Vision 2020 Australia has called on the Australian Government to set a target of seven per cent employment of people with disability in the Australian public service by 2021.
According to the organisation, creating access to meaningful employment for people with disability, including people who are blind or vision impaired, will give a significant boost to Australia’s economy.
Carla Northam, CEO of Vision 2020 Australia, says: ‘Currently the workforce participation rate for working-aged Australians with disability is just 53.4 per cent, compared to 83.5 per cent of the general population.
“With nearly one in seven working-aged Australians living with disability, the workforce participation statistic is unacceptable.
It’s estimated that 58 per cent of working-aged Australians who are blind or vision impaired are unemployed
It is estimated that if an additional 100,000 people with disability were employed by 2050, it would add one per cent to Australia’s gross domestic product.
Yet people with disability remain significantly underrepresented in the workforce, demonstrating a wasted economic opportunity and a failure of Australia to ensure equal rights and inclusion for all.
“Access to meaningful employment free from discrimination is a fundamental human right and is vital to building a prosperous society,” said Ms. Northam.
John Simpson, Chair of Vision 2020 Australia’s Independence and Participation Committee and President of Blind Citizens Australia, says the employment statistics for people who are blind or vision impaired are poorer still.
“It’s estimated that 58 per cent of working-aged Australians who are blind or vision impaired are unemployed,” Mr Simpson said.
“One-third of those who are employed would like to work more hours, highlighting the issue of underemployment.
“What’s more, one in four people who are blind or vision impaired report experiencing discrimination regarding their employment.”
Ms. Northam said, “the Australian public service is a major employer across the country, yet its employment of people with disability has consistently declined.1
“We implore the Government to lead by example and demonstrate the value that people with disability, including those who are blind or vision impaired, bring to Australian workplaces and to Australia’s economy.”
Reference
1. Vision 2020 Australia, Position statement on meaningful employment for people with disability in the Australian public service: www.vision2020australia.org.au/resources/position-statement-on-meaningful-employment-for-people-with-disability-in-the-australian-public-service
