International Seminar Update on Employment of People with Disabilities Patrick Maher President Workability International

What we will cover Workability International Global perspectives on disability employment The Workability International survey The Workability International global challenge

Workability International Workability International is proud to be the world's largest body representing providers of work and employment services to people with disabilities. More than three million people with disabilities are engaged in work programs accessing employment and work, delivered by more than 130 member organisations in more than 40 countries. Workability International encourages the sharing of expertise and resources between a world with diverse economic and social requirements.

Global perspectives on disability employment Source: World Report on Disability: WHO and World bank 2011 Access to employment will break the cycle of poverty for people with disability

Global perspectives on disability employment “The right of persons with disabilities to work, on an equal basis with others; this includes the right to the opportunity to gain a living by work freely chosen or accepted in a labour market and work environment that is open, inclusive and accessible to persons with disabilities.” Article 27 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities recognises:

Global trends on disability employment Global TrendDescription ‘Person Centred’ or ‘Individual Rights‘ based disability support Putting the person who is receiving the service at the centre of the planning and delivery of that service. Market based model for support Disability services, including employment services, compete to win business. Competition will increase quality and decrease costs. ‘Work-First’ model for disability employment People with disability take any job on offer which will lead to other opportunities. Government procurement programs Programs are being rolled out globally that promote government departments procuring services from disability workshops, creating employment for people with disabilities.

Survey purpose: “What programs do you have to grow employment of people with disabilities in the public and private sectors?” Workability International survey Survey collected information in four areas: Quota systems: Public sector Quota systems: Private sector Preference in public sector for organisations that hire people with disabilities Incentives/subsidies/tax breaks provided to private sector firms that may hire people with disabilities Survey participation: 18 countries globally Workability Asia: Hong Kong, India, Thailand, Bangladesh, Japan, Nepal and Taiwan

Survey results Public sector 11 Countries: Procurement of goods/services from agencies employing people with disabilities 8 Countries: Policy or legislation requiring hiring people with disabilities Private Sector: 5 Countries: Policy or legislation requiring hiring people with disabilities 16 Countries have Incentives/Subsidy/Tax Breaks to Firms that Hire People with Disabilities

More extensive data in Zero Project Report Purpose: Extensive review of worldwide practices implemented to address needs of people with disabilities 82 countries reviewed 10 indicators including: Promotion of employment in the private sector Quota for employment in the public sector Several other employment indicators Numerous innovative practices Practices that support principles of United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Workability International survey

What’s next? Review Workability International survey and Zero Report Take advantage of this International Seminar and any ppportunity to exchange ideas Assess your own programs vs. your changing environment Is change needed? What degree of risk tolerance do you have? Workability International survey

Workability International global challenge Workability International challenges all G20 nations to: Set a goal of a two per cent rise in the employment participation rate for people with disabilities by 2019

Workability International global challenge How do we get there? Investigate and listen Use a different lens Take some risk View change as opportunity Keep focus – look long term Be persistent “When you have exhausted all possibilities, remember… you haven’t” – Thomas Edison

Workability International global challenge An example: AbilityOne Program Across the United States Resulted in 44,000 jobs for people with disability Achieved an amendment to the Americans with Disability Law They are successful by: Marketing the capabilities of people with disabilities Creating partnerships This challenge can be met.

Questions? Patrick Maher President Workability International