Australian Employers Network on Disability

Monday 3rd December 2007 was International Day of People with Disability.

IDPwD is observed annually across the world on 3rd December, and aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilise support for the dignity, rights and wellbeing of people with disability.  IDPwD also seeks to increase awareness of the benefits to be gained from the full inclusion of people with disability in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.

The theme for IDPwD 2007 was “Decent employment for people with disability”.  In societies around the world people with disability are more likely to be unemployed than others.  One of the most significant factors contributing to this trend is the negative attitudes many people have about disability, and the myths that abound that people with disability do not make good employees.

Our IDPwD Cocktail Party held on Friday 30th November aimed to dispell many of these myths.  Our guests enjoyed an inspiring, positive and exciting evening, and we would like to thank Westpac for their generous hospitality.

It was wonderful to see so many people passionate about increasing employment opportunities for people with disability.  It is only through collective employer action that we can make a real difference. 

Human Rights Commissioner Graeme Innes AM delivered a thought-provoking presentation, which provided a great deal of food for thought.  His "Santa's list of naughty and nice organisations" was especially entertaining, while still delivering a very powerful message.

A webcast of Graeme's presentation will be available on our website shortly.

Thanks also to Diversity Council Australia for their support of this event.