What Keeps People with Disabilities from Seeking Employment

In 2021, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 62% of employed people with disabilities were satisfied with their job. This is better compared to the 67% of those without disabilities who are dissatisfied with their job. It's safe to say that disability employment is on the right track, especially with all the disability employment success stories we've heard about. This doesn't mean that the journey to getting employed as a person with a disability is easy. In fact, there are several barriers that block these individuals from achieving the careers that they want.

Discriminatory Attitude and Behaviour

One of the biggest obstacles for people with disabilities is the attitude that others have towards them. Preconceptions, stigma, stereotyping, and prejudice create an environment of exclusion and discrimination, preventing people with disabilities to fully integrate and participate in society. Even with the Disability Discrimination Act in place, attitudinal barriers continue to persist.

Communication Barriers

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you probably know about the accessibility features of computers and other devices that help people deal with reading, hearing, and speaking impairments. Not everything is equipped with such features, however, resulting in difficulties in communicating and in properly conveying and understanding a message. Without sign language interpreters, for example, a deaf individual would have difficulty thriving in a work environment.

Physical Obstacles

Anything that prevents or blocks mobility and access are all part of a physical barrier that individuals with disabilities have to overcome. So even if they are hired for a specific job, if there aren't wheelchair access or ramps for them in the office, it might not be the best place for them. The same is true for heavy doors and door knobs that require strength to handle. An employer has to take measures to create an inclusive workplace if they hire people with disabilities. Think of it as the efforts you invest into creating a more adaptable home, allowing you to live independently even with disabilities.

Lack of Awareness of Rights at Work

Before any laws were created for individuals with disabilities, there were general regulations, laws and policies that were often discriminatory to them. Just think about how public transportation is designed. The lack of accessibility is a significant policy barrier that individuals with disabilities encounter in their daily lives. They either have to learn to live with it or set themselves apart from the rest of the world.

Low Levels of Social Engagement

People with disabilities may be left out of any social activities and gatherings because they're perceived as physically unable to participate or due to discriminatory attitudes. This limits their opportunities to interact with other people. On the one hand, it can lead to bullying and harassment, which is more prevalent than any positive engagement they have with others.

There are other challenges that people with disabilities face in the employment sector. These include lack of available jobs, difficulty in accessing education and skills training, and lack of programs designed to support and empower them. As long as there are people who persevere, however, having a career in any industry is more than possible. With the support of atWork Australia, any individual with impairment or disability can find meaningful employment.