Myth #1 - People with disability are less productive
People with disability are equally as productive as their colleagues and have a strong awareness of their capability and how to perform required tasks. People with disability are less likely to apply for roles they do not think they can perform.
Myth #2 - People with disability need expensive equipment or support
Very few people with disability will need equipment or adjustments, and if they do, simple, inexpensive adjustments and devices are the most common and the cost can often be covered by JobAccess. In fact, 88% of working-age people with disability who are employed do not require additional support from their employer to work.
AIHW 'People with Disability in Australia 2020.
Myth #3 - People with disability take more sick leave
People with disability take fewer days off, take less sick leave and have a higher retention rate than other workers. The costs to business of absenteeism and sick leave for employees with disability can be as low as 34% of the cost incurred by their colleagues.
Australian Safety & Compensation Council report “Are People with disability at Risk at work? May 2007.
Myth #4 - All disabilities are the same
No two disabilities are the same, and no two people experience their disability in the same way. People with disability reflect the same diversity as in the rest of society and should be seen as individuals.
Myth #5 - People with disability can only do unskilled work or aren’t pursuing a career
People with disability hold a range of tertiary and trade qualifications, bring a diversity of skills & experience and a strong awareness of their own capability. Working-age people with disability who were employed: 23% professionals, 15% technicians/trade workers, 13% clerical/administrative workers, 12% labourers.
AIHW People with Disability in Aus 2020; Original source ABS 2019.
Myth #6- People with disability are brave and inspirational doing everyday activities
Seeing someone with disability as inspirational or brave for doing every day activities is making an assumption they are not expected to be capable of performing everyday activities. People with disability can be inspirational and brave, the same as everyone else, but not because they are paying a bill or eating toast.
Myth #7- People with disability won’t fit in
1 in 5 people have disability in Australia and 90% of disability is non-visible so there is a high chance you already know co-workers or have relatives or friends who have disability. Acceptance comes with experience of working with someone with disability, and research shows hiring people with disability boosts staff morale.