often however, the pathway to finding work or candidates that meets your needs can be a confusing or daunting process. Some individuals and organisations can become so overwhelmed with what steps to start with that the process can seem insurmountable. Unfortunately, the result of this is that those often with the greatest need of support miss out on potential opportunities.
With this in mind, atWork Australia set about to host two ‘NDIS First Steps for Success’ event in Maroondah, VIC and Canberra, ACT. These were geared towards NDIS participants with work (or future work) aspirations and the intent of which was to form connections and foster collaboration amongst stakeholders. Those involved included employers such as MXTology and Hungry Jacks who were looking to hire diverse talent, and DES Providers, OCTEC, MAX Employment and Busy Ability. In addition, there were over nine NDIS providers offering a range of supports. Effectively, these events created a one stop shop for clients and employers to learn about the many supports available to people with a disability, injury or health condition to find meaningful employment.
After the Victorian event, which was abuzz with energy and connection, Maroondah employer, Hungry Jacks, had four interviews successfully lined up and said they were looking forward to meeting more applicants in the future.
“I really enjoy these types of Job Fairs where we come together with the shared intent to help provide potentially disadvantaged job seekers with employment. I look forward to meeting more applicants in the future,” said Skye Gresle, Hungry Jacks People & Culture Business Partner.
Kerim from Nurse 4 U, an NDIS core support and coordination organisation, said, “It was great to walk just a few steps and connect with like-minded providers.”
The events were engaging, fun and buzzing with energy. Not only did each event provide opportunities for referrals and interviews they also provided the opportunity for service providers to build strong connections with those with a shared purpose of supporting others.
atWork Australia’s Service Manager, Jeffrey Grzywaczewski said the event was filled with passionate people wanting to make a difference.
“It was so great to see the community coming together to support people living with disability to find work and make a positive long-term impact in the lives of people who need it most,” said Jeffrey.
“The atmosphere was buzzing with passionate people who were excited about learning from each other and hearing directly from people living with disability on what they could do to create inclusive work environments.”
Seven clients came away from the event with interviews, and employers shared additional vacancies for people living with disability.
Those in attendance found so much value in the events. So much so, that future events are already being planned and we look forward to being able to further support the community in the future.
The next event will be held in Belconnen, ACT in late August.