Recent reports have offered promising news about the employment of individuals with disabilities in Australia. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) has released new data showing notable progress in several key employment metrics for people with disabilities. While these findings reflect positive change, there are still areas where challenges stay, underscoring the need for continued efforts to bridge the gap.

One of the standout points from the latest data is the rise in the labour force participation rate for people with disabilities, now at 60.5%, along with a decrease in the unemployment rate to just above 7%. These improvements show a growing inclusion of people with disabilities in the workforce. However, despite these gains, some employment outcomes are still behind, signalling that further work is needed.

• Full Award Wage Employment:
  A key highlight in the data involves NDIS participants aged 15-64. As of the first quarter of the 2024-25 year, 23% of NDIS participants were in open employment and earning full award wages, an increase from 20% in 2021-22 and 17% in 2018-19. However, this statistic varies according to the type of disability. For example, 64% of participants with a hearing impairment in the labour force had full award wage employment, compared to just 12% of those with acquired brain injuries and around 6% of those with Down syndrome.

• Growth in Public Sector Employment:
  Another encouraging development is the increase in public sector employees identifying as having a disability. By June 2024, 5.4% of public service workers had disclosed a disability, up from 5% in 2021. This is a positive trend in promoting diversity and inclusion within the public sector, though it still falls short of achieving best representation and equity in the workplace.

• Employment Among Young NDIS Participants:
  Employment rates for younger NDIS participants have also improved. As of the latest figures, 20% of individuals aged 15-24 were employed, up from 18% the previous year. Again, the rates vary by disability type, with those with hearing impairments more likely to secure employment compared to those with intellectual or psychosocial disabilities. This discrepancy highlights the ongoing struggles faced by some young people with disabilities when trying to enter the workforce.

While there have been positive strides in several areas, there are still significant challenges that need to be addressed. One major concern is the support available to NDIS participants in the workplace. The percentage of participants reporting that they receive the support they need to perform their job has decreased from 66% in 2021-22 to 63% in 2024-25. This decline highlights the need for more targeted support and workplace accommodations to help people with disabilities succeed in their roles.

• Slow Progress in Youth Employment:
  Employment for young people with disabilities has seen only a modest improvement. In 2022, 80% of young people with disabilities in the labour force were employed, a slight increase from 76% in 2018. While this is a positive trend, the pace of improvement remains slow, and efforts to help young people with disabilities secure and maintain employment should remain a priority.

• Reducing the Unemployment Gap:
  The unemployment gap between people with and without disabilities has slightly narrowed. In 2022, the gap stood at 3.9%, down from 4.7% in 2018. Although this represents progress, a larger reduction is necessary to ensure equal job opportunities for people with disabilities across all sectors of society.

• Income Disparities:
  The income gap between people with disabilities and those without has seen only a modest change. The difference in weekly earnings has moved from $443 in 2018 to $480 in 2022. While this represents a positive shift, the wage gap remains a pressing issue, and more work is needed to ensure equal pay for equal work for individuals with disabilities.

The latest data from AIHW presents an optimistic outlook on employment for people with disabilities, but it also serves as a reminder that significant work remains to be done. Positive trends in labour force participation and public sector employment are encouraging, but specific challenges for individuals with various disabilities must be addressed to create a truly inclusive workforce.

Looking ahead, priorities should include strengthening support systems for employees with disabilities, improving access to workplace accommodations, and tackling persistent issues such as income inequality and the unemployment gap. Special attention must also be paid to enhancing employment prospects for younger individuals, particularly those with intellectual or psychosocial disabilities.

The path toward a fully inclusive workforce is ongoing, but with continued effort and the right strategies, it is possible to create a fairer and more accessible employment environment for everyone. By focusing on these key areas, Australia can continue to make progress toward equal opportunities for people with disabilities in the workforce.

At Help at Hand Support Services, we empower our participants to pursue their goals and needs while actively supporting their engagement in the community – whether by creating opportunities for them to achieve their aspirations or assisting with community access. We can provide a range of supports for your needs.

• Link Magazine – Employment indicators on the up for people with disability