In Australia, just 53 per cent of people with disability participate in the workforce, compared to 83 percent of the broader population, but a new project by Family Advocacy NSW is working to change that.
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The School to Work project aims to support young people with disability to find meaningful, paid employment and participate in the community.
Two workshops for families and students will be run in Batemans Bay and Nowra this week.
Family Advocacy executive officer Cecile Sullivan Elder said the workshop was for families with students in years 7 to 12 and would help parents advocate for their children in the workforce.
"Many people with disabilities find themselves in day programs rather than employment because they are considered unworkable, but we want to turn that on its head," she said.
"There are so many success stories to show that people with disabilities, no matter how significant they are, can move into meaningful employment."
For people with disability, access to employment not only alleviates barriers to the community but also creates inclusivity.
The School to Work workshop helps parents learn how to support their children from the start of high school and lift the expectations about the possibility of employment.
"We hear from families about having pushback from schools in terms of work placements compared to other students and being told their child won't be employable," Ms Sullivan Elder said.
"But this project and workshop shows families why this isn't so, and how they can be on the front foot with some of those naysayers."
The day long workshop covers areas for the following cohorts:
- Imagining Work for Years 7-8
- Discovering Work for Years 9-10
- Finding Work for Years 11-12
"We also talk about how to connect with local businesses, set up possible placements, engage with schools and advocate for their children," Ms Sullivan Elder said.
"The project shows when we plant the seeds for seeking employment while still in high school, the chances of finding employment at graduation are far higher."
School to Work workshop details
The workshop cost is $35 for people with disability and families, and $50 for professionals, including morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea.
Nowra
When: Wednesday, June 2 2021 at 9.15am - 4pm
Where: Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, 42 Bridge Road
Batemans Bay
When: Thursday, June 3 2021 at 9.15am - 4pm
Where: Club Catalina, 154 Beach Road
Register online at www.ric.org.au/events or call 1800 774 764.