Australian Disability Network has created a fun video on employing people with disability. The messages are easy to take in especially with the humour – both presenters are stand-up comedians with disability. It’s all part of a campaign titled, “Choose Inclusion”.
The title of the fun six minute video is, It’s Not Hard to be Inclusive with the hashtag #RemoveBarriers. The film was created after consultation with people with disability.
Australian Disability Network shared case studies, articles, workplace tips, and fact sheets in the weeks leading up to 3 December 2024. The aim was for organisations to remove employment barriers for people with disability. Of course, the information is good for older employees too. The 2024 Choose Inclusion campaign resources are available to ADN members.
The presenters have fun with some of the common misconceptions about disability and then provide some interesting facts. So, a really good video to share with HR departments and managers responsible for recruiting.
The campaign resources include:
- Inclusive communications
- Inclusive access
- Inclusive recruitment
- Workplace adjustments
- Inclusive attitudes
There are some basic resources on the ADN website that are open access.
Australian Network on Disability, previously known as Australian Disability Network focuses on engaging and educating employers.
From diversity to inclusion at work
There’s no one right way to measure workplace diversity and business performance. According to research by the Design Council, equality and diversity need to be “embedded in the business strategy, not treated as an ad-hoc addition”.
Consistent with all universal design thinking, it has to be thought of from the outset. Then thought about throughout the design process, whether it is a building, a service or a business policy and strategy.
The research was commissioned by the Design Council. The findings make for interesting reading because they discuss the benefits as well as some of the drawbacks that need managing along the way. There are several references to original research included in the article. The benefits of diversity and inclusion include:
- reduced costs
- better resourcing of talented people
- better products and services
- enhanced corporate image
- improved creativity and problem solving
- improved organisational performance
- better decision-making
- increased productivity
- satisfaction and commitment within the workforce
- improved customer relations
“Diversity is being invited to the party, inclusion is being asked to dance, and belonging is dancing like no one’s watching.” LinkedIn (2018) Global Recruiting Trends Report
Diversity and inclusion needs to be managed well. If not, it can lead to conflict and loss of productivity. However, some research suggests that a difficult start can still lead to productive results in the longer term. Hence, diversity becomes the norm for an inclusive workplace.