For many of us, work is more than an income. It’s routine, purpose, and connection. It’s a chance to contribute to our community and grow our independence. Everyone deserves access to that opportunity, and people with disabilities are no exception.
Yet for many Australians with disability, finding meaningful work remains far more difficult than it should be. Not because of a lack of skill or motivation, but because of barriers that others simply don’t face.
Understanding the Gap
Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) (2022, released July 2024) highlights how significant these barriers are for working-age Australians with disability (15–64 years).
Participation
- Only 60.5% of people with disability were in the labour force
- Compared with 84.9% of people without disability
Unemployment
- 7.5% unemployment for people with disability
- Compared with 3.1% for those without disability
Underemployment
- Only 33.4% of employed people with disability worked full-time
- Compared with 57.9% of people without disability
These numbers show a clear picture: Australians with disability continue to face significant disadvantages when seeking and sustaining work.
The Barriers Are Real – and They’re Preventable
The data makes one thing clear: people with disabilities aren’t struggling because they lack ability. They’re being held back by environments, systems, and attitudes that haven’t kept up with their strengths.
Many report discrimination in the workplace, often from:
- Employers (40.2%)
- Colleagues (37.7%)
This discrimination can appear in many ways, including:
- Incorrect assumptions about capability
- Inflexible hours that don’t accommodate health needs
- Physical environments that aren’t accessible
- Recruitment processes that don’t offer simple adjustments
These barriers not only limit individuals—they limit all of us. Businesses miss out on skilled, committed workers. Communities miss out on diverse strengths and perspectives. Most importantly, individuals miss out on opportunities to build confidence, independence, and long-term careers.
What We Can Do
Having a disability should never mean being left out or left behind. When we focus on what a person can do—and ensure workplaces are inclusive—we create stronger teams, fairer opportunities, and richer communities.
Real change starts with understanding, accessibility, and a genuine commitment to inclusion. And that change is possible.
What You Can Do Next
If you’re someone navigating employment with disability—or supporting someone who is—here are practical steps to help you move forward:
1. Know Your Rights
Learn about workplace rights, reasonable adjustments, and anti-discrimination protections. Having this knowledge can make conversations with employers easier and more confident.
2. Explore Supports through the NDIS
Your NDIS plan may include supports that build employment skills, increase independence, or connect you with specialised employment services.
3. Look for Inclusive Employers
Seek out organisations that actively embrace accessibility and diversity. Many employers proudly share their inclusion policies and adjustments.
4. Prepare for Conversations
Whether it’s discussing reasonable adjustments or sharing your strengths, being prepared can help you feel more confident during interviews and onboarding.
5. Reach Out for Guidance
If you’re unsure where to start, speaking with a support worker, support coordinator, or employment service can help you explore options and identify your next steps.
Feng is the founder of Journey In Action Support, an NDIS provider based in Sydney’s Lower North Shore. With a Certificate III in Individual Support, Feng supports participants across household tasks, personal care, transport, and community access — with a bilingual Mandarin and English service that reflects the needs of the local Chinese-Australian community.
