Disability Action Week focus on boosting employment for people with disability

Queenslanders are being asked to think about the role they can play in helping people with disability gain employment as part of Disability Action Week 2019 (15 – 22 September).

This year, Disability Action Week is focused on employment for people with disability, centring on the theme “Everybody has a role to play in creating employment opportunities.”.

Minister for Disability Services Coralee O’Rourke today (15 September) launched Disability Action Week, encouraging Queenslanders to get involved.

“One million Queenslanders live with disability – that’s roughly one-in-five of your friends, neighbours, colleagues and people you interact with every day,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“We know that some Queenslanders with disability face barriers in gaining employment, are unemployed or have limited opportunities for career progression.

“That’s why this year Disability Action Week is focused on employment for people with disability.

“We want Queenslanders to reflect on the role they can play in creating employment opportunities and making their workplaces more inclusive for people with disability.”

Across the state, there are hundreds of events being held during Disability Action Week with the aim of including Queenslanders of all abilities in their communities.

Forty-six community groups, local councils, schools and not-for-profit organisations received funding to host events during Disability Action Week and International Day for People with Disability (3 December) through the Palaszczuk Government’s $150,000 Disability Community Event Grants program.

Mrs O’Rourke said a number of these events had a focus on employment opportunities for people with disability.

“These events include the My Future My Way expo for school leavers in Ingham and a Disability Inclusion and Diversity Jobs Expo in Woodridge,” she said.

“I’d encourage all Queenslanders to take part in Disability Action Week events in their community.”

As part of Disability Action Week, the Palaszczuk Government is also promoting videos that share the stories of three young Queenslanders with disability who have developed successful strategies to overcome employment barriers.

“The stories of young entrepreneurs Clay and Marlene and aspiring tennis coach Archie are truly inspiring,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“These stories truly embody the theme of Disability Action Week, and some of the actions in the Palaszczuk Government’s All Abilities Queensland plan.

“We are committed to creating thriving communities where Queenslanders, regardless of their abilities, can be included and participate in their communities, be resilient and enjoy social and economic wellbeing.”

To find out more about Disability Action Week and to watch the videos, visit www.allabilities.qld.gov.au.

ENDS

Media Contact: Benjamin Mulcahy 0419 562 389