Voices on Work: Young People with Disability in Greater Melbourne

This report, authored by Social Ventures Australia (SVA) and Children and Young People with Disability Australia (CYDA), shares insights into the employment experiences of young people with disability in Greater Melbourne. The research highlights systemic barriers, challenges, and opportunities for improving access to meaningful work for this marginalised group.

Key Findings:

1. Barriers to employment:

• Recruitment challenges: Many young people face inaccessible application processes, discriminatory hiring practices, and fear disclosing their disabilities due to stigma.
• Workplace culture: discrimination, lack of understanding, and resistance to reasonable accommodations often hinder their ability to thrive at work.
• Retention Issues: Experiences of unfair treatment and inadequate support contribute to high attrition rates among young employees with disabilities.

2. Voices of Young People:

• Participants shared personal stories, emphasising the need for safe and inclusive environments.
• Many expressed a desire for meaningful work, autonomy, and opportunities to contribute using their lived experiences.

3. Recommendations for Employers:

• Inclusive recruitment: proactively signal accessibility in job postings, offer flexible application methods, and engage in open conversations about accommodations.
• Good management practices: train managers to be empathetic, communicative, and supportive, fostering trust and respect in the workplace.
• Workplace Awareness: Address misconceptions about disability through awareness programs and implement inclusive policies to support diverse needs.

Impact:
The study provides actionable insights for employers, policymakers, and advocates to improve workplace inclusion for young people with disabilities. It serves as a call to action for creating equitable pathways to meaningful employment, emphasising the importance of listening to the voices of those most affected.