WORKING WITH DISABILITY

Definition of disability

According to The Disability Services Act (1993), ‘disability’ generally means a disability:

·         Which is attributable to an intellectual or physical impairment or a combination of those impairments

·         Which is permanent or likely to be permanent

·         Which need for continuing support services

   

What can an organization put into place to aid people with disability

According to the Equal Opportunity Act 2010, employers have a responsibility of making reasonable adjustments for a person with disabilities.

Some adjustments that an employer can make to the workplace include:

·         Arranging flexibility in work hours

·         Purchasing screen reading software for employees with a vision impairment

·         Buying desks with adjustable heights for people using a wheelchair

List of disability and ways to help them

• Vision loss and blindness

Ways to help

1. Identify yourself when speaks with them
2. Identify and introduce others who are present
3. Tell the person about any dangerous objects around them

• Speech and language disorders

Ways to help

1. Treat the person with respect. Do not be afraid to ask him or her questions
2. Be patient; do not interrupt his or her speech
3. Use facial responses or body language to achieve effective communication
4. Speak clearly and distinctly; treat them as normal people; do not speak too slowly to make the person feel that you are treating them as a ‘special group’

• Physical disability

Ways to help

1. Provide ramps, seating accommodations, and access to all facilities
2. Sit or kneel, to visit at a level that is comfortable for both
3. Respect them, do not assist the person without his or her permission

• Learning disability

Ways to help

1. Encourage the person to be involved, and give positive feedback on his or her efforts
2. Focus on his or her abilities; encourage them to finish tasks individually but help them if it is necessary

 List of act, legislations and laws relating to disability

• Disability Discrimination Act 1992

This act aims to eliminate discrimination against people with disabilities. Also, the purpose of the act is to promote community acceptance of principle that people with disabilities have the same rights with all members of the community. For instance, it would be disability discrimination if a restaurant refused a person entry because they are blind and have a guide dog.

• There are also some legislation issued by some of states or territories to deal with disability discrimination

AntiDiscrimination Board NSW

AntiDiscrimination Commission Queensland

Northern Territory AntiDiscrimination Commission

South Australia Equal Opportunity Commission

Tasmania Anti-Discrimination Commmissioner

Victorian Equal Opportunity Commission disabilty discrimination guide

Western Australia Equal Opportunity Commission disability information