The Impact of Legislation and Conventions on Disability Employment Outcomes in Australia

Abstract

Objectives

This paper examines the impact of legislation on the employment of people with neurodevelopmental disorders within Australia with reference to the Australian and International Conventions. It examines options for employment support that respect the human rights and dignity of persons with a disability.

Methods

An examination of disability employment data, legislation and policy that underpins disability employment in Australia was conducted. This was compared to outcome data from a select number of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development countries (OECD) to understand the current state of employment for people with a disability.

Results

Disability employment data highlights little long-term change in employment rates. This is despite significant legislation supporting employment and the rights of persons with a disability to engage in employment. It suggests that legislation does not support policies and practices that promote open employment opportunities and economic citizenship for persons with a disability.

Conclusions

Despite significant government investment to improve employment rates for persons with a disability, there is a disconnect between the legislation, policy and practice methods that supports the rights of persons with a disability to pursue employment justice. Measured against selected data from OECD countries, disability employment falls short of the expectations of people with a disability. There is a need to align disability employment policy and practice to ensure that disability employment systems focus on individual success rather than system outputs.