YWCA Australia program, Y Connect, has opened applications for a second round of support packages to assist local Toowoomba businesses in becoming more accessible employers for people with disabilities.
1 in 5 Australians are living with disability, but there is a big gap in workforce participation – 53.4% of people with disability were in the workforce, compared with 84.1% of people without disability. This gap is even bigger for women and gender diverse people.
YWCA Australia is working to close this gap through the Y Connect Program, which works alongside women and gender diverse people to reach their professional development and employment goals.
Francene Bain, Y Connect Coordinator explains that this involves working with local employers to better understand how they can become a more inclusive workplace.
“Y Connect has worked in partnership with local access consultancy Inclusion Access to deliver workplace culture inclusion and diversity packages designed to improve policies, processes and procedures”, says Ms Bain.
“Our aim is to make workplaces more inclusive and considerate of people with disabilities.”
One of the recipients of the first round of funding is local performing arts precinct, The Empire.
“We were fortunate to collaborate with Josh Marshall from Inclusion Access, who conducted a comprehensive review of our environment and practices. His insights and recommendations were instrumental in shaping and strengthening our diversity and inclusion policies,” The Empire General Manager Giuliana Bonel said.
“Since this review and training, we have received incredible feedback from patrons who have noticed the difference, with reports of our staff and volunteers going above and beyond to ensure everyone feels welcome at The Empire.” Local business Inclusion Access has been a key delivery partner for YWCA, supporting organisations just like The Empire.
“Most business owners; especially those without personal lived experience have a lack of understanding for the requirements of communicating effectively with those living with disability,” Josh Marshall, Inclusion Access Managing Director said.
“Inclusion in the workplace has many benefits, including higher employee retention, diverse perspectives, and enhanced team morale.”
Y Connect supports women and gender diverse people living with disability with their career goals, and all activities and opportunities are co-designed with people with lived experience and key community stakeholders.
For more information packages and information on how to apply, visit our website https://www.ywca.org.au/support/y-connect/
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For any media inquiries please contact:
YWCA Australia | Kathryn Brennan @ E: kathryn.brennan@ywca.org.au
The Empire | Sarah Fleming @ E: sarah@empiretheatre.com.au
About YWCA: Since its foundation 140 years ago, YWCA Australia has evolved become one of the nation’s leading support services for women, working to deliver a voice for women’s housing issues, lead policy development, advocate for change, provide innovative programs and support government plans and projects to address women’s homelessness and housing insecurity.
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