Employ-my-ability is a multi-award winning transition-to-work training program for school leavers with significant intellectual disability. It has been in place in Sydney Local Health District (SLHD) since 2008 when Royal Prince Alfred (RPA) Hospital partnered with a local disability training and employment agency, Jobsupport.
It was the first workplace in Australia to implement an immersion program for people with significant intellectual disability. In total, there have been 44 people graduate from the program, with 89% of trainees getting a job.
There are now 15 departments currently participating in the program in SLHD, including child care, administration, supply services, food services, medical records, environmental services, and waste management.
SLHD has found that not only is the program successful in supporting people with disability to do meaningful and necessary work, there has also been significant benefits for the teams who are involved in the program.
Staff say that cohesion and communication have improved within teams that have taken part in the program. So much so, they have asked for more trainees.
For more information on establishing a program, contact Job Access on 1800 464 800 or visit www.jobaccess.gov.au
Are you part of a diversity network or other diversity group and would like to link up with other similar groups? Please contact us at MOH-DiversityInclusionBelonging@health.nsw.gov.au
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