Exploring the challenges experienced by people with

disabilities in the employment sector in Australia:

Advocating for inclusive practice-a review of literature

Author
Ruhindwa, Amos, Randall, Christine, Cartmel, Jennifer

Published
2016

Journal Title
Journal of Social Inclusion

Version
Published

DOI
https://doi.org/10.36251/josi.99

Copyright Statement
© The Author(s) 2016. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0) License, which permits unrestricted
use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly
cited.

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Exploring the challenges experienced by people with disabilities in
the employment sector in Australia: Advocating for inclusive
practice‐ a review of literature
Amos Ruhindwa
Griffith University

Christine Randall
Griffith University

Jennifer Cartmel
Griffith University

Abstract
People with disabilities are generally not considered as able participants in the workforce
(paid or volunteer work) and therefore, they often experience exclusion from participating in
mainstream employment opportunities. People with disabilities experience various barriers
to employment, such as discrimination in the workplace, stigma, prejudice and stereotypes.
However, some people with disabilities participate in the workforce and make valuable
contributions towards economic development, social capital and wider society. This
literature review summarises published research findings about the challenges that people
with disabilities experience in pursuing employment opportunities, including volunteering
and paid positions; and in undertaking these roles. Furthermore, it explores possible
interventions to improve employment outcomes that are effective from the perspectives of
people with disabilities. Findings indicate that effective practice takes an inclusive approach
and allows clients to take ownership of solutions in relation to addressing the challenges
they experience in the employment sector. For this reason, two different community
development projects, which particularly focused on employment challenges for people with
disabilities, as well as outlining strategies and solutions that promote client ownership were
reviewed. Additionally, employment support techniques and strategies, as well as human
rights’ principles on work and employment for people with disabilities will be debated.
Finally, implications for research and practice for the rehabilitation counselling profession
and the disability employment services sector are discussed.

Keywords: disability, employment barriers, challenges, vocational rehabilitation,

community development, labour market, social inclusion, human rights, strategies &
interventions

People with disabilities are under-represented in Australia’s workforce and the

unemployment rate has been increasing over the past years (Australian Bureau of Statistics
[ABS], 2009). Literature indicates that the employment situation for people with disabilities in
Australia is worsening and the employment participation rate has dropped from 54% to 53%
since 2009 (Taleporos, 2014). ABS (2009) census’ results indicated that half of the 2.2

Corresponding author: Amos Ruhindwa ([email protected])

Journal of Social Inclusion, 7(1), 2016

million working-age disabled people were employed, as compared to almost 80% of working-
age non-disabled people.

Research shows that the employment participation rate for people with disabilities is far less
than for other people; and the unemployment rate for this cohort is estimated at 1.5 times
higher than for people with no disabilities (ABS, 2003; Commonwealth Department of Social
Services, 2011).

People with disabilities are often able and willing to work to become financially independent
and to contribute towards community development and wider society (Bruce, 2006;
Commonwealth Department of Social Services, 2011; Waterhouse, Kimberley, Jonas, &
Glover, 2010). Despite their readiness to work, people with disabilities often find it difficult to
secure sustainable employment (Bruce, 2006; Waterhouse et al. 2010). Participation in
employment for people with disabilities is central to achieving social inclusion, as well as
contributing to physical and mental health, personal well-being and self-worth
(Commonwealth Department of Social Services, 2011). Literature has left no doubt that work
encompasses economic, social and psychological benefits (The Royal Australasian College
of Physicians [RACP], 2011; Winefield et al., 2002). Work plays a major role in individual
lives and has a positive influence on health, well-being, social inclusion and identity (Geisen,
2011; Winefield et al., 2002). In contrast, prolonged work absence, work disability and
unemployment have negative health impacts, and as such can negatively affect an
individual’s health and wellbeing (RACP, 2011).

Increasing employment participation for people with disabilities is part of the Australian
government strategy to address labour shortages, as well as reducing economic pressures
associated with welfare dependence (Buckup, 2009; Department of Education, Employment
and Workplace Relations [DEEWR], 2011). Furthermore, improving employment outcomes
for people with disabilities will help in enhancing their quality of life and independence, and
at the same time be cost-effective in relation to reducing welfarism (Yeend, 2012). The
National Disability Strategy [NDS] indicates that many people with disabilities are frustrated
about relying on welfare benefits, such as the Disability Support Pension [DSP], despite
having the ability and readiness to work (Commonwealth Department of Social Services,
2011; National People with Disabilities Carers Council [NPDCC], 2009).

Aims of the study

This literature review is aimed at examining the research questions “What are the challenges
experienced by people with disabilities in the employment sector (paid and volunteering work)
in Australia?” and “What interventions are effective from the perspectives of people with
disabilities?” Hence, this paper will summarise research findings about the main challenges
and barriers to meaningful employment for this cohort, addressing current gaps in
knowledge, as well as identifying key strategies to improve employment participation for
people with disabilities in Australia. The findings will also help inform future research in this
area of work.

Method

Search Methods
This literature review is intended to provide a brief overview for human service, health and
rehabilitation counselling professionals on issues and strategies for individuals with a
disability trying to enter the Australian workforce. It does not purport to be a detailed
systematic review, but rather an introductory overview of the literature in this field of practice.

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Journal of Social Inclusion, 7(1), 2016

As a result, a broad range of search methods were used that did not limit material to peer-
reviewed articles, but instead placed value on a diverse range of sources including websites,
books and research reports.

In line with the aims of the study, the literature review has a two-fold focus. The first is to
understand the barriers to employment faced by people with disabilities in Australia. The
second is to explore interventions and strategies that were successful. To address the first
part of the research question, a broad range of literature and industry sources that shed light
on barriers to employment was reviewed. To address the second part of the research
question, articles were selected for review if they contained a well-described intervention,
procedure, technique or strategy aimed at improving employment outcomes for the target
population. After screening of the abstracts and full-texts, data was extracted from each
selected article. Search terms were selected to represent the population of interest (i.e.,
disability, intellectual, impairment, injury, mental illness, health condition) and the outcome
(i.e., work, employment, volunteering, return to work, vocational rehabilitation).

Literature was sourced from Google scholar and computer databases, such as Proquest,
SAGE Journals Online, government and legislative publications focused on disability
employment; restricting selection to current online key journals and articles published within
the last 10 years, and which are relevant to the disability employment sector in Australia. A
number of academic databases were searched electronically, including Informit (Humanities
and Social Science Collection and the Health Collection), Proquest (Academic Research
Library, Health and Medical Complete, Psychology Journals, and Social Science Journals),
PsychINFO, Australian Government and Politics database, SAGE Journals Online and
Australian Journals Online. The researchers also searched for specific issues and fields of
practice, such as disability employment, volunteering, vocational rehabilitation and social
inclusion. A manual search, including dissertations and books from the Griffith University
library identified other important studies that were not electronically published.

Results

Barriers to employment
Literature reveals that people with disabilities often experience exclusion from participating in
mainstream employment due to environmental, attitudinal, social and organisational barriers,
and not issues relating to the effects of their impairments (Craddock & McCormack, 2002;
Moore & Fishlock, 2006). Barriers to employment for people with disabilities are linked to
stigma, prejudice, stereotypes and discrimination (Moore & Fishlock, 2006). Furthermore,
physically disabled job seekers often experience employment challenges, which are related
to natural, rural and built environments and systems’ structures (Kulkhanchit, 2002). Mobility
issues and inability to effectively carry out activities of daily living are physical barriers that
can restrict people with disabilities from fully participating in employment activities (Boyce,
Malakar, Millman & Bhattarai, 1999). Additionally, challenges related to low levels of
education and limited psychosocial skills makes it difficult for people with disabilities to
compete in the open labour market (Thomas & Hlahla, 2002). If no improvements are made,
lack of opportunity in the education system might have practical implications for future
employment prospects for people with disabilities in Australia (Human Rights and Equal
Opportunity Commission [HREOC], 2005).

The National Disability Strategy [NDS] is an Australian government initiative that was
implemented to address the challenges and improve the lives of people with disabilities and
their families (NPDCC, 2009). In its implementation phase, the NDS found that negative

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Journal of Social Inclusion, 7(1), 2016

attitudes and misconceptions from employers who believed that disabled workers could slow
the production of their businesses were some of the main barriers to employing this client
group (NPDCC, 2009). The scheme identified that employers are concerned about potential
risks associated with employing a disabled person, recruitment and maintenance costs, as
well as lack of knowledge and access to government and relevant support to assist
employers (Domzal, Houtenville & Sharma, 2008; NPDCC, 2009). This makes it hard for job
seekers with disabilities to secure sustainable employment in the open labour market
(NPDCC, 2009). Small organisations often express concerns related to lack of knowledge
and appropriate support about employing people with disabilities; and as such they tend to
be unwilling to employ a person who in their frame of reference exhibits disabling conditions
(Domzal et al., 2008).

Most employers are also reluctant to hire a person with a disability due to lack of confidence
in the knowledge, understanding and competency to fulfil associated tasks (Waterhouse, et
al. 2010. Lack of trust creates anxiety and disengagement for potential employers and
interferes with their interest or capacity to build knowledge about the real benefits and
disadvantages associated with employing workers with disabilities (Australian Industry
Group, 2005; Lewis & Priday, 2008). Indeed, the Australian Employers Network on Disability
[AEND] (2008) emphasised the importance of employers having ‘disability confidence’.

Volkoff, Clarke and Walstab (2008) point out that some potential employers are interested in
developing effective partnerships, networks and industry relationships with one another for
assistance in building their capacity to support the productive employment of workers with
disabilities, but express concern that there is a lack of connectivity amongst relevant
disability employment organisations. The work of the Australian Employers Network [AEN]
on disability employment is critical in actively informing and supporting its members, as well
as facilitating the achievement of strong networks and high levels of connectivity amongst
relevant employers (Volkoff et al., 2008).

Literature shows that lack of disclosure of a disability is one of the main concerns for
employers (CRS Australia, 2012; Waterhouse, et al., 2010; Lewis & Priday, 2008).
Researchers assert that some employers can be frustrated with non-disclosure because
they feel that it might create unknown risks, which could be difficult to manage, and if there is
disclosure they are at least aware of potential problems and can attempt to manage these
challenges (CRS Australia, 2012; Waterhouse, et al., 2010; Lewis & Priday, 2008). On the
other hand, job seekers may be reluctant to disclose their disability because of concerns that
they may have a harder time finding work and that everyone in the workplace will know
about their disability, rather than only concerned people (CRS Australia, 2012).

In contrast, research indicates that even with no previous experience in this area of
recruitment, many employers are open and keen to employ people with disabilities (Domzal
et al., 2008). However, despite this openness, they have concerns about a range of issues
and lack confidence in their knowledge and capacity to address the different challenges
related to employing disabled workers (Waterhouse et al., 2010). It is argued here that
disability employment service providers, such as rehabilitation consultants should become
‘trusted brokers’ in facilitating the employment of their clients to assist employers with
recruitment, information on government incentives, managing people with disabilities,
workplace adjustments and related support (CRS Australia, 2012; Morgan & Alexander,
2005).

Despite the concerns of employers excluding people with disabilities from accessing
mainstream employment opportunities, research has shown that disabled apprentices and

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Journal of Social Inclusion, 7(1), 2016

workers have been found to be safer on the job; and work attitudes, punctuality and
attendance records were ranked as equivalent, and in some cases, better than non-disabled
employees (Graffam, Shinkfield, Smith & Polzin, 2002; Lewis & Priday, 2008). Consequently,
it seems that employers with previous experience in hiring job seekers with disabilities
develop a strong commitment and good working relationships with this client group and are
interested in employing them in the future (Morgan & Alexander, 2005; Keating, Beaton &
Foster, 2007; Smith, Webber, Graffam & Wilson, 2003). Furthermore Graffam, et al. (2002),
argue that the benefits of employing people with disabilities far outweigh the costs. They
found that costs associated with recruiting workers with a disability were lower and the
productivity was equal or even greater than hiring non-disabled employees (Graffam et al.,
2002).

Thus, people with disabilities can make positive contributions towards social, economic and
community development if opportunities and support are provided for them to participate in
meaningful employment activities (Funnell, 2009). Considerations might include communities
and employers creating opportunities for people with disabilities to be utilised in areas of
their expertise (Funnell, 2009). For example, providing opportunities for people with
disabilities to use their practical or professional skills and knowledge, as well as ensuring
that they are more actively involved in community work (Funnell, 2009). Most importantly,
the Australian government’s social inclusion agenda focuses on addressing the different
challenges experienced by people with disabilities in the employment sector to help ensure
their full participation in paid and volunteering employment (Waterhouse et al., 2010;
NPDCC, 2009).

Consequently, some people with disabilities participate in the workforce and make valuable
contributions towards economic development and social capital (ABS, 2009; Bruce, 2006).
The ABS (2009) statistics show that a significant number of working-age people with
disabilities who participated in the workforce in 2009 engaged in different occupations,
including professional, clerical and administrative, technical and trade positions. In terms of
employment, both disabled and non-disabled people had similar employment distributions
across different occupations and industry groups (ABS, 2009). Additionally, the workforce
participation for people with disabilities incorporates contributions that might provide
economic and social benefits, as well as reducing the practical costs associated with social
exclusion (Metts, 2000).

Types of disability
The ABS (2009) survey of disability, ageing and carers has classified disability into different
groups, including physical, sensory or speech, intellectual, head injury, stroke or brain
damage and psychological disability. The ABS (2009) statistics on disability employment
indicated that the most common in 2009 was physical disability, which had affected a large
proportion equivalent to 71 percent of working-age individuals with a disability. The sensory
and speech disability was calculated at 21 percent, whereas psychological impairment
affected about 17 percent of the target population (ABS, 2009). Furthermore, the type of
impairment that an individual exhibits can affect their employment prospects (ABS, 2009).
People with speech or sensory impairment had achieved better employment outcomes with
a participation rate of 54 percent, and an unemployment rate of 7 percent (ABS, 2009).
Subsequently, people with psychological impairment had the lowest participation rate
equivalent to 29 percent, with the highest unemployment rate at 19 percent (ABS, 2009).
Research indicates that people with speech or sensory impairment might benefit from
assistive equipment, but may not be useful for individuals with psychological disability,
including mental illness (Waghorn & Lloyd, 2005). Consequently, people with mental illness
may also experience employment challenges in terms of maintaining punctuality or work

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Journal of Social Inclusion, 7(1), 2016

attendance standards, and even interruption in their profession due to the sporadic
occurrences of their disability (Waghorn & Lloyd, 2005).

Inclusive interventions and strategies

To address the second part of the research question, two different community development
projects were selected and reviewed. These two projects were predominantly chosen as
they specifically focused on employment challenges for people with disabilities in Australia;
and outlined strategies and solutions that promoted client ownership of the research process.
Research indicates that effective practice takes an inclusive approach and allows clients to
take ownership of solutions in relation to addressing the challenges they experience in the
employment sector (Bruce, 2006; Volunteering Tasmania, 2010). Additionally, both projects
incorporated research methodologies that focused on inclusive interventions that helped
improve employment outcomes for people with disabilities. Most importantly, the projects
met the inclusion criteria focusing on adult participants with disabilities. No other research
met these criteria. Both projects were aimed at supporting people with disabilities in gaining
a voice and advocating for inclusive practice in the employment sector through action
research. Each project will be discussed in turn.

Study one
The first project was conducted in Victoria by a community development professional with
the aim to support consumers to convey a message to volunteer and community
organisations, as well as expressing the views and opinions of disabled people regarding
disability employment concerns. Following several consultations, involvement and mutual
collaboration with different people with disabilities from the local community, the researcher
identified and outlined the obstacles which disabled people experienced in seeking
employment opportunities and in performing such roles. After listening to concerns raised by
people with disabilities, the community development professional engaged with a group of
twelve people with disabilities from the community to investigate volunteering and
community options for them. Members of this project group consisted of participants with a
disability between 18 and 22 years of age from across the community. Through mutual co-
operation, the community development worker together with members of the project group
engaged in the process of sharing ideas and feelings on the subject of volunteering and
participation in community work (Bruce, 2006).

In this process, the community development worker discovered that the target population
was very eager to volunteer and be involved in employment activities. Additionally,
consumers were looking for meaningful ways in which they could become involved in
community and employment activities. Members of the project group stated there was a
need for community organisations and potential employers to become better informed about
disabled people and their abilities, to become aware of access issues for them, and to create
meaningful opportunities that people with disabilities can participate in, and as such achieve
a goal of helping and contributing to the wider society (Bruce, 2006).

During this process, it became quite obvious that finding out about the role of volunteer and
community organisations was one of the biggest barriers facing people with disabilities. To
overcome this obstacle the researcher together with members of the project group decided
to hold a Volunteering and Community Options Expo to bring about understanding and
finding out about volunteer organisations and opportunities that could be available for them
(Bruce, 2006). The Volunteering and Community Options Expo was a great success,
providing two-way learning for disabled people, volunteering and community organisations
(Bruce, 2006). This activity provided a platform for involving and strengthening communities
of people with disabilities.

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Journal of Social Inclusion, 7(1), 2016

This exhibition was an opportunity to demonstrate what community organisations are doing
and for people to ask questions, get answers and become active. During this event, surveys
were sent out to community organisations and they returned feedback stating that some
organisations were not sure how to support or engage an individual with a disability (Bruce,
2006). This exhibition was an opportunity to address this barrier, raising awareness and
bringing an understanding about disabled people and their abilities. The outcome of this
project was positive because volunteering and community organisations enhanced their
understanding of disability employment issues. By doing so, the voice of people with a
disability was heard, as they were offered an opportunity to be valued for the contribution
they can make to their communities.

Study two
The second project was conducted by a local community organisation in Tasmania
(Volunteering Tasmania, 2010). The project was aimed at advocating volunteering and to
find out about issues relating to the involvement of people with disabilities as volunteers, to
identify common obstacles to their involvement in volunteering, to find solutions and
suggestions for overcoming those barriers, as well as maximising the involvement of people
with disabilities in volunteering. Through consultation with people with disabilities and
community organisations, strategies to collect information were developed, including surveys,
a workshop and case studies with a series of interviews to learn more about different views
on disability employment issues. The aforementioned strategies were adopted as they
provided flexibility, a list of questions and opportunities for discussion with the ability to gain
qualitative data to support the research recommendations (Volunteering Tasmania, 2010).

The project achieved positive outcomes because barriers to involving people with disabilities
in volunteering work were identified and dealt with. Responses from surveys, workshop and
interviews incorporated positive answers from some community organisations, which did not
have volunteers with a disability, stating that they are willing to involve a person with a
disability as long as the potential volunteer could meet the essential requirements of the
volunteer position. Others indicated that there was a need to identify the abilities of a
potential volunteer, their experience, skills and training in order to match them to an
appropriate role (Volunteering Tasmania, 2010). This would allow for recruiting volunteers
with disability specifically for their practical or professional skills.

Results also indicated that there was a need to treat volunteers who have a disability with
respect, to uphold their independence and treat them in a fair and reasonable manner, as
well as ensuring that management practices, such as the recruitment process, are non-
discriminatory (Volunteering Tasmania, 2010). People’s attitudes and perceptions about
involving individuals with a disability were enlightened. The project suggested and
emphasised the need for community and volunteering organisations to look at an individual’s
abilities rather than just focusing on their disability (Volunteering Tasmania, 2010).

Summary of both studies

Methods and strategies in both projects incorporated community development, community
action and community capacity building perspectives (Ife, 1995). For example, in the first
project the 0-1-3 community development method, which “builds relationships amongst
people and creates groups by which public action can take place” (Ingamells et al., 2010, p.
21), was adopted. This is evident as the community development worker consulted with
clients to share in the action research topic regarding the involvement of individuals with
disabilities in community work. Agreement was reached and the idea was moved from being
a private to a public concern or interest (Burkett, 2007; Ingamells et al., 2010).

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Journal of Social Inclusion, 7(1), 2016

The activities conducted in both projects, such as holding an exhibition and a workshop and
sending out surveys, where mechanisms to advocate for inclusive practice and to empower
people with disabilities by assisting them to get their voices heard by community
organisations. Generally, these projects have met the criteria established to measure the
expected outcomes of this research task, which focussed on comparing the work done in
these projects with principles, strategies and methods of action research.

Links between volunteering and paid employment

Literature findings from a range of sources, including researchers, the Australian
government, peak volunteering bodies and disability service providers have all concluded
that there is a strong link between volunteer work and paid employment (Australian
Government, 2009; Held & Granholm, 2007; Institute for Volunteering Research, 2009;
Mencap, 2009a; Reilly, 2005). Volunteering encompasses a range of benefits that can
improve employment outcomes for people with disabilities seeking paid employment,
including but not limited to acquiring new skills, increased self-worth and confidence (Held &
Granholm, 2007). Mencap (2009b) concluded that work experience gained through
volunteering is a significant outcome for people with disabilities looking for paid employment.
Reilly (2005) states that some research participants with disabilities reported that
volunteering had improved their employment outcomes.

Volunteering is an integral mechanism towards improving employment outcomes for people

with disabilities, as well as enhancing their participation in community activities (Bruce, 2006;
Reilly, 2005; Volunteering Tasmania, 2010) and expanding their social networks (Balandin,
Llewellyn, Dew, Ballin, & Schneider, 2006; Choma & Ochocka, 2005). As a result, work
experience for people with disabilities is one key strategy to address some of the challenges
they experience when seeking to enter the paid workforce (Waterhouse et al., 2010).
Literature shows that potential employers have confidence in a job-seeker with a disability if
that person has a record of previous volunteer or some work experience (Waterhouse et al.,
2010). Employers might then consider the previous volunteer provider as a reliable and
trusted broker or source of information in relation to recruiting an applicant with a disability
(Waterhouse et al., 2010). In most cases, volunteering for people with disabilities, and even
for non-disabled people, is a useful life experience that can lead towards securing paid
employment (Held & Granholm, 2007; Reilly, 2005). In this case, volunteering or work
experience is perceived as an employment pathway for job-seekers with disabilities (Held &
Granholm, 2007; Mencap, 2009a). Access to volunteering or work experience is
predominantly beneficial and an essential component of the job-seeking process for people
with disabilities seeking to enter the paid workforce (Waterhouse et al., 2010).

Employment support for people with disabilities in Australia

There is a number of specialist employment support services funded by the Australian
government which help people with disabilities obtain and maintain work, including Disability
Employment Services (DES) and Australian Disability Enterprises (ADE) (Department of
Human Services [DHS], 2016; Women With Disabilities Australia [WWDA], 2016). The DES
provide employment support to people with disabilities seeking to enter the workforce
through a network of organisations across Australia; whilst the ADE are commercial
enterprises which employ and provide ongoing and intensive support to people with
disabilities to achieve employment outcomes (DHS, 2016; WWADA, 2016).

Furthermore, the social enterprise model that embraces and upholds core principles of social
inclusion provides fundamental employment frameworks to increase the employability of
people with disabilities. Social enterprises are businesses that are set up for the principal

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Journal of Social Inclusion, 7(1), 2016

purpose of delivering social outcomes through trading activities (Mestan & Scutella, 2007).
Profit-making social enterprises use the majority of their profits to advance social goals
(Mestan & Custella, 2007). Social enterprises’ goals are particularly significant in contributing
to local economic development by increasing employment opportunities of people with
disabilities and those who are disadvantaged or being excluded in the labour market (Finn &
Simmonds, 2003; Mestan & Custella, 2007). The social enterprise model also provides vital
strategies and responds positively to the needs of people who are at risk of long term
unemployment (Mestan & Scutella, 2007).

Social firms are businesses that focus on enhancing the employability of people with
disabilities and to provide them with support related to maximising their employment
opportunities in the open labour market (Warner & Mandiberg, 2006).Whilst there is a
range of social needs that the social enterprise model is responding to, in Australia and
overseas there is a growing need for social enterprises that respond to the real needs of
those people unable to obtain employment (Finn& Simmonds, 2003; Mestan & Scutella,
2007). The social enterprise theory, such as the integrated perspective which combines
together factors, such as work experience placements, time-limited traineeships and
ongoing supported employment within a trading business context (Jensen, 2006;
Mummery, 2007), might help achieve this important objective.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

The NDIS is one of the Australian federal government’s key strategies toward achieving
social inclusion for people with disabilities (NDIS, 2016). The NDIS aims to provide support
to people with a permanent and significant disability which impacts on their ability to be
involved in their day to day life activities (NDIS, 2016). Supports will help participants
achieve their desired goals in different areas of life, including providing independence,
participation in community, education, employment, health and wellbeing activities (NDIS,
2016). The NDIS seeks to give participants more choice and control over how, the time and
place their disability supports should be provided (NDIS, 2016). If necessary, the NDIS shall
also be inclusive of families and carers in relation to developing support plans for
participants (NDIS, 2016). Additionally, the NDIS provides funding to relevant supports to
help participants achieve their goals, such as therapeutic interventions, home modifications,
mobility equipment, as well as participation in community and employment activities (NDIS,
2016).

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD)
The UNCRPD (2006) sets out principles that are focused on enhancing opportunities for
people with disabilities to take part in all aspects of life, such as access to employment,
education, health care, to name a few. The convention supports the right of people with
disabilities to work, as equally as non-disabled people, including obtaining sustainable
employment in the open labour market (UNCRPD, 2006). The convention’s article on work
and employment promotes social rights’ principles, such as prohibiting employment
discrimination on the basis of disability, promoting employment opportunities and career
development, self-employment, work place adjustments for people with disabilities, and
many more (UNCRPD, 2006). Generally, the convention aims to promote, defend and
reinforce the human rights of all people with disabilities (UNCRPD, 2006).

Implications for practice

Employment disadvantage related to social exclusion is a key concern, not only for
consumers but also for organisations and helping professionals who work in the disability
employment sector as it can negatively impact on organisational and service delivery
outcomes (CRS Australia, 2012). Hence, the research question articulated in this paper has

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Journal of Social Inclusion, 7(1), 2016

important implications for practice, both for the rehabilitation counselling profession and the
disability employment services sector in Australia. The principal author of this paper
developed an interest in this topic based on his previous studies in rehabilitation counselling
and previous work experience within a large disability employment organisation in Australia.
The author observed practice in this organisation and found that job seekers with disabilities
experienced various challenges in obtaining sustainable employment in the open labour
market due to issues related to community and employer misconceptions and lack of
awareness about disability issues.

Based on the literature review and the findings of the two community development projects,
it is evident that people with disabilities experience significant challenges in the employment
sector in Australia. The following recommendations are made with the view to reducing
barriers and increasing the participation of people with disabilities in the workforce, including
volunteering and paid employment in Australia. Literature suggests that the following
activities be carefully considered and put into practice to improve employment outcomes for
people with disabilities in Australia:

Firstly, community organisations and potential employers should adopt a proactive and
planned approach in the employment of people with disabilities (NCVER, 2010). It is
suggested that clearly defined policies be published to deal with the disability employment
issues. Volunteering Tasmania (2010) concluded that for these policies to have any meaning
they should contain information relating to the following:

 The employment procedures for dealing with job seekers with a disability
 A reference list to facilities and aids or support systems already in place within the
organisation for accommodating people with disabilities
 A reference list of external consultants and relevant agencies that assist in the
recruitment and placement of people with disabilities
 Summaries and implications of specific aspects of legislation which deal with the
employment of people with disabilities.

Secondly, it is recommended that community organisations and potential employers conduct

in-depth investigations of both the physical and social aspects of workplaces to identify the
actual barriers to employing people with a disability. In terms of investigating the physical
environment, organisations can either choose to conduct investigations internally or make
use of external consultants through workplace assessments (CRS Australia, 2012). An
investigation of barriers, which are of a social nature, would predominantly involve people
with disabilities already working within the organisation. In this regard, it is recommended
that questionnaires be sent to, or interviews be conducted with people with disabilities to
determine the difficulties or challenges they experienced in working with able-bodied
individuals. This would enable organisations and potential employers to develop proactive
intervention plans, including but not limited to the provision of more comfortable facilities and
work equipment, job re-designing and other strategies to improve the employment outcomes
of people with disabilities. There is also the need to establish a body that will provide expert
advice to employers on how to make workplaces accessible and disability-friendly.

Thirdly, there is a need for national awareness campaigns to mobilise employers to recruit
people with disabilities, as well as encouraging disabled people to disclose their disability to
potential employers for the right support to be provided to them. Finally, considering the
competitive nature of the labour market, people with disabilities should endeavour to acquire

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Journal of Social Inclusion, 7(1), 2016

adequate skills and educational qualifications. This would help improve their employment
outcomes, as well as increasing employment opportunities regardless of their disabilities.

Implications for research

The research described in this literature review focused on exploring the challenges
experienced by people with disabilities in the employment participation, and the interventions
that are effective from the perspectives of people with disabilities. Consequently, employers’
perspectives and concerns about support requirements to help increase the employability of
people with disabilities have received little attention (Domzal et al., 2008; Waterhouse et al.,
2010). This means, the current literature has largely focused on support needs of people
with disabilities and the essential requirements in relation to obtaining employment. On the
other side, there are knowledge gaps regarding employers’ perspectives or concerns about
disability employment, as well as, their expectations when employing people with disabilities
(Waterhouse et al., 2010). Employers’ voices and support needs or requirements have not
been broadly investigated (Waterhouse et al., 2010). Further research might investigate
employers’ perspectives in relation to facilitating employment opportunities for people with
disabilities. Additional research could also focus on exploring the support systems and other
complementary policy measures that could support employers to consider and engage
disabled people as able participants in the workforce.

Conclusion

This literature review found that improving physical access, social working environments,
education and disability awareness, training and support requirements are integral part of
the inclusive practice, as well as achieving successful employment outcomes for people with
disabilities (NPDCC, 2009). The inclusive approach is a fundamental mechanism and
proactive strategy to help address the challenges and barriers to meaningful employment for
people with disabilities. Community organisations and potential disability employment
agencies are called to lead the way to include people with disabilities in community activities
and mainstream employment opportunities. This would help reduce misconceptions of
disability issues and promote the principles of social inclusion. Community and employers’
concerns leading to the exclusion of people with disabilities from accessing mainstream
employment opportunities have also been discussed. This literature review has found that
benefits associated with employing people with disabilities far exceed the disadvantages.
The link between volunteering and paid employment, as well as the benefits associated with
volunteering for people with disabilities seeking to enter the workforce have been explored.
The paper has provided a brief description of the social enterprise model and discussed how
social enterprise techniques could be used to increase the employability of people with
disabilities. Employment supports and key strategies towards achieving social inclusion, as
well as human rights’ principles on work and employment for people with disabilities have
been highlighted. Most importantly, the Disability Discrimination Act (1992) stipulates that
“any adjustments or alterations, which would enable the person with a disability to carry out
the inherent requirements of a job, must be made unless this imposes unjustifiable hardship
on the employer”. Thus, promoting relevant legislation, disability employment policies and
social rights’ principles is an integral part of mechanisms to addressing the barriers to
employment for people with disabilities.

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Journal of Social Inclusion, 7(1), 2016

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Biographical Notes
Amos Ruhindwa has completed a Bachelor of Human Services – Rehabilitation Counselling
major in 2012, and a Master of Human Services in 2013 at Griffith University. He received
the Griffith Award for Academic Excellence 2013 upon completion of his Master’s degree
with a grade of Distinction. His research interests include community development, social
inclusion and human rights for disadvantaged groups. His previous practice experience
involves case management and rehabilitation counselling work within the human services
field, and currently in a mental health support coordinator role in a local community
organisation. He looks forward to undertaking further studies and advancing his knowledge
in social inclusion, human rights and community development practice.

Dr Christine Randall is a Lecturer in Rehabilitation Counselling in the School of Human

Services and Social Work, where she teaches injury management, vocational decision
making and case management courses. Christine convenes rehabilitation counselling and
industry programs for the personal injury industry, as well as convening field placement for
postgraduate students in rehabilitation counselling and human services.
Her research interests include occupational rehabilitation systems in organisations and
workplace stress, rehabilitation counselling competencies, disability management, and case
management. Christine’s doctoral research utilised Action Research to identify the issues
related to occupational stress and rehabilitation systems within a large Australian
organisation to develop more effective integrated systems of stress and injury prevention
and rehabilitation. Christine is a member of the International Disability Management
Researchers Network and GLADNET, as well as a founding director of the Rehabilitation
Counselling Association of Australasia (RCAA).

Dr Jennifer Cartmel is a Senior Lecturer School of Human Services and Social Work has
experience teaching, researching and in practice with children and families particularly in
services including school age care, schools, and integrated children’s services. Her key
areas of interest are workforce development, critical reflection and well-being.

19