Positive Employer Attitudes The Key

Equality at work for disabled people requires positive employer attitudes says DPA, the national pan disability organisation and collective voice of disabled people. This is what disabled people tell us.

CEO Ross Brereton in commenting on the Human Rights Commission report Tracking Equality at Work for Disabled people’ says, more leadership from New Zealand’s large employers, local bodies and the public sector in promoting the merits of employing disabled people is critical for positive change. It would be great to hear their stories and their positive messages. Having disabled people in your workforce is the most powerful way of creating positive attitudes and dispelling myths.

“Many employers are missing out by not tapping into the talents and skills of disabled people and the contribution we can make to grow their customer base and businesses”.

DPA supports the Commission’s report and its call for action to address the fundamental inequalities faced by disabled people in employment.

“Urgent action is required if the 32% gap in workforce participation rates between disabled people and non disabled people is to reduce, says Ross Brereton. “This huge gap in employment participation rates is embarrassing for New Zealand, particularly when we pride ourselves on giving people a fair go.” We still have some way to go for disabled people and employers to realise the intentions of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities ratified by our government in 2008.

The disability community sees working alongside the newly established Employers Disability Network as a positive step to informing employers about the merits of employing disabled people and providing practical advise to employers as to how to go about it.