Calls are growing for people with disabilities and from socially disadvantaged backgrounds to be employed and for organisations to get more involved with inclusion plans going forward.
These calls are being amplified with a new tram wrap hitting Melbourne’s Yarra Trams network as part of its Community Partnerships Program. The tram wrap is showing four faces of Victorians who have been impacted by issues of exclusion in mainstream employment but have found employment with Ability Works.
One person who has benefitted from working at Ability Works, is Ebony, who faced significant hurdles to finding sustainable employment elsewhere due to accessibility and inclusion barriers.
When she started at Ability Works her strengths were fostered instead of her shortcomings highlighted. She became more confident in her abilities and started to love what she could do and became more independent. “When you feel as though you can speak up at work and your needs are met, you can take that to your relationships outside of work,” she said.
Ability Works CEO Sue Boyce said she hopes the tram wrap plays a reminder to decision makers that the calls they make on inclusion in their workplace, can impact people with a disability or from socially disadvantaged backgrounds the most.
According to Yarra Trams chief executive Julien Dehornoy: “Ability Works’ tram is an important reminder to business leaders that we need to actively work to encourage diversity and inclusion in our workplaces and press for progress.”
Photo: Vicki Ward, Julien Dehornoy, Sue Boyce, Jon Adams, Anton Van Kaathoven, Laura, Luke and Ebony