Drive to boost jobs for Tasmanians with disabilities

TASMANIANS with disabilities are among the state’s most able workers — loyal, productive and less likely to take sick leave.

Ross Kent is enjoying his job as a social media analyst at the Tasmanian Hospitality Association. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

TASMANIAN bosses will be encouraged to get behind an untapped pool of local talent when a new recruitment drive is launched this week.

The aim is to improve the employment opportunities of people with disabilities — to help the economy as well as the individuals.

Many industry organisations have signed up to support the scheme, including the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Tasmanian Hospitality Association, TasICT and the Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association.

The THA is already reaping the benefits of employing a young Tasmanian with a disability in April.

Ross Kent, 22, is working as the organisation’s social media analyst. The role involves evaluating consumer feedback on websites such as TripAdvisor and Facebook and reporting back to businesses.

Mr Kent, who was born with cerebral palsy, said landing his first paid job had helped his independence.

“Up until this point I was Centrelink reliant, but to step away from that has been a massive boost to my confidence,” he said.

He is juggling the role while studying English and Journalism at the University of Tasmania.

THA workforce development manager Stephen Long said Mr Kent was fitting in well and doing a great job.

“This isn’t just about doing people favours. As soon as we met him we knew he had the right skill set and it was a match made in heaven,” Mr Long said.

THA general manager Greg Astell said Mr Kent’s employment had created a “feel-good” culture among the wider staff.

National Disability Services research shows businesses that employ people with disabilities boost overall staff morale. Surveys also show 87 per cent of the public prefer to give business to firms that hire people with a disability.

NDS state manager David Clements said employees with disabilities proved to be loyal staff who were less likely to take sick leave or injure themselves in the workplace.

Tasmania has the highest rate of disability in Australia at 25 per cent, but only 46.6 per cent of working age people with disability participate in the workforce, compared to 64.3 per cent of people without disability.

“Increasing employment rates of all working age Tasmanians helps boost the economy,” Mr Clements said.

The JobsABILITY project, to be launched at Parliament House on Friday, is sponsored by NDS, the Department of State Growth and Partners in Recovery.

Originally published as Drive to boost jobs for Tasmanians with disabilities