Mark Sleigh, Roy Rogers, Adam Zarth and Maree Kerr met at the Illawarra Business Chamber on Thursday to discuss a new Disability Inclusion Discovery (diD) program aimed at educating employers about the benefits of hiring people with a disability.
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Created by the Flagstaff Group diD offers modules to help business owners, chief executives and human resource specialists navigate topics such as employing a person with a disability, appropriate strategies for customer service, considerations when recruiting, accessibility audits and the "Inclusive Tick of Approval".
Many businesses have customers that have a disability and many want to know more about employing a person with a disability. The program offers them education and guidance to increase knowledge and awareness in providing for customers, visitors and or employees with a disability.
It is designed by industry professionals in consultation with people with a disability, was funded by the NDIS and is driven by research that shows employers and business owners have "low levels of confidence" when considering hiring a person with a disability.
The program supported by Destination Wollongong and IBC will provide the information they need to equip them with their decision-making. Registrations for training can be made at the Disability Inclusion Discovery website or by contacting Flagstaff.
The initial consultation phase for the program found there was a strong desire for business owners and their employees to understand how to deliver better customer service to people with a disability.
To address that need diD takes a multi-faceted approach to educate and provide support information through the website.
Flagstaff Group chief executive Roy Rogers said the training offers four distinct modules providing business owners and chief executive's all the information they need to make informed decisions and give human resource specialists an insight into recruiting and the support required in the workplace.
Mr Rogers said Flagstaff would also help businesses showcase their workplace for inclusion and accessibility.
"We have created the Inclusive Tick of Approval where businesses can undertaking some of the training and an accessibility audit and they will receive promotional material they can display for employyes, customers and suppliers to see," he said.
"There is a unique opportunity for the Illawarra to become known as 'Inclusive" region. And Flagstaff is collaborating with Destination Wollongong and the Illawarra Business Chamber who have been hugely supportive of the idea."
Destination Wollongong general manager Mark Sleigh said the program was timely.
"We all know that times are tough in the tourism and hospitality industries at the moment and proactive businesses are looking for ways to attract new customers and stand out from the crowd," Mr Sleigh said.
"Evidence shows that one in three people with a disability report that their customer needs are often unmet and 36 per cent of people with a disability are often treated less favourably than customers without a disability.
"This presents a great opportunity for businesses to tap into market segment and increase their profile through inclusion."
Mr Sleigh and llawarra Business Chamber executive director Adam Zarth said the Illawarra had a unique opportunity to become known as an 'Inclusive Destination'.
"The opportunity for increased awareness about employing a person with a disability and improving customer experiences for people with a disability can help companies to broaden their customer base," Mr Zarth said.
"The ability for organisations to obtain the Inclusive Tick of Approval shows that a business leads by example and in these uncertain times having a competitive edge can assist businesses. The partnership with Flagstaff is a great initiative not only for individual businesses but for the Illawarra region."
Maree Kerr was involved in developing the program and said one of the strengths of the content design and supporting information was that it has been created with the help of people who have a lived experience with a disability.
Everything from the program logo design, to podcasts and video's to the delivery of the program has had in-put from Flagstaff employees.
Training modules can be undertaken on-line, in person or via zoom.
Registrations can be made at the Disability Inclusion Discovery website or by contacting Flagstaff.
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Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
