People with disability offer a unique skill set, insight and value to various workplaces. Unfortunately, there are a range of barriers affecting the disability community when it comes to finding employment that is accessible and complements our lifestyle. Until we reach a society that recognises and caters towards the needs of people with disability, we need to bring awareness to existing challenges and offer solutions.

In 2023, the employment rate for Australians with a disability aged 15-64 was 48% (according to research conducted by the Australian Government), compared to 80% for those without disability. With underemployment rates (10% vs 6.9%) and employees working part time (41% vs 32% telling a similar story, existing societal barriers are undoubtedly a huge reason for the high number of unemployed and underemployed people.

The Loop want to create a society where people with disability have access to secure work and finances, so we are sharing resources on how to find work when you have a physical/neuromuscular disability.

Where to Start: Know Your Disability Rights

Everyone deserves the right to employment, including people with disabilities. Knowing exactly what your rights are can be a little bit overwhelming, which is why the Australian Human Rights Commission website is a great place to start.

They have a range for resources for job-seekers and employees as well as employers. If you’re looking for employment, their IncludeAbility program also aims to close the disability unemployment gap. Learn about all aspects for applying for a job to the interview and even self-employment options and supports.

Be supported throughout your employment journey too. If you feel that you have been wrongly discriminated against due to your disability, there are also resources to help you make a complaint.

Seeking a Job

Looking for jobs can be difficult with knowing where to look and finding something that fits your needs and skills. The Field is a disability recruitment agency with various resources for where to start when looking for employment. Built for both job seekers and employers, The Field adds inclusive jobs to their website daily, with various filters you can apply relating to the workplace environment, building entry types, employee areas, and more.

They also have a blog offering tips and tricks for employment - from assistant animals in the workspace, to the impact of AI on employment, to case studies. For helpful insights on navigating the workplace as an employee with disability, The Field is a great resource.

Constructing Your Resume

Now that you’ve found some potential jobs, you’ll want to start building your written or video resume. Video resumes are on the rise with so much competition in the job market these days, many employers want to find ways for candidates to show how they stand out from the crowd. However, while video media is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your skills, especially for creative jobs, they can also be less accessible than written alternatives.

Of course, not every job requires a recorded resume, but if you would like to make one but don’t know where to start or have challenges due to physical limitations of health considerations, here are some tips.

• Text-to-speech software: Use text-to-speech programs such as Proloquo4Text or Speechify to create voiceovers.

• Pre-recorde slides/visual aids: Create a video using presentation slides, images, or infographics with captions, while narrating or using a text-to-speech tool.

• Use voice amplification devices: This can enhance speech clarity if speaking is possible but limited.

• Use assistive technology: Utilise adaptive devices such as eye-tracking software to control the computer and create videos without having to use hand movement.

• Add subtitles: Add subtitles or closed captions to the video if speech is not clear or unavailable. Headliner as a good free tool for this.

• Support from carers or support workers: Have a caregiver or assistant narrate or guide the video while you oversee the content creation.

• Recorded audio only: If acceptable, opt for an audio resume with accompanying visuals like photos or text slides.

When it comes to editing your video, Canva and CapCut are free and easy to navigate editing tools.

Recording video is not only a requirement in some hiring processes, but is another great way to market yourself on your LinkedIn or other social media profile, which gives you another edge!

Canva Resumes

Canva is one of the easiest ways to craft written resumes, with thousands of free templates to choose from. However, keep in mind that it’s important to not just use the template as is, and try to add other designs in Elements to make it stand out. Employers are less likely to accept a resume that looks like the one that hundreds of other applicants sent in.

If you are not visually creative, you can still make it visually reflect you! Use your favourite colours, a minimalistic and organised design, list your values as well as experience and skills, and add interactive elements such as hyperlinks to your social media, or relevant projects.

Job Access Resource

For continual support while working, Job Access is a free resource hub run under the Australian Government. They offer the services: telephone advice line (1800 464 800), the Employment Assistance Fund (EAF) for workplace modifications and support, an employer engagement service, and the other resources Complaints Resolution and Referral Service and National Disability Abuse and Neglect Hotline.

Similar to The Field, they post information on accessible workplaces and success stories, as well as hosting webinars with advice and information.

To submit any questions to Job Access, you can complete their Online Enquiry Form.

Future of Disability Employment

Finding a job as someone with a neuromuscular condition is just one step in a larger mission to reduce the unemployment rate for people with a disability. The Australian Disability Employment Strategy (which is referred to as Employ My Ability) has a vision of "inclusive workplace cultures where people with disabilities thrive in their careers.”

Advocacy plays a big part in the implementation of this strategy. , The Loop’s Muscular Dystrophy Foundation Australia is looking forward to working with the government, employers, the disability advocacy sector and our community to ensure the Strategy is implemented well.

Needing More Support?

If you’d like support with finding employment and other lifestyle tips, join our dynamic community of Australians with neuromuscular conditions today!