Queenslanders of all abilities celebrate International Day of People with Disability

Communities across Queensland are coming together to celebrate International Day of People with Disability today (3 December).

Minister for Disability Services Coralee O’Rourke attended the Beyond Bayside event in Wynnum to celebrate the day and highlight how communities are working hard to be more accessible and inclusive of Queenslanders with disability.

“International Day of People with Disability aims to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“Across Queensland, people of all abilities are taking part in a variety of events today.

“I am proud the Palaszczuk Government has supported many of these events through the $150,000 Disability Community Event Grants program - including providing more than $850 to the Beyond Bayside event.

“Other events across the state today include a silent disco at the Rockhampton Library, the Let’s Celebrate Ability Expo in Boonah, a Day in the Bay at Pialba and the launch of an accessible bushwalk in Burpengary.

“I encourage all Queenslanders to get out and take part in events and activities in their communities.”

The Beyond Bayside event brings together entrepreneurs and business owners with disability to share their stories and showcase their abilities.

The event aims to promote the benefits of employing people with disability and encourage diversity in the workplace.  One in five Queenslanders has some form of disability.

Mrs O’Rourke said it was important to showcase the many and varied abilities of Queenslanders with disability. 

“People with disability are an underutilised part of the labour market.  By promoting jobs to disability networks and providers, you tap into extra applicants with the knowledge and skills for your vacancies.”  

“All workplaces should reflect the diversity of our community,” she said.

“Diversity in the workplace is good for business and good for workplace culture.

“Through our All Abilities Queensland plan, we are making employment for people living with disability a high priority.

“In Queensland, approximately 54 per cent of people with disability participate in the labour force compared with 84.2 per cent of people without disability.

“This is why the Palaszczuk Government is working at every level, right across the state, to make Queensland workplaces more accessible and inclusive.

“We want all Queenslanders of all abilities, to be able to participate and be included in their communities, be resilient and enjoy social and economic wellbeing.”

To find out more about the Palaszczuk Government’s All Abilities plan, visit www.allabilities.qld.gov.au.

ENDS

Media Contact: Minister O’Rourke’s office (07) 3717 7170