"Diversity is a mix and inclusion is making the mix work" - Andrés Tapia

In the workforce, there is a severe under-representation of individuals with a disability. Many experience bullying, discrimination, difficulty accessing skills training, challenges negotiating reasonable adjustments and generally negative attitudes about their presence. Organisations expect that company performance and profits will reduce in hiring employees with a disability. However, this is an erroneous perception, since it has been shown that profitability, productivity, innovation and performance elevate when including people with disabilities in the workplace. Employment is a fundamental human right - we all deserve to establish ourselves and find the work we believe is valuable. We must do all we can to encourage everyone to participate in our society, especially the ability to contribute to its economics and industry through work. There is hope coming, however, with the introduction of Employ My Ability - a National Disability Employment Strategy that not only aids in employment but has implemented programs to foster the engagement and motivation of individuals with a disability within their work. It also ensures a non-discriminatory workplace with awareness and education programs for co-workers.

Employ My Ability has four main focus areas:

1. Lift employer engagement, capability and demand.

2. Build employment skills, experience and confidence of young people with a disability

3. Improve system and services for job seekers and employers.

4. Change community attitudes.

Overall employ My Ability provides a guideline for governments, organisations, employers and the community to increase employment outcomes for people with disability. For example, it is recommended for focus area one, that employers engage with resources such as Get Skilled Access, Job Access and Include Ability to build disability confidence. Many businesses have already committed to this program to increase diversity in their own workplace, including Coles, Crown Resorts, Mcdonald's and many more. This is a great step forward in providing equality, but it is only one side of the equation. The government can try to inform and educate others but each individual must question their own unconscious biases and their potential contribution to an environment which excludes those with a disability. Only then will workplace culture become an inviting place for everyone to have a go, be part of the community, develop professionally and pursue a career of their choice.