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  • Meaningful Employment for People with Disability in Queensland

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    Meaningful Employment for People with Disability in Queensland (Final Report)

    Project Aims
    The Department of Seniors, Disability Services and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships (DSDSATSIP) requested a high-level proposal to examine employment experiences of people with disability in Queensland.

    A group of diverse people in a professional office collaborating on a work project. Some individuals hold up papers to share whilst others have a laptop in their lap.

    The project aimed to identify insights unique to Queensland and provide evidence that could improve experiences of people with disability (both with and without NDIS funding) in relation to employment. Specifically, the project:

    • Investigated employment experiences of people with disability in Queensland (formal, unpaid and supported);
    • Explored the nature of financial security for Queenslanders with disability;
    • Examined the drivers for satisfaction or dissatisfaction for those who have, or have previously had, employment and the challenges to success in employment; and
    • Explored employment and work aspirations, including preferred career pathways, hours of work and locations.

    This project was conducted in three phases:

    • Phase 1: Literature review and statistical analysis;
    • Phase 2: Project Co-development;
    • Phase 3: Data collection and analysis by Citizen Scientists.

    Visit the Project page on the Inclusive Futures Hub.

    The Final Report contains the findings from the qualitative and quantitative data collection with citizen scientists, including strategies on how to improve meaningful employment for people with disability.

    Infographic displaying the findings of the report. Age Range: 18-70, Average age was 43. Highest level of education - PhD or higher doctoral degree 1.6%, Masters Degree 6.3%, Bachelors Degree 28.1%, Year 12 or Certificate 18%, Diploma, Adv. Diploma or Associate Degree 15.6%, Certificate, trade or under year 12 12.5%. Employment Currently employed 70.3%, Not currently employed 29.7%, Employed full time 25.6%, Employed casually 20.9%, Employed part-time 18.6%, Self Employed 20.9%. Gender - Female 35 (54.7%), Male 7 (42.2%), Non Binary 2 (3.1%), First Australian - No 93.8%, Aboriginal 4.7%, Aboriginal and TSI 1.6%. LGBTIQA - Yes 7.8%, No 87.5%, Prefer not to say 4.7%. First Language - English 96.9%, Language other than English 3.1%. Country of Birth - Overseas in a country where English is the main language 14.1%, overseas in a country where English is not the first language 0%, Australia 85.9%.

    Summary of the findings
    Meaningful employment for people with disability necessitates workplaces that foster growth, autonomy, flexibility, support, safety, and dignity. However, current practices often fall short of meeting these essential criteria, as highlighted in our study on disability employment in Queensland. Barriers to employment persist throughout individuals' lives, particularly for those with developmental disability or acquired disability later in life. These barriers encompass various stages of the employment process and require tailored interventions, including improved training and support during education, enhanced transition programs, and better accessibility in recruitment and workplace accommodations. Moreover, there's a pressing need to address misconceptions and stigma surrounding disability, foster inclusive workplaces, and provide education and resources for both employers and employees.

    Efforts to improve disability employment outcomes must prioritise meaningful work and acknowledge the diverse needs and abilities of individuals with disability. This involves empowering individuals through self-employment opportunities, promoting inclusive practices in the workforce, and advocating for policy changes to address financial disincentives and support mechanisms. Collaboration among stakeholders, including citizen scientists and diverse disability groups, is essential for developing comprehensive strategies that address systemic challenges and harness the strengths and contributions of people with disability in the workforce. Ultimately, a concerted effort to reshape attitudes, practices, and policies is vital to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for disability employment in Queensland and beyond.

    The Final Report can be found on this link: https://doi.org/10.25904/1912/5090

    Authors

    Mowbray, Paula K
    Kendall, Elizabeth
    Chapman, Kelsey
    Khan, Maria
    Allen, Connie
    Berridge, Mark

    Published by
    Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability, Griffith University

    Please contact Dr. Paula Mowbray for further information:

    Phone: (07) 3735 4708
    Email: p.mowbray@griffith.edu.au

    Griffith University Ethics Approval: 2022/894

  • Queensland Disability Research Network (QDRN) established in 2023!

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    A colour photo of members of the Queensland Disability Research Network


    The Queensland Disability Research Network (QDRN) is a cross-institutional alliance uniting disability researchers from Queensland universities and promoting cross-sectoral collaboration for disability research in Queensland.

    The QDRN will partner with statewide peak disability organisations, government, industry, and community in projects focused on inclusive research with quality co-design at every stage of the research process.

    QDRN members are committed to the long-term goal of improving the lives, social and economic participation of people with disability, by working together in sustainable, collaborative research partnerships.

    A colour head and shoulders image of Dr.Talitha Kingsmill. Talitha is a middle aged white woman with light brown hair pulled up into an up-do. She looks forward and smiles for the camera. She is wearing a black collared jacket with a rose pattern in taupe.

    QDRN Researcher Spotlight: Dr Talitha Kingsmill, Research Fellow

    Dr Talitha Kingsmill is a Non-Executive Director, consultant, educator and solicitor with 25 years’ experience across the private, public and NFP sectors in law, education, educational leadership, research, digital citizenship, cybersecurity, regulatory compliance and policy development.

    Talitha is a Research Fellow in the Inclusive Futures Team at Griffith University and is the Queensland Disability Research Network Lead.

    "For me, IDPwD represents a day for global reflection and informed action on achieving authentic inclusion. It’s an opportunity to amplify possibilities – to reimagine accessible, inclusive, co-designed communities. The Queensland Disability Research Network (QDRN) is committed to the long-term goal of improving the lives, social and economic participation of people with disability, by working together in sustainable, collaborative research partnerships. The QDRN is an impactful way to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals for inclusive, quality, sustainable education, employment and communities for all people. "

    Dr Kingsmill is working with Prof. Elizabeth Kendall to establish and develop the Queensland Disability Research Network (QDRN).

    For more information or to see how you or your organisation can become involved, email qdrn@griffith.edu.au or t.kingsmill@griffith.edu.au