An innovative project connecting more people with disability in Western Australia to employment pathways and prospective employers via a digital platform will become a reality thanks to Lotterywest funding.
Disability Services Minister Don Punch today presented a Lotterywest grant of $399,150 to National Disability Services (NDS) WA to fund an initial process of stakeholder engagement, and the establishment of the online portal, as well as the first year of its operational costs.
The new project will help people with disability overcome the challenges of gaining employment, and connect job seekers with potential employers.
The digital platform will provide a hub for resources, dashboard reporting and insights on workforce participation for people with disability.
People with disability can create a personal profile in the digital platform showcasing their skills, knowledge, abilities, attitudes, personality traits and education. This information will be used to find a 'best fit' employer.
Employers enrolled into the same digital platform can view best-fit candidates and make informed decisions about their employment potential and how they may fit with their business.
Through the digital platform, people with disability will be able to send connection requests to their preferred employers. Employers can accept the connection to progress an interview.
The digital platform will be tailored to the diverse needs of the disability sector through a co-design process with relevant organisations and people with disability.
As stated by Disability Services Minister Don Punch:
"Through this innovative and collaborative project, NDS WA is galvanising employers and connecting more people with disability in WA to better and more meaningful employment outcomes.
"The aim is to have more people with disability who are 'job ready' as well as more employers who are aware of people with disability's readiness and capacity to work, and informed about available support networks and assistance.
"People with disability bring a range of skills, talents and abilities to the workplace and there is very clear evidence that once in the right job, people with disability are reliable and productive employees.
"This new digital platform will serve as an important bridge between job seekers and employers, providing broad benefits to people with disability, our society and the WA economy."
