How to talk to your employer about accessibility.
Across Australia, more businesses are openly embracing gender, cultural and disability inclusiveness. Creating a culture of inclusion for people with a disability means reducing barriers so everyone has an equal opportunity to contribute and thrive at work. But talking about accessibility can be tricky. If you have a disability and need more support from an employer to make your workplace more accessible, here are some tips for starting the conversation. Accessibility at work: What does it mean? “Accessibility is all about removing barriers so that everyone has equal access,” according to JobAccess. That’s a fairly broad definition but it also comes with legal backing. It is unlawful to discriminate against a person with disability in terms of access and use of commercial premises in Australia.[1] Businesses that discriminate against a person in employment because of a disability may also be breaking the law. When it comes to the workplace, accessibility may refer to: Physical accessibility such as stairs, ramps, elevators, bathrooms etc. Lighting, visibility and signage Parking, building and floor access Access to technology, IT and software The tools needed to do your job. Speaking up to get what you need. Employee success and job satisfaction are in the best interests of
