People with Disabilities
It's important to remember and acknowledge intersectionality, as everyone has multiple identities, and experience discrimination and privilege in different ways. 1 in 4 people in Aotearoa are disabled, so it’s likely that every workplace has disabled people working in it, whether known or not.
It's important to remember and acknowledge intersectionality, as everyone has multiple identities, and experience discrimination and privilege in different ways.
1 in 4 people in Aotearoa are disabled, so it’s likely that every workplace has disabled people working in it, whether known or not.
Disability and inability are not synonyms: being disabled does not translate to being unable to work, and disabled people bring strengths that others do not. Most disabled people need the same supports at work as everyone to help them thrive.
Everyonehas the right to work, and workplaces are missing out on talent by not being disability inclusive.Most disabled people don’t need anything different to perform their jobs, and for those who do, the cost is usually minimal.
Key Statistics
1 in 4 people in Aotearoa are disabled.
Disabled people take less sick days than non-disabled people
Only 10% of disabled people need workplace modifications.
Disabled employees have fewer health and safety issues, because in managing their impairment they have developed strategies to address health and safety risks.
Research suggests over 50% of people working in the trades are neurodivergent.
Steps to include disabled people in your workplace
Educate yourself and others about the social model of disability.
Accommodate all worker’s needs by asking everyone what they need to thrive.
Offer flexible working hours and locations when possible.
Support workers’ wellbeing via pastoral care.
Workplace policies
Clear anti-harassment protocols.
Equal pay auditing procedures.
Flexible work policies and access to adequate transportation.
How to write job ads for this group
Be specific with the job description - clear requirements and skills.
Highlight company’s policy on diversity.
Increase visibility by working with community organizations.
Resources
The Lead Toolkit contains information and resources for business owners, leadership teams, managers and human resources teams to help them employ disabled people within their businesses. It is Aotearoa New Zealand’s primary resource for employers in this space.
To complement the Lead Toolkit, single topic resources or resources for line managers have been developed. These resources provide more detailed information on particular topics or more detailed advice to line managers:
Accessible meetings and events
Checklist for assessing an organisation's ability to attract and retain disabled people
Practical tips for people managers
Reasonable accommodation: Practical steps for managers
Retaining existing employees - Advice for Line Managers
Advice for employers of disabled people, or those who wish to support disabled employees, from Employment NZ. Includes links to other useful resources and guidelines.
Disability Information New Zealand: Information for employers to help remove barriers to employment for disabled people.
The New Zealand Disability Employers’ Network: Network for employers, guidance, resources and links
Creating a wellbeing workplace policy: Guidance from Business New Zealand.
Workbridge is a not-for-profit organisation that can assist you with finding disabled employees, providing you with advice and support on recruitment and follow-up support after hiring. They also administer Support Funds which can help with additional costs.
Supported Employment agencies Supported Employment agencies are organisations that can assist you with finding disabled employees, providing you with advice and support on recruitment and follow-up support after hiring.
Statistics on workplace mental health and wellbeing: Useful overview of employee data regarding mental health and wellbeing, in