Recruiter breaks barriers
PEOPLE with disabilities make reliable employees because of their passion and motivation, says employment service provider ON-Q Human Resources.
The non-profit organisation specialises in finding work for jobseekers with disabilities and has nine branches across the Gold Coast and northern NSW.
ON-Q marketing manager Sharon Ruddleston spoke out after a report released last week found Australia was failing to meet the basic rights of people with disabilities in education, employment, participation in society and access to health services.
The Disability Rights Now report is expected to be launched today by Disabilities Discrimination Commissioner Graeme Innes.
It is expected to make more than 130 recommendations to the UN Disabilities Committee, seeking t o eliminate inequality for people with disabilities.
Ms Ruddleston said ON-Q recognised there was inequality in the employment sector for people with disabilities and was working to change this.
The organisation had been completely restructured. ‘‘We created a field sales team to go and speak to employers and see exactly what their employment needs were. We also undertook an extensive telemarketing campaign,’’ she said.
‘‘We found that there are job vacancies, it’s a matter of being able to marry up the right skill set and offer the right support to employers and employees.
‘‘It’s also about breaking down barriers and bridging the gap between what employers and society think those with a disability are capable of.’’
Ms Ruddleston said jobseekers on ON-Q’s books were talented, motivated and because many were long-term unemployed, they were passionate and committed to getting and keeping work.
‘‘Equality for people with a disability s t a r t s by changing s oci e t y ’ s and employers’ perceptions of what these people can offer,’’ she said.