This year, your union will hold its first ever conference for workers with disability. This is an initiative I am proud to be part of. People with disability often face a variety of challenges in the workplace.

Inadequate workplace accommodations, such as ramps, accessible rest rooms, or specialised equipment, can make it difficult for employees with mobility challenges to navigate the workspace.

Many colleagues and managers may not be familiar with the specific needs of individuals with disability, which can result in misunderstandings, microaggressions, or biases. This lack of awareness can also mean insufficient support or adjustments are made for the employee.

Employees with disability may face discrimination, whether overt or subtle. This can manifest in being passed over for promotions, job opportunities, or being subjected to lower expectations or bias due to the disability. This can lead to limited career advancement and fewer opportunities for professional development or mentoring. Too often there is an assumption that employees with disability may not be able to take on certain tasks or roles.

It is up to our workplaces to provide facilities for everyone. For people with hearing, visual, or cognitive impairments, there may be challenges in communication, especially in workplaces where employees are not trained in inclusive communication practices.

Not all disabilities are immediately apparent. Some people with disability may also experience mental health challenges, such as stress or anxiety related to their disability, workplace discrimination, or the pressure to conform to traditional work standards.

This year the PSA CPSU NSW, in addition to its Disability Conference, will also be hosting a Mental Health Conference to ensure our workplaces are safe for all members.
Our workplaces benefit from diversity. Creating workplaces that accommodate a range of abilities attracts a better range of employees.

Despite being demonised by conservative forces, diversity makes for more efficient workplaces.

When people from different backgrounds, experiences, and identities come together, they bring diverse perspectives. This can lead to more creative problem-solving, innovation, and fresh ideas that wouldn’t emerge in a homogeneous group.

A diverse team is likely to consider a wider range of options and make decisions based on a more complete picture. Studies show that diverse teams often outperform others when it comes to decision-making because they avoid groupthink and examine problems from different angles.

A workplace that values diversity and inclusion can make employees feel more accepted and respected, leading to higher job satisfaction, improved morale, and greater motivation. It is our duty, as a union, to ensure workers with disability get access to rich, rewarding careers.