How workplaces can better support employees living with disability

For the one in six Australians living with a disability, navigating the complexities of daily life and the workforce can be daunting, writes Shaun Pianta.

Imagine waking up tomorrow morning and suddenly facing a significant barrier that prevents you from continuing your chosen career path or limits your capabilities at work. While this scenario may seem unimaginable to many, it’s a reality for a small group of individuals who have experienced the overwhelming challenges of living with a disability – myself included.

For the one in six Australians living with a disability, navigating the complexities of daily life and the workforce can be daunting. This became my reality when, at the age of 19, I acquired a disability that drastically changed my life trajectory. As an apprentice boilermaker, I never anticipated facing the uncertainty of living with a vision impairment and the challenges it would bring to my career aspirations.

Waking up one morning on holiday, I suddenly found myself 100 per cent blind by lunchtime. The medical specialists were unable to provide answers or offer hope for my vision’s return, leaving me in a state of uncertainty and fear. Over the next 18 months, after learning that my blindness had occurred due to a virus, I gradually regained 10 per cent of my eyesight, but accepting the permanence of my disability was a challenging journey.

Despite the initial struggles and uncertainties, I made a conscious decision not to let my disability dictate my future. Instead, I embraced resilience and determination, pushing myself to overcome obstacles and pursue my goals, which saw me eventually become a Para alpine skier and compete at the 2018 Winter Paralympics.

However, transitioning back into the workforce presented new challenges and uncertainties. Questions about finding employment and navigating the job market with a disability loomed large. Without a guidebook or clear path forward, the journey towards re-establishing my career was filled with frustration and uncertainty.

Through my current role for atWork Australia, I know that disability is very broad, ranging from living with chronic pain, an acquired brain injury, mental health conditions or a physical disability. The impact the condition has on each person can also be very different.

As an employer, supporting employees living with disability is crucial to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. By understanding and addressing the unique needs and challenges faced by these employees, organisations can create an environment that promotes equal opportunities, empowers individuals, and enhances overall productivity.

This starts by taking the time to understand the barriers that those living with disability face, particularly when first re-entering the workforce. Conducting training sessions and workshops for your teams on disability inclusion can help foster empathy and understanding and promote a more inclusive mindset within the organisation.

Looking at necessary adjustments, whether physical (such as office infrastructure) or flexible work arrangements, prioritising communication and collaboration, and providing mentoring and equal career advancement opportunities also all play a critical role.

Removing unconscious bias from the workplace is a critical element to ensure equal opportunities for all employees. Making assumptions on a person’s ability based on their circumstances could result in missed opportunities for the business.

My journey serves as a reminder that with determination, resilience and the right support, individuals with disabilities can overcome obstacles and thrive in their careers.

As we continue to champion diversity and inclusion in the workplace, let us remember the importance of supporting employees with disabilities and creating an environment where everyone can succeed, regardless of their challenges or limitations.

Shaun Pianta is a Paralympian and atWork Australia brand ambassador.